Essay on Justice Systems

Submitted By McBride05
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Exam 2

Exam 2
Sean McBride

Onondaga Community College
CRJ-101-950w
Justice System
Professor Owens

Exam 2

1.Federalism can be described as a system of government that is divided between a central governing authority (federal) and smaller political units (states). Federalism in law enforcement is very important because it allows federal agencies to focus on the bigger picture, protecting our nation. While smaller State and Local agencies are able to handle the day to day policing and protection of their communities. Federal agencies main objective is to protect our nation as a whole, preventing terrorist attacks, protecting our borders, and our nations population from other groups and individuals. For example the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the most recognized federal agencies in the U.S. "The Mission of the FBI is to protect and decent the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international agencies and partners" (www.fbi.gov/about-us/quick-facts). The FBI has primary investigative jurisdiction for all federal criminal laws. Except for cases that have been given responsibility to specific agencies. Customs and Border Patrol is the largest law enforcement agency in the United States and has similar priorities in that as a part of Homeland Security they protect our nation from terrorist attacks and prevent dangerous and illegal people and items from entering our country. The mission if the CBP is as follows "We are the guardians of our Nations borders. We are America's frontline. We safeguard the American Homeland at and beyond our borders. We protect the American public against terrorist and the instruments of terror. We steadfastly enforce the laws of the United States while fostering our Nation's economic security through lawful international trade and travel. We serve the American public with vigilance, integrity and professionalism." (www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/about/mission/guardians.xml). The CBP has the authority to search any inbound and outbound shipment of items or persons. And is required to seize and forfeit any illegal substances or contraband found. As well as detain any illegal persons from entering the country.

2. The threw styles of policing are the Watchman Style, the Legalistic Style, and the Service Style. The Watchman style of policing is mainly concerned with "order maintenance". This is achieved through control of illegal and disruptive behavior of the citizens in the community. In comparison to the Legalistic Style,
Exam 2

Watchmen use their discretion when making traffic stops or in taking other action. "Watchman style is characteristic of lower-class communities where police intervene informally into the lives of residents to keep the peace." (pg. 190, Schmalleger). The Legalistic Style of policing focuses on enforcing the very strict letter of the law. They try to take a hands off approach to social disputes and violations of social norms that do not break any laws. The Service Style of policing, "strive to meet the needs of the community and serve its members, the police see themselves more as helpers than soldiers in a war on crime." (pg. 190, Schmalleger). This style of policing is likely to work closely with community groups and resources to prevent crimes and to resolve problems. Growing up in the city of Syracuse my whole life I would have to say that I see the Watchman style of policing in my community. Police use their discretion everyday, letting minor irrelevant things go like driving 4-5 miles above the speed limit. They spend there time worrying about and deterring bigger issues like robberies and shootings. The police drive around the community in their marked cars is a deterrent in itself, seeing a cop driving down the street will