Key Concepts in Criminal Justice and Policing

Psychological qualities for effective police applicants (Mills).

emotional stability, motivation for career, honesty, leadership, outgoing/active nature

Critical functions performed by investigators.

analyze evidence, interrogate/locate suspects, write reports, interview witnesses, arrest criminals

Prosecution conditions

crime, identify, evidence

Old Mission of the FBI

Focus on national security and crime prevention.

Robert Peel

Founder of modern policing principles.

Main function of police

Prevent crime through community engagement.

ACJ origin

American Criminal Justice originated from England.

Public law enforcement agencies

Includes local, federal, and sheriff departments.

Secret Service creation

Originally established to combat counterfeiting.

First federal agents

U.S. Marshals were the initial federal agents.

American policing system

Focused on community safety and order.

Sheriffs' power

Elected officials responsible for local law enforcement.

Criminal justice system experience

Most people encounter it through law enforcement.

Time-consuming law enforcement task

Investigating and gathering evidence for cases.

DNA database in the US

Central repository for DNA evidence collection.

Field interrogation

Questioning individuals in a public setting.

Highway deaths cause

Traffic accidents lead to significant fatalities.

DNA evidence locations

Found on items like clothing and surfaces.

Types of patrol

directed, preventive, aggressive, foot

Job stressors of police

High-pressure situations and public scrutiny.

Discretion

Judgment used by officers in decision-making.

Police officer requirements

Includes physical, psychological, and medical evaluations.

Selective enforcement

Following chief's orders to limit discretion.

Limiting police discretion

Movement to reduce officer decision-making power.

Community policing purpose

Enhance relationships between police and communities.

Crime elements (triangle)

Victim, offender, and location

Drug jurisdiction agencies

Federal agencies oversee drug trafficking enforcement.

College-educated officers benefits

Improved problem-solving and communication skills.

Deadly force court case

Determines shooting policies during pursuits.

Resisting arrest limits

Officers must use reasonable force only.

Racial profiling occurrence

Common in pretextual traffic stops.

Federal district judges selection

Appointed by the President and confirmed.

hung jury

Occurs when a jury cannot reach a verdict.

Public defender

Defends clients who cannot afford an attorney.

Standard of proof

80% certainty required for a guilty verdict.

Preliminary hearing

Initial assessment if theres enough evidence for trial.

Trial process parts

Includes testimony from prosecution and defense.

discovery rules

prosecutors sharing evidence with defense before trial.

Plea bargaining percentage

85% of cases resolved through negotiations.

Arraignment

defendant is charged and enters a plea

Initial appearance purpose

First court appearance after arrest.

Supreme Court ruling on warrants

Arrestees must be charged within 48 hours.

Defense attorney role

Represents the accused/facing criminal charges

three I’s of police selection

integrity, intelligence, interaction skills

oral interview

last step in police process before academy

issues in policing

discretion, job stress, use of force, police corruption

full enforcement vs selective enforcementr

full: making arrests for every violation

selective: using judgement to decide which laws are enforced

circuit courts

branch for civil processes