CJ Today CH4 Key Terms

affirmative action

Policies that support members of disadvantaged groups through education or employment opportunities to address past discrimination.

coroner

An official who investigates deaths not clearly resulting from natural causes, often determining cause and manner of death.

discrimination

Unfair or unequal treatment of individuals based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, or age.

double marginality

The social burden that minority police officers face, being viewed with suspicion both by minority communities and fellow officers.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

A federal agency responsible for enforcing laws on controlled substances and combating drug trafficking.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

A federal agency under the Department of Justice that investigates and enforces federal laws, especially related to national security and organized crime.

field training

Practical, on-the-job instruction for new police officers conducted under the supervision of a field training officer (FTO).

infrastructure

The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of services like law enforcement, including facilities and technology.

intelligence-led policing

A policing strategy that relies on data analysis and intelligence sharing to target serious offenders and crime hotspots.

night watch system

An early form of policing in colonial America where volunteers patrolled at night to watch for fires and suspicious activity.

patronage system

A hiring system based on personal connections and political favoritism rather than merit or qualifications.

private security

Non-governmental security services provided by private companies or individuals to protect property, people, or assets.

probationary period

The initial phase of employment where a new hire is evaluated to determine if they are suitable for permanent position.

professional model

A policing approach emphasizing centralized organization, formal training, and a clear code of conduct.

recruitment

The process of attracting, screening, and selecting qualified individuals for employment in law enforcement.

secondary policing

Non-traditional law enforcement provided by off-duty police officers or private security hired for specific events or locations.

sheriff

An elected or appointed official in charge of law enforcement in a county, often overseeing deputies, jails, and court security.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

A federal agency responsible for securing the nation’s borders and facilitating lawful international trade and travel.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

A federal agency focused on immigration enforcement, investigations, and deportation operations.

U.S. Secret Service

A federal agency that protects national leaders and investigates crimes like counterfeiting and financial fraud.

visa

A government-issued document allowing a person to enter, stay in, or leave a country for a specified purpose and time.