CJ101 Midterm

What are the primary roles of each component of the criminal justice system?

The main role of law enforcement is to prevent crime and enforce laws by apprehending offenders and delivering them to the courts. The primary role of the courts is to ensure justice while protecting the rights of the accused. The main role of corrections is to rehabilitate offenders while ensuring safe and humane conditions within jails or prisons.

What is the difference between the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and the Uniform Crime Reports (UCRs)?

The main difference between NIBRS and the UCRs is the extent of crime data collected. NIBRS collects data on 24 broad categories of crime, covering 52 offenses. In contrast, the UCRs only collected data on 8 “index” offenses (i.e., murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson) and 11 other less serious offense. The NIBRS data provides a more accurate picture of crime in America.

In the late 1800s, policing started to become more professional, which was necessary to overcome problems within the industry (e.g., corruption, political control, and lack of standards). How have the policing standards in the late 1800s evolved to present day?

In the late 1800s, minimum standards included being of high moral character and the ability to run fast. The first police academy started in Cincinnati and New York. In the early 1900s, August Vollmer further enhanced professional policing and was the first to advocate for and hire college educated cops. Today, police academies exist in all 50 states, criminal justice programs are offered at colleges and universities, and most agencies require some level of college education. 

What is the primary jurisdiction of local, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers?

Federal agencies have primary jurisdiction over federal laws (e.g., Title 18 of the United States Code). State agencies have statewide jurisdiction over state laws and most states have highway patrol officers who primarily enforce traffic laws on state highways and roads (e.g., the Wisconsin State Patrol). County agencies (e.g., sheriff’s departments) have primary jurisdiction over county laws or ordinances, but can also enforce state laws. Lastly, local law enforcement officers (e.g., city, town, or village officers) enforce city ordinances and state laws. 

What factors are used to help determine if police use-of-force is reasonable?

The landmark case of Graham v. Connor (1989) identified three criteria to help determine if force used is objectively reasonable: (1) the severity of the crime at issue, (2) whether the suspect posed an immediate threat to the safety of officers or others, and (3) whether the suspect was actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight.