faithandlearning

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Herod and John the Baptist and the role of a Police officer in this incident

By Tamara Bennett

According to Elizabeth Fletcher, “In Israel, the political stability was often upset by people called ‘prophets’. The prophets were sent by God and they were social critics who spoke bluntly about injustice when they saw it. They were a sort of protected messengers. They could say something critical to the ruler and get away with it, where other individuals could not try it.

John was highly critical of the ruler of Galilee, Herod Antipas, who had married the divorced wife of his brother. The woman’s name was Herodias, and she had a daughter, Salome.

John spoke out loud and clear against the incest that, according to Jewish law, was being committed by Antipas and Herodias.

It was a dangerous thing to do. He might have got away with it with Antipas, who was indolent and indecisive, but Herodias was another matter. She was menacing, calculating, determined and cruel. She engineered a situation that led to John’s death, silencing him forever. She committed pre-meditated murder and her husband and daughter were her accomplices. All three (Antipas, Herodias and Salome) planned the charade beforehand, to provide an excuse for getting rid of John and silencing him.

In any case John, already in prison, was quickly beheaded. Another political problem was solved” (Fletcher, E., (2006).

In the story of Herod and John the Baptist, I would have investigated the case of the beheading, apprehend all three persons as they planned and executed the crime, then I would detain them for the charge of pre- meditated murder.

Reference

Fletcher, E., (2006). 10 Bible Murders. Elizabeth Fletcher. Retrieved from http://womeninthebible.net/bible-extras/10-murders/ on the 25 October 2021.

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Issues relating to the selection and evaluation of Police Officers

By Tamara Bennett

“In Jamaica, law enforcement is tasked in carrying out complex duties related to maintaining public order, protecting and upholding fundamental human rights and freedoms, preventing and combating crime, and providing assistance and services to citizens. The law enforcement effectiveness in the administration of public order duties largely depend to an extent upon the level of selection and evaluation of their professional knowledge, skills and attitudes.

    In law enforcement, the poor selection and evaluation procedures result in hiring or promoting officers who are not able or will not communicate effectively with diverse populations, exercise discretion properly, or perform the multitude of functions required of the law enforcement.

    Generation gaps creates differences between the old and new officers of law enforcement. This can be seen when there is a new generation of police officers with exposure to more advanced skills and education in comparison to the traditionalist or senior officers. In that the old officers assumes that the new generation of law enforcement should pay their dues and go through the same process to achieve the same level of success. They assume that younger generations will evaluate success using the same criteria, but the new generation of officers are different and have different perceptions of attaining success in law enforcement.

    The issue of discrimination exists in the form of unequal treatment based on gender and to a certain extent on the complexion of an individual” (Meade, B., (2016) .

Reference  

Meade, B., (2016). Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Law Enforcement Officers. National Police Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.policefoundation.org/recruiting-selecting-and-retaining-law-enforcement-officers/ on the 23 October 2021.

United Nations, (July 2011). Handbook on police accountability, oversight and integrity. United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/pdf/criminal_justice/Handbook_on_police_Accountability_Oversight_and_Integrity.pdf on the 23 October 2021.

[faithandlearning]

Gun Violence and the Law Enforcement

By Tamara Bennett

    It is stated, “The involvement of law enforcement in gun violence against civilians has created an explosive impact on the society. Gun violence due to law enforcement shootings have a detrimental effect on the societies and has reduced the public confidence, respect and trust in the law enforcement and it has led the communities to see them as part of the problem instead of the solution in the fight against crime.

    It can be seen that Hispanics and black people are the main victims of gun violence by law enforcement at an alarming rate. The black people are three times more likely to be assaulted, shot, and killed by law enforcement than a white individual. The society needs to curb gun violence by confronting the long history of racism and structural inequality. Local and international stakeholders have to reform the role of law enforcement and community in promoting public safety and a positive community relationship.

    It is important that law enforcement jurisdiction implement policies and measures that reduce law enforcement tendencies to commit gun violence against civilians. It should stipulate when they are permitted to use force against civilians, ensuring police are held accountable when excessive force is used, and giving priority to de-escalation, zero- tolerance to racism, dignity, constitutional rights, and respect of civilians.

The Criminal Justice system can implement certain strategies to combat Gun violence of law enforcement and some of these include:

a.       A strong legal standard barring unnecessary police use of force

b.      De-escalation, reducing officer bias, and a priority for positive law enforcement-community relationship through procedural justice

c.       Tools for officers at risk of misconduct

d.      A thorough and independent system for reviewing use of force incidents, and ensuring abusive officers can be disciplined and prosecuted

e.       Transparency about police, procedures and the use of force” Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, (2021).

 Reference

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, (2021). Gun Violence by Police. Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. Retrieved from https://everytownresearch.org/issue/gun-violence-by-police/ on the 21 October 2021.

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Use of Force

By Tamara Bennett

The use of force in law enforcement is an important aspect of policing the society. Law enforcement are authorized to use force to control and deal with certain situations and this authority defines the law enforcement role in conducting their duties. It can be seen in society in various situations, where the lives of officers or civilians can be taken by not using force when necessary or using it improperly. For example, in the case of George Floyd where the force was used improperly resulting in his death. The use of force by law enforcement officers becomes necessary and is permitted under specific circumstances, such as in self-defence or in defence of another individual or group.

    It is stated that, “Law enforcement officers should use only the amount of force necessary to mitigate an incident, make an arrest, or protect themselves or others from harm. The levels, or continuum, of force law enforcement use include basic verbal and physical restraint, lethal force, and less-lethal force. The level of force a law enforcement officer uses varies based on the situation. Therefore, the implementation of guidelines for the use of force should be based on many factors, including law enforcement level of training or experience. It is the law enforcement’s goal and mandate to regain control as soon as possible while protecting the community. The use of force must be an officer’s last option and a necessary course of action to restore safety in a community when other practices are ineffective” (National Institute of Justice, (2020).

According to Heath B. Grant and Karen J. Terry, “In 1.6 percent of persons that interacted with the law enforcement, were threatened or experienced force by the police. Males, blacks and Hispanics, and persons aged sixteen to twenty-nine were more likely to experience force than females, whites, or older persons”.

“In law enforcement, the use of force is an aspect in the administration of their duties. The Law enforcement does not know if or when the use of force must be applied until the situation presents itself. In preparing the them through training in department policy, procedures, classroom instruction, practical training in the use of force reduces criminal and civil liability on the officer and department in use of force cases. Maximizing performance and utilizing legal mandates can prepare law enforcement to use force appropriately. Control documentation allows a department to determine if an officer is engaging in misconduct early so that the behavior can be corrected through re-training, counseling, or disciplinary action. By following these principles law enforcement agencies can protect themselves and their officers from the many problems that can arise from the use of force” (Wittie, M.C., (2011) .

Reference

National Institute of Justice, "Overview of Police Use of Force," March 5, 2020, nij.ojp.gov: Retrieved 21 October 2021 from https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/overview-police-use-force

Grant, H. B., and terry, K.J., (2012). Law Enforcement in the 21st Century. Third Edition. Pearson Education, Inc. Accessed on the 22 October 2021.

Wittie, M.C., (2011). Police Use of Force. 2n2_03Wittie.pdf. Retrieved from

https://www.wtamu.edu/webres/File/Academics/College%20of%20Education%20and%20Social%20Sciences/Department%20of%20Political%20Science%20and%20Criminal%20Justice/PBJ/2011/2n2_03Wittie.pdf

[faithandlearning]

Accountability for Law Enforcement

By Tamara Bennett

    “It is important that Law enforcement must be accountable public servants in society. Their actions must reflect collaboration, transparency, and fairness in the communities in the execution of their duties. This arm of the criminal justice system is in the spotlight too many times for the violation of their role in the society and the blatant abuse of their power. This can be seen where they engage in acts of excessive use of force; use of firearms resulting in personal injury, injury to a civilian or even death; abusing asset forfeiture policies; and engaging in illegal practices when they stop and frisk individuals without reasonable suspicion. It is quite evident that more times than not, police officers are not held accountable for misconduct and violations against civilians. This breach of civilian rights and ethical codes of conduct for law enforcement has decimated the trust of societies and fostered suspicion, lack of trust and resentment. The relationship between law enforcement and the society needs to be restored. Therefore, the government in collaboration with the societies must implement structures that are focused on promoting responsible, accountable law enforcement and implement measures to ensure that police are found accountable for their actions of violations and misconduct in deviating from that standard that govern their policing.

    The relevant governmental agencies can start by creating an accountable police force in implementing policies that make them directly responsible to the people they serve. There are police oversight strategies implemented that can increase the collaboration between police and the society. Civilian review boards are tasked both on a policy level and for specific review of citizens’ complaints and disciplinary measures. This creates direct accountability that provides the opportunity for law enforcement to be reformed, to learn from and build a relationship with those they serve and protect.

    It is imperative to note that in the building societal trust and reforming and holding police accountable, there is a need for transparency. In the implementation of clear procedures and oversight agencies by which law enforcement provide information to and are transparent about their practices with the society creates the basis for mutual respect. This can include policies that require police officers to provide their name, and badge number to people with whom may they interact. The law enforcement must wear body cameras with adequate privacy protections for the public and strengthening the right of civilians to record police interactions. This holistic approach to law enforcement accountability may reduce incidents of misconduct, violations against civilians, and distrust in the law enforcement agency”.

Reference

The Opportunity Agenda, (2006). Transforming the System: Promoting Accountability. Retrieved from https://transformingthesystem.org/criminal-justice-policy-solutions/create-fair-and-effective-policing-practices/promoting-accountability/ on the 21 October 2021.

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Human Trafficking and Law Enforcement By Tamara Bennett

Human trafficking takes place on a global level. It can happen in any community, state or country. Human trafficking does not discriminate as the victims can be of any age, race, gender, or ethnicity. Traffickers often have complete control over their victims by intimidation and threats of violence. The victims of human trafficking are afraid to ask for help and may be hesitant to accept it in fear of a repercussion on them or their family.

It is the duty of law enforcement to help these victims as they are at the frontline of defense, to be an advocate for change and the implementation of measures to combat this crime against human dignity and freedom. So, what do you need to know about Human trafficking and Law enforcement?                                                                                                                                                          According to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, “Human Trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit. Men, women and children of all ages and from all backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world. The traffickers often use violence or fraudulent employment agencies and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick and coerce their victims” United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (n.d.).                                                                                                                        “In human trafficking investigations by law enforcement, important evidence such as information about the crime may be located in the country of origin or transit. Law enforcement may experience linkage blindness in their investigations. For instance, if the FBI investigators in the United States fail to share information or to work closely with law enforcement officials in Jamaica to exchange information, this may impede them to secure evidence and prosecute offenders.                                                                                           Law enforcement have the challenge of the victims of trafficking not reporting their experiences because of fear of reprisals from traffickers, lack of trust in the law enforcement and social pressures that work against victims reporting abuse. The victim may fear deportation, stigmatism and fear of law enforcement working with traffickers. Law enforcement has the issue that of many victims not being receptive to participating in an investigation if it means appearing in court as a witness against the offender. This can involve re-traumatization of the victim after subjected to recounting the acts of abuse” (David, F., (2007).

Reference

David, F., (2007). Law enforcement responses to trafficking in persons: challenges and emerging good practice. Trends & issues in crime and criminal justice no.347. Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology. Retrieved from https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi347 on the 9 October 2021.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (n.d.). Human Trafficking. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/human-trafficking.html on the 9 October 2021.

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Mental Health of Police Officers

By Tamara Bennett

Police officers are our frontline agents of defense and authority in maintaining social and public order in our society. The mental health of police officers is an important topic in policing that should not be overlooked. Policing can be a strenuous and dangerous career and unquestionably, police officers are human beings just like everyone else. They are at risk of experiencing difficulties with their mental health and this is increasingly evident when police officers are faced with stressors, major trauma or crisis in their line of duty.

Police officers have to contend on a daily basis with the stressors in the field of law enforcement such as inadequate salaries, resources, poor working conditions, corrupt management practices, public stigma and criticism, the high levels of violence and crime rates, fatigue from working long hours even on the weekends, the possibility in the risk of losing their lives or colleagues in the duty and having to manage their profession and their family life. These stressors can have a great impact on the mental health of police officers and present a challenge in them executing their duties efficiently.

It is stated by the National Alliance on Mental Health that, “the majority of police officers face alcohol abuse, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal thoughts. It also states that 1 in 4 police officer have considered committing suicide. Police officers are dying more from suicide than they do in the line of duty” (NAMI, (2021).

It is vital to the mental health of police officers that law enforcement agencies establish an open and unbiased communication platform that officers are able to voice their concerns and challenges that they experience in the execution of their duties. This line of communication will allow for detection of any major challenges, mental breakdowns and fosters an environment of trust and rehabilitation for all parties to be safe.  

Reference

NAMI, (2021). Law Enforcement. NAMI. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Crisis-Intervention/Law-Enforcement  on the 12 September 2021.

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Introductory Blog

By Tamara Bennett

I am Tamara Bennett and I am a student at Northern Caribbean University. I am a fourth-year student and pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Law. I am presently enrolled in the course “Functions of Law Enforcement”. In the partial fulfilment of this course, I am required to post blogs which identifies six issues in law enforcement; covers issues relating to the selection and evaluation of police officers in Jamaica; and find a story in the Bible that is law enforcement related and discuss the issues. Each blog will focus on an issue of law enforcement and provide evidence and supporting details for the issues.

What is Law Enforcement? Do you know? Just stop, take a minute and think about what comes to mind when you hear the words Law enforcement. Do you know that law enforcement has to encounter various issues in the administration of their duties? I will enlighten you on six of those issues. Just spend a minute or more and you will surely be enlightened with the required knowledge for an understanding on these concepts.

“Law Enforcement can be termed as one of the arms of the criminal justice system which is tasked in maintaining social and public order. This involves law enforcement acting in an organized manner to enforce the law by discovering, deterring, rehabilitating or punishing offenders who violates the rules and standards governing the society. Law enforcement performs a crucial role in the criminal justice system and must enforce, maintain and uphold the ethical standards in the administration of their duties” (Wikipedia Contributors, (2021). This should guarantee that all individuals regardless of any status will be treated with impartiality and due process of the law.

On the other hand, law enforcement experiences various issues in the administration of justice. Some of these issues include:

1.      Mental Health of Police officers

2.      Social Media

3.      Human trafficking

4.      Use of Force

5.      Gun Violence

6.      Gangs

Reference

Wikipedia Contributors, (April 22, 2021). Law Enforcements. Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_enforcement on the 12 September 2021.