Lesson Learnt
From the summary of the book “The Color of Justice: Race, Ethnicity, and Crime in America,” I learned about patterns of criminal behaviour and victimization. Also, I evaluated and learned about the experiences of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans in the criminal justice system. I discovered that there is an overrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in the American criminal justice system. I have learned about discrimination-disparity, victims and offenders, race, justice on the street, and the relationship between the police and minorities. Besides, I learned about inequalities in the criminal justice system and also understood race and sentencing. The other vital issues that I have learned from the book touch on race and the death penalty, corrections, and justice colour. Finally, I was able to uncover the truth about the criminal justice system and the experiences of the minority groups. Should the police practice discretion when enforcing the law? —
In Waller’s book, which included writing debates, I acquired knowledge on the issues of police use of trickery and deceit in conducting their investigations and interrogations. The point about the victims’ rights amendment and whether it should be added to the U.S. Constitution was interesting, and I learned more about victims’ rights. The debate about jailhouse informants was informative, and from pro jailhouse informants and those who oppose it, I was able to understand the issue. The other critical issues that I was able to grasp were plea bargaining, jury nullification, the restorative justice model, and shaming as an element of criminal punishment. Also, I learned about mandatory minimum sentences, selective incapacitation, and examined the death penalty issue by looking at the merits and demerits of capital punishment. Finally, I was able to internalize juvenile justice issues, the patriot act, and the war on drugs.
From the class drama and Dr Owen’s class, I have gained much insight into how police and community relations are. I learnt from the class drama that stereotyping among the police and community is a common occurrence. Many people discriminate on others by profiling them without enough reason. This, in turn, could influence the law wrongly in making their convictions and cementing a particular perspective towards a specific group. The results could be harmful and lead to the task of maintaining order by the police. In the same vein, the police approach to suspects is another area that the law need to check on. Foul language and lack of respect could escalate situations that fo necessarily require force. The police ought to exercise due diligence an ensure that they do not do anything out of coercion or biased judgement.
From the class, I have also learnt the importance of police policy in their jurisdiction. The police work has a lot of areas that if not carefully deliberated upon could make their work hard. There are a set of skills required to deal with suspects and the community. This ensures that regardless of any challenges they may face, they are well prepared to tackle them. Learning active listening and employing skills such as emotional intelligence goes a long way in ensuring the police continue with their work unabated. I have learnt that specific skills come in very handy for some policemen at times, enabling them to function correctly. Police in traffic and neighbourhoods who are typically accustomed to challenging moments require in-depth training to minimize mistakes.
From the class, I have learned that for police to conduct their jobs; they require a good working relationship with the community. The community are the ones who inform most of the officer of the ongoings and therefore, should be respected. Without them, police work would be challenging as they would experience a negative public trust from the community. The police should therefore strive to be an unbiased in all circumstances yo win the trust of the city. Otherwise, if the members of the community view them as an unjust and lousy group, they may be tempted to seek revenge through other illegal channels.