While it may seem a majority of Americans rarely agree on anything, nearly all surveyed adults—a surprising 95%—believe that our criminal justice system and law enforcement need some degree of reform.
Criminal justice reform, encompassing law enforcement, the courts, and corrections, touches upon several hot-button issues in the United States. Approaching this type of restructuring presents a tricky balancing act for all involved, since it’s a divisive topic that, on one hand, can make our criminal justice system more just, and on the other, risks polarizing an already ideologically divided population.
Let’s look at some proposed or implemented changes and consider how these might impact our country and then discuss some barriers to criminal justice reform.
Criminal Justice Reform Issues and Potential Benefits to Society
Treatment Over Jailtime for Drug Addicts
Efforts are being made to reframe drug addiction as an illness deserving of treatment (therapy, counseling, etc.) rather than a crime warranting incarceration. Jail time is unlikely to significantly change a drug addict’s mindset or behavior, and some may use while incarcerated and simply continue their habit once released. Treating drug addiction as a disease will reduce drug-related illnesses and deaths, lower the $600 billion annual price tag our country currently pays for substance abuse-related expenses, and allow us to have a smaller taxpayer-funded prison system.
Rehabilitation During Incarceration
While prison is a necessity, especially for violent criminals, its purpose is being reconsidered as recidivism rates rise. By some reports, up to 77% of convicts leaving prison are rearrested within the first five years. Dangerous people must be kept away from society. However, what should or could be done before incarcerated individuals’ release to decrease their chances of future violent or delinquent behaviors?
Former inmates often return to the life they know best. Using prison time for rehabilitation—which may include education, job training, and mental health programs—can make recidivism less likely and reduce crime’s financial burden on society.
Law Enforcement Policing Itself
High-profile stories of violent deaths during encounters between police and suspects have stoked calls for greater accountability among law enforcement. In some places, new recruits and longtime peace officers are being trained in de-escalation tactics to help prevent interactions with suspects and members of the public from turning violent. Some states and smaller jurisdictions are enacting “duty to intervene” laws that compel officers to intercede when fellow officers may be using excessive force. Such practices can minimize deaths and injuries, broaden community support for law enforcement, increase officer retention, and attract more individuals to the profession.
Barriers to Reform
Even with a high percentage of Americans agreeing that criminal justice reform is needed, there are some strong voices in the argument that may slow or thwart reforms.
Public Attitudes
As previously noted, public attitudes largely align on the need for criminal justice reform, but not necessarily the type or extent. Regarding excessive force, some share a view that a suspect won’t be manhandled, injured, or killed if they complied with law enforcement commands. It’s possible that de-escalation techniques could also prevent this violence, however. Some also assert that resources such as vocational training should be denied to convicted criminals and be directed toward more deserving individuals. It’s important to understand that the alternative can be more costly to society: higher crime rates, recidivism, a loss of public trust in the police (and vice versa), and increased legal costs.
Police Unions
Representing the interests of law enforcement, police unions hold significant sway in the criminal justice system and, by and large, oppose reforms connected with their policies or the actions of their officers. Some of these unions are closely aligned with district attorneys that decline to indict union members.
Prepare to Lead Criminal Justice Reform Efforts
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers undergraduate and graduate-level online degree programs designed for students who want to catalyze positive change in our criminal justice system from within. Our program faculty is composed of criminal justice experts who’ve worked extensively in the field and bring that vital experience to the virtual classroom. Offered 100% online, our programs allow you to complete courses practically anywhere in the world on your own schedule: invaluable advantages for anyone juggling work and personal commitments while earning a degree.
Let’s review some key benefits of each program, including promising earnings data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies
Built on a robust foundation of general education courses, our online BS in criminology and criminal justice studies program introduces you to a broad range of core criminal justice concepts, including the components and structure of our system, theoretical perspectives on crime, and related subjects that you need to start a career in public service.
Select program benefits:
- Arrange your studies around shift work, if needed.
- Enjoy earning potential ~38% higher than those with an associate degree alone.
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
Already have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field? Consider our online MS in criminal justice administration. Take a deeper dive into today’s controversial topics as you develop the expertise to recognize areas that need to be addressed and take action to protect your agency and the public.
Our program has been ranked #5 in the nation for Best Law Enforcement Administration Graduate Programs and is also shown as the most affordable among competing schools on the same list.
Select program benefits:
- Get started with no GRE or thesis requirements.
- Develop advanced-level proficiency.
- Finish in as little as one year.
- Compete for leadership roles.
- Enjoy potential earnings ~18% higher than with a bachelor’s degree alone.
Both programs prepare you to take on greater professional responsibilities and seek criminal justice leadership roles that give you the authority to make a real difference.