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…
Currently Viewing: Criminal Justice
“I guarantee you will discover that while public service improves the lives and the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring your own life.” —Arnold Schwarzenegger So many kids dream of exploring the deep reaches of space as an astronaut, running into a burning building as a…
The statistics are shocking: About 25 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking, an “industry” from which criminals profit to the tune of $150 billion each year. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened an already dire situation by leaving countless people out of work and consequently more vulnerable to accepting dubious offers of employment. Human trafficking,…
If you’re considering a career in the public sector, there are many directions you can take. The public sector is a broad term encompassing government, education, law enforcement, military, nonprofit, and other subsectors. Your choice will be governed primarily by a combination of your interests, credentials, and qualifications. Your interests are up to you. We’re…
In recent years, law enforcement departments across the United States have come under increased scrutiny for the use of excessive force. While there are differing views about this highly sensitive topic, in most cases, a more measured, nonviolent approach will typically produce a more equitable response and can help increase public favor toward law enforcement….
Our criminal justice system relies on the efforts of numerous individuals to keep the wheels of justice turning. Peace officers have the power to enforce laws, cite offenders, and temporarily take suspects into custody. These suspects may then go before a judge, with or without a jury, to determine their guilt or innocence and any…
Television shows, films, and other sources of popular culture have all helped perpetuate widely held notions about the U.S. criminal justice system. Some of these notions may be true, but many are either patently false or do not reflect the “whole truth.” Let’s shine some light on five of the most common misconceptions about criminal…
Criminal justice is a broad term that incorporates the various departments involved in our legal system and the processes that take place within them, from investigation through to apprehension, arrest, trial, incarceration, and paroling of criminals. There are many career paths one can take within criminal justice, from crime scene investigator, police officer, and probation…
Miami police officers responding to a 911 call found two men sitting in the street. One was holding an unknown shiny object. The other man put his hands up, but the man holding the object ignored police commands. An officer fired a gun at him, but the shot missed its intended target and hit the other man in the leg. The shiny…
Stories related to the U.S. criminal justice system often make headlines. However, many of the complex and controversial issues covered in these stories don’t lend themselves to simple, clear-cut solutions and news-ready synopses. Here, we examine five current issues in criminal justice and explore the degree programs that can help make sense of these complex subjects: Body Cameras Increased attention on fatal incidents involving alleged police misconduct has spurred a push to make body cameras standard equipment for police, alongside handcuffs and pepper spray. The intent is to achieve greater accountability and transparency regarding police actions through recorded evidence. This is…
CONNECT WITH US