In the results of the June 2020 AP-NORC Poll, nearly 70% of Americans said that the criminal justice system needs either “major changes” or a “complete overhaul.” Almost all back some level of change. Certain topics have managed to fly under the radar of the conversation, like the need for probation and parole reform. But […]
There’s no easy solution for the problems in the criminal justice system. The issues are complex without even considering the political, economic and other considerations involved. But progress is possible. “A lot of it has to do with making people really aware of [the issues],” according to Joey Budd, assistant professor of criminal justice and […]
Perhaps the largest conversation in criminal justice in recent years has centered on the U.S. prison population that skyrocketed between the 1980s and late 2000s. According to Pew Research, “Starting in 2007, policymakers seeking to protect public safety, improve accountability, and save taxpayer dollars initiated a wave of bipartisan reforms that has reduced the number […]
When it comes to solving crime, modern forensic technology is transforming investigations. Thanks to forensic science technology, cases can be solved faster and with more accuracy than ever before. According to Jennifer Doleac, founder of the Justice Tech Lab, modern forensic technology can “reduce crime, improve data quality and reduce racial disparities.” That means strides […]
The field of criminal justice is diverse and full of different opportunities for those who are interested. Perhaps some of the most recognizable criminal justice careers are police officers, special agents and prosecutors, but jobs such as private security managers, legal assistants and game wardens are also included in this industry. Jobs in law enforcement […]
Those who work in criminal justice have a difficult job, and that job has become more difficult. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that, while 31 percent of police officers see their primary role as that of a protector, only about 16 percent of the public has that view. At the same time, while […]
The United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world. At the end of 2015, around 6.7 million individuals were under the supervision of U.S. adult correctional systems. While this number is lower than past years, prisoners in the United States still make up around 22 percent of the world’s prisoners, despite […]
New technology has given law enforcement the tools necessary to deter crime in uniquely efficient ways. Crime analysts are playing a leading role in this development. They provide a distinct service to law enforcement by using computer technology to discourage and defend against crime. The Work of a Crime Analyst Simply put, crime analysts study […]
In nearly every industry, there is buzz about “big data” and the possibilities it presents. For the world of law enforcement, a growing practice known as predictive policing involves analyzing data to prevent crime. As an increasing number of police departments take advantage of new technology, departments of all sizes have been able to benefit […]
Social media use has transformed the world, changing both personal lives and professional lives. For law enforcement, Facebook in particular is revealing threats to communities. More and more police departments, in their commitment to protect and serve, are finding that social media can be an invaluable tool in their investigations. Methods of Social Media Use […]