Administration and Management in Criminal Justice. Chapter 4: Environmental Influences

Transcription

1 Administration and Management in Criminal Justice Chapter 4: Environmental Influences

2 Criminal Justice as an Open System Criminal justice system organizations operate within a larger environment comprised of: Funding opportunities Technological advancements Cultural and demographic characteristics Legal decisions Unions and union negotiations Political decisions U.S. Supreme Court (not addressed here) Media (not addressed here)

3 Influence #1: Funding Defined: different methods of financially supporting criminal justice organizations and operations Funding challenges in political environments How do agencies comply with new mandates and enforce new laws without additional funding? Example: Some states require police departments to keep accurate records on the race, age, and ethnicity of all drivers stopped for traffic infractions. The new mandate is not necessarily accompanied by new funds.

4 Influence #1: Funding Additional Challenges Funding/resources are limited Agencies develop budgets but are not always fully funded Agencies compete with one another for monies Example: as crime increases, police departments and probation offices might both argue that they are in the best position to address the problem; they are tackling the same problem but are also competing for the same funds Territorial jealousy: stifles innovation, coordination, and information sharing

5 Influence #1: Funding Sources Government grants Research: does D.A.R.E work? Demonstration: is it feasible to adopt D.A.R.E.? Project: let s adopt D.A.R.E.? Formula: money allocated based on certain measures (e.g., crime rates) Block: federal money, redistributed by states Foundations Non-profit: Ford Foundation, Gates Foundation Corporate: Walmart, JCPenney Private individuals

6 Influence #2: Technology Public expects technologies to aid in detection and prevention of crime Examples 911 system Electronic monitoring devices Less than lethal weapons In-car video cameras

7 Influence #2: Technology Challenges Employing well-trained workers capable of using technology Technical know-how Procedures and laws related to new technology Must overcome organizational inertia Cost Equipment Training Creation of new crime types Internet crimes Identity theft Copyright infringement

8 Influence #3: Culture and Demographics Demographics: population characteristics Age Race Gender Socioeconomic status These can affect system operations Example 1: Age distribution of population determines size of at-risk population Example 2: Some have suggested that decline in homicides during 1990s is due, in part, to the decline in marriage rates

9 Influence #3: Culture and Demographics Culture Society s shared attitudes, values, purposes, and routines (p. 113) Problems Culture conflicts: two groups hold different cultural beliefs that disagree with one another Example: Gambling tolerated by some and frowned upon by others Culture gaps: political and legal approaches are not in line with the dominant cultural beliefs of citizens Example: A shift in dealing with drug offenders may be underway; politicians are largely punitive but some citizens view the problem from a medical standpoint

10 Influence #4: Legal pressures The law is a powerful force Defines what behaviors are criminal Defines relationships among parties Restricts the behavior of criminal justice actors Types of law Common law: based on traditions Statutory law: defines crimes and prescribes punishments Procedural law: regulates how offenders are processed Case law: influence operations and policies Civil law: address private wrongs Administrative law: used by governments to control agency actions

11 Influence #5: Unions Groups of employees that decide to bargain collectively through majority vote for improvements in their jobs such as increases in wages, benefits, and better working conditions (p. 123) General procedures Develop contract through negotiations with management binding management and labor Covers defined period Addresses issues such as due process, pay and benefits, grievance procedures, work hours, etc.

12 Influence #5: Unions Criticisms Reduce the authority of the agency leader Example: Some contracts require chiefs/commissioners to consult with union before making policy decisions Indicate bad management practices If employees were well-treated, would there be a need for a union? Lack accountability May get a say in policy but are not elected or appointed (accountable to others) like agency leaders

13 Influence #5: Politics Elected/appointed status of many officials (e.g., sheriffs, judges, prosecutors, police chiefs) Must assure election/re-election Legislation New laws shape behavior of system actors; get tough legislation Budgetary decisions made by legislatures Funds affect programming Pressures by special interest groups MADD, victim advocate groups, etc.