University of Phoenix
CJS/200-Quentin Gerbich
The individuals that work in the field of law enforcement today are presented with issues and concerns unlike any faced by those of the past. The changing face of crimes and criminal activity in this country and around the world are at the root of many of these challenges. In this country, the most significant issue is the shift to a more multicultural society. There are also concerns regarding police corruption, use of deadly force, racial profiling and the job hazards of policing in an increasingly dangerous world. The way police agencies enforce the laws and work to provide a safe environment to those they serve has perhaps never been more complex than it is today. The …show more content…
In any field where your job is to provide a service to the public, it is important to have a basic understanding of the people you serve. The same is true for those who work in law enforcement, but because of the nature of their duties, it is an issue for serious concern. The multicultural shift in America means that there is more representation of various minority groups, all of whom have differing historic relations with those in law enforcement, and often times an unfavorable one. Whether these groups are newly represented in American society or have been part of the society for generations, most often there is a history of unfair or unequal treatment under the law that is difficult for parties on both sides of the issue to overcome. This lies at the core of the problems with police-community relations (PCR). In order to serve the public to the best of their abilities, those who 've taken the oath to do so need involvement from the community they represent, a community that seems to be ever …show more content…
Anti-terrorism efforts are no longer limited to agencies on the federal level. In the wake of 9/11, the federal government formed the Homeland Security Agency whose prime objective is to protect the country from possible terrorist acts. The process of gathering intelligence regarding terrorism is global. British intelligence relies on shared intelligence from the U.S. and vice versa. It therefore only makes sense to include state and local authorities as well. Over recent years, officials have taken a more proactive approach on these levels by providing anti-terrorism training to local and state law enforcement officers. The officials in the department of Homeland Security now work more closely with state and local departments in anti-terrorism initiatives because they realized that in most instances, these departments are the first line of defense. The changes in the NYPD following the 9/11 attacks signaled the beginning of a national network of law enforcement agencies working together in the fight against