Unit 1 – Criminal Justice Organizations
I. Introduction
Just like any other institutions and organisations, state agencies involved in the criminal justice system are subjected to issues relevant to management and implementation of certain operations carrying out their mandate. It is for this reason that they too have to take into consideration the employment of well-accepted theories on management and infuse it on their operations. The subsequent discussions will be focusing on the management styles available for the elements of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections. Consultation on published works on certain management styles will also be done to support the arguments and observations in this paper.
II. Types of Management Styles
For the purposes of this paper, three types of management styles will be taken into consideration: scientific management, human relations management, and systems management.
A. Scientific Management
This type of management style is also called Taylor’s. The general principles held in this style include an established standardized means of carrying out a mandate, a routine of sorts. (Freeman, 1996, 35) Moreover, the organization is composed of a workforce with capabilities required to keep the operations of the company in a fluid manner. This means the selection process involving this management style is a significant part of the operations of the company. In the same way, training is given with high regard as it increases the productivity and efficiency in the operations of the organisation. To some extent, this management style drives this efficiency and potential for effectiveness through wage incentives to the workers. Basically, these said elements are products of a carefully planed scheme in carrying out the operations. It is in this prior planning that allows the organization to veer away from any interruptions on their operations.
B. Human Relations Management
This management style is often confused with human resource management which possess a much wider range. The basis of this style is from the seminal Hawthorne Studies headed by Elton Mayo. (Harris, 2002, 73) To a certain extent, this type of management style intends to lift up the morale of the people in the organisation by treating them well. (p 79) This means that over-reliance to this management style could provide an uneven state of power in the organization or even spawn an unending power struggle between the employees and the management. On the whole, this type of management style emphasizes the need of social interaction in an organization. Communication between employees as well as with the management level officers was among the basic factors that were given importance in the Hawthorne studies. (Bruce, 2006, 1113)
C. Systems Management
The context of this management style involves not only the management of personnel, but also the management of knowledge in the organization. (Davies, Hob day, and Principe, 2003, 36) This style tends to place emphasis on the fact that an organisation operates based on the information and data that are accessible to its employees. In the same manner, the proper management of these elements will essentially spell success and efficiency on the part of the organization.
III. Analysis
Based on the descriptions provided by the discussions above, it appears that there is no single management style that will be a perfect fit for the entire criminal justice system. This means basically that for every element of the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections) should implement their own style of management which they find appropriate for their specific organizations.
They should consider both the strengths of the theories embodied in the theories and consider if it complements the organisation that they operate in. In the same manner, they must realise that these management styles are not perfect and possess some flaws. If done in excess or in an inadequate manner, things may not go as expected for the organization; the succeeding discussions will provide an analysis of the perceived disadvantages of the discussed theories and the possible implications of these flaws and potentials in the elements involved in the criminal justice system.
A. Disadvantages of the Management Styles
Again, models do have flaws and thus require close consideration before being implemented in an organization. For instance, the scientific style of management was seen to totally ignore the element of human relations in the organisation. (Lee, 2006. 609) This means that in this type of management style, employees are considered entities with jobs to be done; it totally discounts the fact that employees are not machines that could work endlessly without regard to their social life. On the other hand, the human relations management style appears to be the total opposite of Taylor’s as it overly places weight on the motivation of the individuals. (Harris, 2002, 73) There is nothing wrong about the taking care of the employees, however, there are other elements that need attention like the actual operations and the external environment in managing an organization.
B. Implications on the Components of the Criminal Justice System
The correctional and the police apparently possess a rigid hierarchy system and regard the established rules and laws highly. This means that in both organisations, the management style proposed by Taylor may complement the culture of the organisation. However, these state bodies have to still be cognisant of the possibility of change in the organisation and maintain flexibility in terms of implementing other management styles. These organisations must muster the strength to cope up with the changing times and consider that organisations need to realise the importance of human relations and even the management of information in their organisation. This is highly important in state agencies like courts since majority of their personnel are civilians. In the context of the correctional institutions and the police, management of information relating to the operations as well as recognition the motivation level of the employees are similarly important.
IV. Conclusion
Numerous management styles have been created in the last several decades. Along with it are the numerous developments on the existing management styles as it adapts to the changing organizational environments. This is manifested clearly in the discussions above. The criminal justice systems have similarly taken considerable changes in management along the years. As indicated above no single management style will serve as a panacea for the needs of the entire system particularly with regards to the specific functions of the police, courts, and correctional facilities. Every aspect of their operations should involve a specific management style that complements the said activity. In the same way, the type and culture that exists in these elements of the criminal justice system should be considered. Thus, conditions present nowadays require organisations, even those that the state operates, to establish some sort of flexibility and awareness in both internal and external environment to effectively carry out their mandate without compromising the welfare of their personnel and the public.
VI.Discussion Boards
Personally, the point of view pertaining to the criminal justice as a process appeals to the actual impression on the criminal justice system. This indicates that the police service, the courts, and the correctional facilities tends to manifest itself as a collection that implements some specific function in implementing the laws and maintaining peace in the land. For instance, the police service tends to implement the laws of the land. This is basically their mandate.
The courts on the other hand, are tasked to interpret these laws and whether the implemented laws are indeed within the realm of legality. Specifically, they are similarly tasked with determining as to whether the law enforcement was within the bounds of legal and accepted means before they give their verdict and hand them over to the correctional facilities.
The correctional facilities on the other hand are going to be the ones to handle the rehabilitation of the offenders and convicted individuals. Though there is still some debate regarding the treatment of these convicts, the correctional facilities is still tasked to provide society security by keeping these individuals away from them and eventually make them productive members of society after they have served their respective sentences or have received their paroles.
Unit 2 – Police, Courts, and Prisons
I. Introduction
II. Scanning of the Problem
III. Analysis of the Issue
IV.Response to the Problem
V. Assessment of the Plan
VI.Conclusion
VII. References
VIII. Discussion Board
The police force holds a lot of influence and wields a considerable amount of authority in society. It is in this reality that abuses and indiscretion do result on the part of the law enforcers. Upon doing a web search on the topic, several news articles have popped up. In a news article made by KTVU.com (2004), they noted police officers in the state of Florida using a taster gun to subdue a civilian. Based on the article, the victim was apparently on his way to his home but he apparently went over some police barricades. To some extent, using a taster gun to incapacitate a person may be highly excessive especially if the police officers obviously outnumbered the victim.
Another news article in the website of the New York Times claimed that police officers harass minorities was considered a norm in New York City, especially among the young minorities. (Herbert, 2007) This is rather disturbing considering that police officers should not be bothering these individuals based on race or ethnicity. In some cultures, that type of action is considered discrimination. Officers should realize that doing such acts of harassment is unusual for public servants.
Still in New York City, an officer is accused of tampering with the evidence in a crime scene. (Brick, 2007) This still shows that the police force have the power to manipulate information about crimes as the courts indicate that the police officer did the tampering to protect a relative. This constitutes a complete breach of public trust and obstruction of justice.
On my own observation, courts should completely provide the full power of the law in punishing erring police officers, that is, given that due process and an equitable trial is provided as well. This will serve as a deterrent for other officers who are thinking of using their access to firearms, sensitive information, criminal evidence, and the like to wrong use.
Unit 5 – Corrections and Organizational Effectiveness
I. Introduction
II. Elements of Sexual Harassment
III. Dealing with Sexual Harassment Viscose Precedent on Sexual Harassment A. Liability of the Supervisor
B. Applicable Federal Laws
V. Conclusion
VI.References
IX. Discussion Board
Morally speaking, deception and lying are both essentially reprehensible actions. However, there is a study indicating that in the United States, deception is a common element in interpersonal relationships. (2002, 158) This means that despite the common view that lying and deception are despicable acts and commonly seen as hateful, people still do it for some reason.
The issue now complicates when public servants engage in such acts of deception and lying. In this regard, professional ethics comes into the picture. For instance, in a court of law, lying under oath constitutes perjury. (Cross, 2003, 215) The punishment for this act of deception is severe especially in the case of prosecutors. However, these are basically isolated incidents. Witnesses are the ones who often engage in these acts.
One study took notice of the propensity of police officers to lie on the witness stand in order to cover their mistakes. (Cunningham, 1999, 26) In looking at the discussion on this study, it evidently shows that when individuals directly involved in the processes of criminal justice, a lot more is at stake and possibly compromised when they engage in deception and lie through their teeth. The motive for lying to some extent justify the act for any private individual, however the for public servants and those whose mandate is to seek justice, lying and deception could only equate to blatantly disregarding the principles on which they have vowed to protect.
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