Field Observations
Going on a police ride-along was crucial for this paper. Police are charged with enforcing the law. The police protect citizens from criminals and criminal activities. During the police ride-along, police lookout for any signs of criminal activities. According to Toledo Police (2018), the police have radio speakers in their cars that they use to listen to information from other officers within the area. Possible criminal behavior is observed by the probability of crimes taking place in the area. The police patrol high-end areas that are known for criminal gangs. During the tour, the police were able to check into a house. However, the police had to present search warrants. During arrests, the police were able to state the cause of arrest and how the suspect was supposed to behave. The police have the power of arrest provided they have probable cause. Police also used safe lines which meant that the public is not able to listen to their conversations. After arrests, the officer must write a report detailing the activities leading up to the arrest.
Connections to Learning Course
The observations had connections with the learning material because it was the activities of the police that lead to court cases. There is also a procedure that must be followed in the arrest process. The police do not just come up with their own suspicions and arrest suspects. There must be probable cause. The process of following a procedure is crucial in the justice system. A lot of people would be arrested illegally if not for the purpose of search warrants (Roberson, 2017). A police officer must follow the right procedure in the way that they conduct their activities. Otherwise, the police would be caught up in a mess with the law. The police also have to follow the law just like anyone else. Various aspects of the law protected the rights of citizens.
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The process of initiation to completion of cases within the criminal justice system became clear after the police ride-along. The police are responsible for gathering and protection of evidence. The process of law enforcement became clear. The roles of police officers do not end at enforcing the law alone. They are also charged with giving testimonies in courts, and additional follow up. The prosecution process relies heavily on the evidence gathered against the suspect by the law enforcement agencies. The agencies work together to be able to solve a complex issue that exists in society today.
Reflection on Practical Insights
The field observation process provided more insights into crime policy as practiced in the criminal justice system. The first vital step that was learned is that the process of criminal justice involves so many organizations working together. The police are just one aspect of it. When a suspect is arrested, then the police have to work with the lawyers and courts to be able to make the whole process a success. It is vital that the criminal justice system works in tandem with one another. Crime policies have to be drafted considering the various agencies. The multiple firms have to be incorporated to function well. Information is a key aspect of crime policy. It is crucial that all information is kept safe and secret. Spillage of data might lead to prosecutions lacking evidence enabling criminals to go scot free. The police play a major role in making sure that the criminal justice system works well. It is them that collect evidence, protect the evidence, and even act as witnesses in courts to enable the whole process to be successful.
Reference
Toledo Police. (2018). Police Ride-Along. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8MQ4RIIGDQ
Roberson, C. (2017). Routledge Handbook on Victims' Issues in Criminal Justice . Milton Park, Abingdon-On-Thames: Taylor & Francis.
