1 / 109

Chapter 3: Local & State Law Enforcement

Careers in Criminal Justice. Chapter 3: Local & State Law Enforcement. Sage Publications Inc. 1. Careers in Criminal Justice. Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement. Local law enforcement refers to city and county agencies, which makes up 77 percent of the nation’s police employees.

rimona
Télécharger la présentation

Chapter 3: Local & State Law Enforcement

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local & State Law Enforcement Sage Publications Inc. 1

  2. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Local law enforcement refers to city and county agencies, which makes up 77 percent of the nation’s police employees. • Another fourteen percent work in various federal agencies, and only about 9 percent work for state governments. • As of 2012, local law enforcement consisted of approximately 1,133,905 employees, with about 765,237 of those being sworn. Sage Publications Inc. 2

  3. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Being hired initially by a local agency is much likelier than starting a career with a federal agency, mainly due to the amount of opportunities available. • Being hired by a law enforcement agency is extremely difficult and may seem impossible to some who have already tried. Sage Publications Inc. 3

  4. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Sworn employees of city agencies are called police officers. Those working for county agencies are called deputies, and sworn state employees are referred to as officers or troopers. • Police officers, deputies, and state troopers handle a larger variety of incidents than federal agencies. • There are more city codes and state statutes to enforce than federal laws. Sage Publications Inc. 4

  5. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Local and state agencies are “first responders,” thus being at citizens’ beck and call for whatever need arises. • Federal agencies are more specialized and only some are first responders. • Specialization also takes place in state and local agencies in which one can choose to excel and work primarily in a particular area of expertise. Sage Publications Inc. 5

  6. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Police departments range in size from one sworn officer to thousands. Here are the top 10 largest agencies in the U.S. Sage Publications Inc. 6

  7. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Mesa, Arizona is the 40th largest city in the United States with a population just under 500,000 citizens. • The estimated median household income in 2009 was $49,446. The full-time police force in 2011 was 1,136 employees with 750 of those sworn Sage Publications Inc. 7

  8. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • A police recruit in Mesa attends the police training academy to learn to perform the responsibilities of an entry level peace officer. • Upon successful completion of academy instruction, the recruit receives further training in the Field Officer Training Program. • After the academy and the field training, a police recruit is promoted to the class of police officer. Sage Publications Inc. 8

  9. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Typical police duties involve an element of personal danger. • Officers have to regularly take action without direct supervision, exercising independent judgment in meeting routine and emergency needs of citizens. • Police work requires occasional physical exertion under adverse circumstances, such as foot chases and physical struggles. Sage Publications Inc. 9

  10. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement MinimumRequirements for Most Large Police Departments Category Requirement Rationale Age The age in which people are considered mature enough to handle the responsibilities associated with the job 21 years of age upon graduation from the police academy. Usually not upper age limit. To avoid discrimination, applicants just need to be able to perform the duties of the job. Appearance, however, plays a part in hiring decisions. Height/ Weight Generally no minimum standards. Sage Publications Inc. 10

  11. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement MinimumRequirements for Most Large Police Departments Category Requirement Rationale Police work is a dangerous and physically demanding job. Police are responsible for their own safety as well as others. Agencies hire those who can do every aspect of the job. Health Vision – usually must be correctable to 20/50 Hearing – hearing aids are usually allowed.  Must pass doctor’s exam. Officers must be able to defend themselves and others, consistently performing at a high level of stress for extensive periods of time. Conditioning can save lives. Fitness Varies, but all departments have a physical fitness test with minimum standards to demonstrate applicant can do ordinary police duties. Sage Publications Inc. 11

  12. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement MinimumRequirements for Most Large Police Departments Category Requirement Rationale Education About 18% of departments are requiring some college at the entry level, but degrees are usually only required for promotions. This issue remains controversial. High School Diploma or GED Maturity, Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Problem Solver, High Ethical Standards, Emotional Intelligence. The ability to read, write, memorize, reason, and communicate. Some say you must “walk on water” to be hired for police work. Naturally agencies want the best of the best. Tests and interviews are created to explore these minimum traits. Skills and Characteristics Sage Publications Inc. 12

  13. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement MinimumRequirements for Most Large Police Departments Category Requirement Rationale Investigation includes past employment, medical records, school records, relationships, military records, credit check, driving record, and criminal history. 98% of agencies perform some level of background check to determine the character of the applicant that isn’t apparent through written tests, interviews, and polygraphs. Background Maturity, Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Problem Solver, High Ethical Standards, Emotional Intelligence. The ability to read, write, memorize, reason, and communicate. Criminal History Agencies look at the seriousness of crimes committed as well as the amount of crime, and the duration of time since crimes were committed. Sage Publications Inc. 13

  14. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement MinimumRequirements for Most Large Police Departments Category Requirement Rationale By being more liberal, it increases the candidate pool without necessarily opening up to unsuitable candidates. Agencies perform random drug tests to assure the continuity of policy adherence. Varies widely.  Generally 3-5 years since Marijuana was used, and it must be experimental only.  Generally10 years since harder drugs were used. Drug History Generally candidates must pass an exam, or be recommended for employment by an expert designated by the department. The assessment explores personality disorders, self management skills, abilities for team functioning, intellectual strength, impact of prior trauma, and anger management. Psychological Health Sage Publications Inc. 14

  15. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Police officers mediate disputes and conduct interviews while performing law enforcement patrol activities and investigations. • Police officers present testimony and evidence in both civil and criminal court proceedings. • They also record information and prepare detailed reports of investigative findings. Sage Publications Inc. 15

  16. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Police officers operate patrol vehicles, pursue offenders by patrol vehicle and on foot, stop offenders, subdue resisting offenders using force where appropriate (including deadly force), and arrest offenders. • An officer searches persons, places, and things. Sage Publications Inc. 16

  17. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • They seize and impound property and evidence, transport persons and property, perform crowd and riot control activities, issue summonses, maintain proficiency in operating a variety of law enforcement tools including weapons, vehicles, and computers. • A police officer observes criminal behavior, and conducts law enforcement investigations. Sage Publications Inc. 17

  18. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Police officers protect crime and traffic accident scenes, measure and diagram crime and traffic accident scenes, seize and process evidence, administer first aid to sick and injured persons for a wide variety of illnesses and injuries, assist distressed motorists, direct traffic, assist and refer mentally ill, indigent, and other persons in need, perform evacuations, and move persons, vehicles, and other property from unsafe locations. Sage Publications Inc. 18

  19. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • A graduate from the academy will be expected to comprehend and make inferences from written materials including federal and state statutes, city codes and ordinances, and departmental policies and operating procedures in order to enforce laws. • An officer must maintain composure and operational efficiency under high stress situations Sage Publications Inc. 19

  20. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • New officers must learn job related material through verbal instruction, observation on the job, structured lecture in a classroom setting, and reading in regard to police procedures and methods, case law, federal and state statutes and departmental policies and procedures. • An applicant for the police department needs knowledge of general social problems, basic writing skills, and proficiency in the English language. Sage Publications Inc. 20

  21. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Officers are expected to acquire a working knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures and apply it to specific situations, learn departmental rules and regulations, acquire a working knowledge of state and city laws and enforce, interpret, and explain the same, learn the geography of the city and the location of important buildings, acquire a working knowledge of crime patterns and trends in an assigned area, work effectively with all segments of the public. Sage Publications Inc. 21

  22. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Officers need to be courteous but firm with people, follow directions, meet specific attendance and schedule requirements, use good judgment and make effective decisions under pressure, evaluate situations and take appropriate action, observe and recollect details, perform all of the physical requirements of the job, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees. Sage Publications Inc. 22

  23. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • The pay scale for police officers in Mesa, Arizona starts at a salary of $50,960.00 and can reach $72,862.40. • Lateral officers starting pay ranges from $50,960.00- $65,436.80 depending on experience. • Police Lieutenants have a pay range of $79,976 to $107,640. • Police chiefs range from $129,750 to $174,637. Sage Publications Inc. 23

  24. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • The Arizona Police Officer’s Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) establishes the qualifiers and disqualifiers for certification in the state of Arizona. • Some basic requirements include age, physical fitness, and the polygraph test. • Some of the disqualifiers include drug use and criminal history. Sage Publications Inc. 24

  25. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • To be AZPOST certified, you cannot have used Marijuana more than for experimental use, which has been determined not exceed 20 uses in a lifetime, with no more than five of those uses being at age 21 or older. • As far as criminal history, AZPOST looks at a person’s conduct rather than the arrest record to determine suitability to be a peace officer. Sage Publications Inc. 25

  26. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • It is the commission of crimes that concerns AZPOST and not conviction only. • Commission of crimes demonstrates a willingness or propensity to do illegal things. • This shows a lack of respect for the law. • Applicants are asked to list all police contacts, whether as a suspect, witness, or otherwise. Sage Publications Inc. 26

  27. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Applicants are asked to disclose all undiscovered crimes including those nobody but the applicant knows about. • Complete disclosure and truthfulness on these questions is usually more important than what is disclosed. • The only absolute disqualifier for certification is the conviction of a felony. Sage Publications Inc. 27

  28. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • Other offenses are reviewed on a case by case basis to see how the conduct reflects on the public trust in the profession and the ability of the individual to perform the duties of a peace officer, such as to testify credibly in court. • Applicants’ answers to all background questions are tested and verified by polygraph Sage Publications Inc. 28

  29. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • As you can see by the multitude of skills required for police work, as well as disqualifiers, it is no wonder why some claim you need to “walk on water” to be hired as a police officer. • Wait till you see how lengthy and tedious the application is to fill out! Sage Publications Inc. 29

  30. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • If you want to work in law enforcement bad enough, all the efforts to get hired will prove worth it. • A career in law enforcement is exciting, challenging, and rewarding. • Every shift is like a box of chocolates. • Instead of continuously checking your watch to see when your work day is over, you will be anxiously checking your watch before work. Sage Publications Inc. 30

  31. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement • There are other types of law enforcement agencies to work for besides the municipal police. • Entering law enforcement may require an applicant to consider moving to where the positions are. • Limiting your search to the city or county in which you live might significantly delay your career. Sage Publications Inc. 31

  32. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Game and Fish Warden • Game Warden positions are generally with state agencies. • This position offers a challenging career with a wide array of job duties while working with a diverse and abundant wildlife resource. Sage Publications Inc. 32

  33. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Game and Fish Warden • The Wyoming Game and Fish Department currently employs over 60 Game Wardens, Wildlife Investigators, Game Warden Trainees, and Wildlife Technicians all over the State • Wardens in Wyoming act as the liaison between local publics and the department. • Game Wardens receive department housing and a competitive salary with state employment benefits. Sage Publications Inc. 33

  34. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Game and Fish Warden • One of the most rewarding aspects of a warden’s job is preventing or solving some of the most egregious wildlife crimes. • Being able to successfully prosecute the violators and keeping them from doing the crime again is extremely gratifying. • Wardens also create big game seasons. Sage Publications Inc. 34

  35. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Game and Fish Warden • Other duties a game warden performs include enforcing game, fish, trapping, and boating laws. • To effectively perform these tasks, the warden has to spend time in the field. • Depending on current circumstances, getting to the field involves the use of trucks, snowmobiles, boats, horses, 4-wheelers, or boots. Sage Publications Inc. 35

  36. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Game and Fish Warden • Wardens also collect biological data on the game herds they manage. • Wardens often fly over areas in fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. • Other shifts might be spent in a truck looking through binoculars and spotting scopes. • Wardens work with landowners to gain access for hunters and fishermen. Sage Publications Inc. 36

  37. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Game and Fish Warden • Nearly a third of a Game Warden’s job is directly related to law enforcement. • Another third deals with taking an active role in wildlife management. • Wardens collect and analyze biological data for use in managing fish and wildlife populations. Sage Publications Inc. 37

  38. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Game and Fish Warden • Nearly a third of a Game Warden’s job is directly related to law enforcement. • Another third deals with taking an active role in wildlife management. • Wardens collect and analyze biological data for use in managing fish and wildlife populations. Sage Publications Inc. 38

  39. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Game and Fish Warden • Qualifications include a competitive examination, which is offered each year to qualified applicants with a bachelor's degree in biology, natural resources, or a closely related field. • The examination includes a written test of basic wildlife management knowledge, followed by oral interviews, and psychological testing of personality profiles. Sage Publications Inc. 39

  40. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Gaming Officer • Other than Nevada where gambling is legal throughout the state, those states allowing casino-style gambling restrict it to small geographic areas or to American Indianreservations. There are currently 30 states with Indian gaming and state gaming agencies. Sage Publications Inc. 40

  41. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Gaming Officer • Arizona employed 104 team members in 2010, including AZPOST-certified peace officers, financial investigators and auditors, Certified Fraud Examiners, slot machine technicians, and administrative staff. • The Gaming Vendor Certification Unit (GVCU) determines the suitability of companies and individuals doing business with casinos in Arizona. Sage Publications Inc. 41

  42. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Gaming Officer • The GVCU is comprised of Special Agents, Financial Investigators, a Compliance Auditor, and Intake Officers. • Each company, principals of a gaming company, and key personnel providing gaming products or services must undergo a thorough background investigation. Sage Publications Inc. 42

  43. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Special Agent • The Special Agent’s primary function is conducting investigations to ensure compliance with the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, and State and Federal laws. This includes the following: • Writing comprehensive reports • Reviewing regulatory, criminal, and financial documents • Conducting interviews • Participating in surveillance and undercover operations • Preparing search warrant affidavits • Securing evidence • Testifying at hearings and in court proceedings Sage Publications Inc. 43

  44. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Special Agent • Special Agents must possess sufficient knowledge of Arizona criminal code, basic level computer search skills (to conduct open source intelligence searches), and the necessary knowledge to prepare criminal intelligence files. • Special Agents have a starting salary of $50,671.50. Sage Publications Inc. 44

  45. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Financial Investigator • The financial investigators do not need to be AZPOST certified, but do need a bachelor degree in accounting or five years of professional financial investigative experience or closely related experience. • An advanced degree may substitute for six months of the required experience. Sage Publications Inc. 45

  46. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Financial Investigator The job description for financial investigators includes conducting forensic financial audits and investigations of all sensitive management position applicants, examination of financial and income tax records, conducting in depth interviews, preparing comprehensive reports of findings, coordinating and conferring with appropriate manager, Attorney General, and tribal entity, presenting testimony in administrative hearings and other courts of law, and acting as lead investigator in financial investigations. Sage Publications Inc. 46

  47. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Campus Police • Campus police perform a variety of duties related to the protection of life and property, enforcement of criminal and traffic laws, prevention of crime, preservation of the public peace, apprehension of criminals, and calls for service. • They perform basic police services in accordance with the mission, goals, and objectives of the university and in compliance with governing federal and state laws. Sage Publications Inc. 47

  48. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Campus Police • Some major responsibilities of police officers at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia include: • Engaging in law enforcement patrol functions by foot, bike or vehicle including rotating shifts and physically checking doors and windows of buildings to ensure they are secure. • Conducting visual and audio surveillance. Sage Publications Inc. 48

  49. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Campus Police • Operating a law enforcement vehicle both day and night in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits in congested traffic and in unsafe road conditions caused by factors such as fog, smoke, rain, ice, and snow. Sage Publications Inc. 49

  50. Careers in Criminal Justice • Chapter 3: Local and State Law Enforcement Campus Police • Effecting arrests, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints, and subduing resisting suspects using maneuvers and weapons, resorting to hands and feet and other approved weapons in self-defense. Sage Publications Inc. 50

More Related