Crime Control vs. Due Process

Just some thoughts from research I have done and found interesting…

The theory on crime control is one that was set forth on some basic principles.  Protecting society in a manner conducive to enforcing laws and curbing criminal behavior.  These theories can be linked to criminological behavior and analysis, policing models, specialized units for enforcement, and many more similar in scope.

To effectively believe that officers, both public and private would be able to “control” the behaviors of another is near impossible.  When a person sets their mind to do something, no matter the preventative measures in place, a person can succeed under the motivational statement; “the most committed wins!”  The opening statement to this discussion question simply puts some facts and behavioral analysis into perspective.  The true facts however are police prevent crime through crime control techniques all day every day.  Police officers achieve this through presence, response, force both minimum and deadly, and the application of a core set of policies and procedures effected by corps values.

Many departments run into issues with Justice Department oversight when reaching too far into the control portion and find themselves with rouge divisions or actors.  The Los Angeles Police Department is an example of a rouge unit in the extreme sense of the example.   Rampart was started as a criminal apprehension and “deployment” squad analyzing behaviors and patterns of criminal activity suppressing it where they could.  What ended up happening were the police actions stepped out of bounds and due process in the officer’s minds became criminal intent (Reese, 2003).  Crime control works well when adopted under the appropriate guidelines and Due Process in the standard in which laws are enforced.  The Broken Windows model of policing sets boundaries, goals, and achievable standards to achieve the suppression of crime and criminal behavior (Wilson & Kelling, March 1982).  Not every model of policing is effective for numerous reasons, but many work very well when managed through partnerships with communities and systems.

Due Process of law ensures the entire system is operating as the cog it was designed to effectively providing the police to combat criminal behavior through legal statutes.  Conversely, this same authority could keep police in line and provide motivation to detract them from crossing the line of wrong and right.  Due process is a series of steps through the criminal justice system from start to finish and not all agree that crime control is effective when due process is involved.

Thank you for reading as always,

Chris Grollnek

www.chrisgrollnek.com

References

Reese, R. (2003). The Multiple Causes of the LAPD Rampart Scandal.
California State

Polytechnic University. Retrieved from http://www.csupomona.edu/~jis/2003/Reese.pdf

Wilson, J., & Kelling, G. (March 1982). Broken Windows – The Police and

Neighborhood Safety. The Atlantic Magazine, Retrieved from          http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1982/03/broken-windows/4465/

By Chris Grollnek

Active Shooter Prevention Trainer and Public Speaker PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: Chris Grollnek is a dynamic Public Speaker and forward-thinking Director of the Active Shooter Prevention Project, LLC. (www.aspppro.com) An Interview and Investigation specialist with a record of success at the Executive and National level for Leadership and Management efficiencies regarding Policy and the Curriculum Development for Terrorism related Prevention. Chris recently wrote and appeared in the Department of Justice Active Shooter prevention Training Video (2022-2023). Complete understanding of government and corporate contracting and investigative programs to enhance corporate standards of policy implementation. An architect of efficiencies with a results-oriented pattern of success in investigative techniques, security, safety, sales leadership, and interviewing while leading teams and establishing best practices. A well-versed public speaker, freelance television contributor, and radio news commentator. Experience in testifying before serval governmental bodies, including The United States Congressional bodies of the House and Senate committees, regarding Terrorism Prevention, Response, and Training Initiatives. #activeshooterexpert #NEVERHERE

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