CULTURE CLASH (Express Yourself)
IN THE EYES OF THE LAW By Johnny Law
I AM A POLICE OFFICER FOR A LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AND I WAS ASKED TO PROVIDE MY THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. As a law enforcement officer, I personally support certain reforms within the Criminal Justice System (CJS). Law Enforcement is just one of three cogs making up the Criminal Justice System; the other two being our Court Systems and Corrections. All three components work together to prevent and punish criminal behavior.
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Being on “the streets” for years, so-called crimes against society come to mind first. These victimless crimes (crimes not committed against people or property) are typically drug and alcohol related crimes but also include prostitution, gambling, and others. Alcohol related laws include public intoxication and driving while intoxicated, which can be necessary to enforce to ensure the safety of others and themselves. Prostitution and gambling, well, I personally have not been involved in a case regarding either. Drug offenses however, are prevalent and an area where I believe there should be reform in our corrections system due to the lengthy incarceration periods.
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