Running head: UNDERSTANDING MODERN CRIMINOLOGY 1

Critical Understanding of Modern Criminology

James Kidd

University of San Diego

http://jay3907.weebly.com/
UNDERSTANDING MODERN CRIMINOLOGY 2

Critical Understanding of Modern Criminology

Understanding social trends and current issues is an integral part of law enforcement

leadership. In examining submitted works prepared for the Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Leadership program, three papers showed relevance in the critical understanding of modern

criminology and criminal justice issues. Challenges for the Law Enforcement Leader focuses on

several contemporary issues that are found in todays society. A Continuous Process addresses

the key components involved in the budgeting process of a municipal police agency. Drug Trade

Memorandum examines the negative impacts involved in the illegal drug trade.

Challenges for the Law Enforcement Leader explores several critical contemporary issues

that are presented in our modern society. Topics include the criminal aspects of immigration,

drug markets, and drug abuse, combined with appropriate standards for the use of force, ethics,

and race relations. Law enforcement leaders and policy makers must understand the factors that

contribute to criminal behavior, while making data driven decisions to reduce the social harms

created by criminal activity. I was able to help my department understand the benefit in creating

a strong relationship of mutual trust between law enforcement and the communities. I was also

able to explain and acknowledge certain biases that may be ingrained in each of our officers

including myself. This need was underscored by the Presidents Task Force on 21st Century

Policing, which recommended that police agencies provide recruit training and in-service

training on implicit bias and cultural responsiveness (Final Report of the Presidents Task Force

on 21st Century Policing, 2015).

A Continuous Process explains the components involved in the budgeting process of a

municipal police agency. The Brownwood Police Department understands that the most

important function of the budget is accountability (Menifield, C. 2013). There must be an

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acceptable length of time to conduct adequate research, data analysis, and input among all the

participants, before the budget can be approved. I was allowed to attend budgeting workshops

and meetings to develop a better understanding of the budgeting process. I provided input in

outlining dates, times, goals and meetings and providing an organized framework to prepare,

approve, implement and evaluate the budget. There are several sub-systems in the budgeting

process. These systems include input, preparation, output, and feedback. The budget process

operating environment allows for a sound bases for decisions and provides acceptable results.

Drug Trade Memorandum examines the negative impacts involved in the illegal drug

trade. The consequences of drug abuse affect the individuals along with their friends, families,

businesses, and city resources. I met with the departments narcotic division who advised that

prescription drugs are becoming one of the top emerging threats to public health and requires

new approaches to drug enforcement. After marijuana and alcohol, prescription drugs are the

most commonly misused substances by Americans age 14 and older (National Institute on Drug

Abuse for Teens). Drug trades are difficult to police due to its profitability (LEPSL 500 3.1).

There are several negative effects of the drug trade that affect our community. These effects

range from being a public concern, to violent crimes that place a burden on public resources. In

order to address these challenges law enforcement will need to evaluate current and future

approaches to drug enforcement.

The above works identify contemporary issues, including social trends, budgeting, and

the illegal drug trade. While completing the works I was able to apply philosophies and

information received to navigate this years fiscal budget, along with developing policies and

procedures. Law enforcement leaders must respond to the challenge of todays society by having

knowledge and a critical understanding of modern criminology and criminal justice issues.
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References:

Final Report of the Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing, May 2015.
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/ TaskForce_FinalReport.pdf Recommendation 5.9,
page 58.
Fritsvold, Erik, LEPSL 500 Critical Issues in Law Enforcement and Public Safety. Module 3
Presentation 1. University of San Diego 2017
Menifield, C. (2013). The Basics of Public Budgeting and Financial Management: A Handbook
for Academics and Practitioners (2nd ed.). Lanham, MD: University Press of America.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse Blog Team. (). Prescription Drugs. Retrieved from
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/drug-facts/prescription-drugs on July 20, 2017.