Part 1

The international perspective on policing has been a sensitive topic. The chapter has an in-depth analysis of the different police structures and their role in maintaining law and order. It is imperative to note that the chapter emphasizes on the various police structures, their merits, and demerits. The reading enlightens on fragmented, centralized or integrated police structures as the primary classification of the police service in the world (Paxton, 2009). There is also the mention of the multiple forces that can either be centralized or decentralized. In essence, the readings for the week have given detailed police structures across the world.

For instance, the centralized structure is a good example of a police structure used in different countries. It is nevertheless imperative to note that this is strange in the United States. Ghana, Denmark, and Ecuador among other countries are given as examples where centralized police structure thrives.  It is described as a form of a structure where all the police activities are under one command. From the chapter, it is clear that this type of structure is used across the geographical, demographical and topographical regions as explained by its existence in Poland, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Nigeria. The chapter also discusses the existence of the decentralized single system (Paxton, 2009). This is a police structure that entails a single force that is under decentralized command. It is a scarce occurrence, but Japan is an example of where such structure exists. From the readings, it is clear that this form of structure has several demerits. Japan is given as an example where there is much confusion among the multiple different forces in the country.

Also, there is the concept of coordinated and uncoordinated police systems. These are two distinct sets of police structures that exist across geographical divides. Such forms of police structures are common among the decentralized structures. Those that work well together among the different organs are classified as coordinated while the vice verse is uncoordinated. Germany is given as an example of decentralized multiple coordinated systems. It is a form of police structure where there is existent of different forces under the command of various government levels. On the other hand, Spain is an example of centralized multiple uncoordinated systems. The existence of parallel police forces brings about rivalry amongst the forces hence hindering efficient service delivery. There is the highlight of the existence of decentralized multiple uncoordinated systems in the United States where there are over 17,800 states and local enforcement agencies. It is imperative understanding that the readings give insights that come along with the uncoordinated police structures.

Despite the good works done by the police in maintenance of law and order, there is a major concern on police misconduct which has been on the rise. Cases of corruption, police killings and other acts that violate human rights have been reported in different countries (Paxton, 2009). It is, therefore, prudent of having centralized supervisory agents that will ensure that police force meets international standards. With such police force, the increased corruption among the Kenyan police and the increased cases of police killings in Jamaica would be significantly reduced (Tyler, 2007).  Interpol and Europol have enhanced information sharing among the police units all over the world. This is a wise move that can minimize language barriers that have been a significant obstacle to service delivery by the police force.

Part 2

Reading newspapers and news items from other countries is fascinating. Besides the politics news that is mostly covered by these papers, there are also some articles that provide essential information on matters concerning police, courts and prisons. From such articles, one can get information on respect to the recent trends in crime, how they are solved and the role of courts in minimizing the crime rate. The newspapers also enable us to appreciate the role of police and other correctional officers in the maintenance of law and order (THE STRAIT TIMES, 2016). There are some newspapers articles that have absorbing stories that revolve around police, courts, and prisons as discussed below;

For instance, while reading a Singapore newspaper ‘’ The Straits Times,’’ I was interested in realizing that there are still people being arrested for some minor offenses. There is a story of young man who is involved in a robbery incident with a knife. It is interesting that a man can commit robbery with a mere knife in the 21st century. It is also imperative to note that the police have done a good job in investigating and arresting the perpetrator of an occurrence that happened sometimes ago (THE STRAIT TIMES, 2016). We are notified that the arrest was done by Jurong Division, which is the police investigative unit in Singapore.

On this note, there is also another story where two young men in their 20s are arrested in connection with snatch theft in Jurong West. This is a clear indication that most of the petty crimes that happen in Singapore are mostly perpetrated by young men below thirty years. It is also interesting to note that most of the victims from actions of these goons are female. It is also imperative to note that most of these crimes are happening in the urban centers of the Singapore suburbs.  Also, the efforts of the police and other law enforcing agencies in this country are adequately addressed. From the news article, it is clear that the identity of the perpetrators is made possible by the help of police cameras. This is an indication that police are embracing technology in fulfilling their roles to maintain law and order.

There is also another interesting story in the same newspaper where a man is fined $7,000 for allegedly failing to pay $660 for parking offenses. The story becomes fascinating because first-time offenders of this crime are fined between $600and $ 800. From this article, one can appreciate the role of the justice systems in maintaining law and order. The harsh fine imposed on this man is after repeatedly ignoring court sermons (THE STRAIT TIMES, 2016). It is worth understanding that such penalties would discourage people from committing such crimes in future. It is prudent for the courts to work together with the police to maintain law and order.

Nevertheless, the courts show leniency by allowing the culprit to make payments in installments despite the previous record of the convict. Ravi had ignored several court sermons in the past, and there was no guarantee that he will honor the court ruling, this time round.  It is of paramount importance that the justice systems should make judgments that will discourage repetition of crimes (Tyler, 2007). There should be increased harmony between the police and other law enforcing agencies if the objective of the police in maintaining law and order will become a reality.

References

Paxton, M. (2009). Toward a life-course perspective of police organizations. Policing, 32(4). http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/pijpsm.2009.18132dae.003

THE STRAIT TIMES,. (2016). Police arrest 21-year-old suspect in attempted armed robbery.

Tyler, T. (2007) Legitimacy and criminal justice. Russell sage

 
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