Author Question: What functions do police serve in society? Compare and contrast these functions at the federal, ... (Read 128 times)

SAVANNAHHOOPER23 · **on:** Aug 13, 2018

What functions do police serve in society? Compare and contrast these functions at the federal, state, and county levels.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

When conducting a meta-analysis of literature on police arrest practices, Koche, Wilson, and Mastrofski found that after being stopped by the police:

a. minority suspects were significantly more likely to be arrested than white suspects. b. White suspects were significantly more likely to be arrested than minority suspects.
c. minority and white suspects had an equal likelihood of being arrested. d. middle- and lower-class individuals had an equal likelihood of being arrested.

billybob123 · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 13, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The police and other law enforcement agents (such as federal agents and state investigators) are the gatekeepers of the criminal justice process. They initiate contact with law violators and decide whether to formally arrest them, settle the issue in an informal way (by issuing a warning), or simply take no action at all. They are given much discretion in their decision making; their presence and visibility (e.g., patrol) create a sense of security. Federal: A number of specialized agencies are involved in enforcing federal law: FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals, ATF, and IRS. State: State police are not only involved in law enforcement and highway safety but also carry out a variety of functions, including maintaining a training academy and providing emergency medical services; they also offer special services and technical expertise. County: Nearly all sheriff's offices provide basic law enforcement services such as routine patrol, responding to citizen calls for service, and investigating crimes; serving civil process (summons and court orders), providing court security, operating the county jail, and investigating crimes.

Answer to Question 2

a