Controlling Crime in the United States

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Sociology

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Nov 24, 2024

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1 Controlling Crime in the United States: What Works and What Doesn't? Student's Name Institution Instructor Course Date

2 Introduction A major issue in the United States is the high rates of violent and property crime that often plague the nation. Despite efforts made through various means to combat this issue, it remains a significant matter of national importance. This paper examines various methods that have been used to reduce crime rates within the United States with varying degrees of success. What Works? Community Policing To prevent crime in the US effectively, one can utilize community policing, and the key to addressing the root causes of crime lies in collaboration between law enforcement officials and members of local communities. The capacity of community policing to cultivate trust and teamwork between police personnel and the community is a key benefit. Law enforcement organizations may better understand the needs and problems of the community by developing connections with its residents (Schuck, 2019). This may assist the police in creating tailored plans to deal with certain problems and lower crime rates. Crime rates have significantly decreased due to community policing tactics. Law enforcement agencies can create more successful tactics and more adapted to the community's requirements by incorporating the community in the crime prevention process. Community policing fosters collaboration and trust and gives law enforcement organizations a chance to enhance their reputation in the neighborhood. Law enforcement organizations may show their dedication to collaborating with the community and enhancing the safety and security of the communities they serve by putting community policing techniques into practice.

3 Gun Control Laws In the US, there are strong sentiments on both sides of the argument on gun control laws. While opponents of gun control measures contend that they violate the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding residents and do nothing to deter crime, supporters of the laws contend that they are vital to curb gun-related violence and safeguard public safety. Despite this debate, some data suggests certain gun control measures may successfully reduce the number of crimes using firearms. Implementing background checks for anybody wishing to acquire weapons is one such legislation. To decrease the possibility of gun-related violence, it is important to perform background checks that deter people with a history of violent crime or mental illness from obtaining firearms, and the prohibition on assault weapons has successfully decreased the accessibility of these kinds of firearms and lessened their involvement in violent crimes. Gun control laws are a source of concern because they might disproportionately impact some groups like minorities or low-income individuals who may encounter more challenges when trying to get firearms for self-defense. Despite these worries, some data suggests that certain gun control policies may successfully lower gun-related violence. The rights of law-abiding persons should not be violated; hence it is crucial to consider any unintended implications of such regulations. Incarceration In the US, incarceration has often been employed as a crime-control measure. The number of repeat criminals has decreased due to the "Three Strikes" rule, which demands life imprisonment for a third felony conviction (Mondragon, 2019). This legislation was implemented in response to the idea that repeats criminals committed a significant portion of the nation's crime. Repeat offenders were thought to get heavier punishments, lowering crime rates. Further lowering drug-related crimes has been the establishment of mandatory minimum

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4 sentences for drug offenses. No of the circumstances surrounding the offender, these penalties mandate that courts impose a minimum term for certain drug crimes. As a consequence, many people have been imprisoned for drug charges that were not violent. While some communities have shown success in lowering crime rates via imprisonment, it has also come under fire for its unfavorable effects. Prison may lead to social exclusion, fewer career chances, and restricted access to education, all of which can increase the likelihood of recidivism. Additionally, the price of jail is a worry. The amount of money the US spends on sustaining its jail system causes financial restrictions in other sectors, such as education and healthcare. In addition, jail overpopulation is a significant problem that has resulted in horrible living circumstances for convicts. Growing evidence has emerged recently that jail is not a long-term solution to crime. Alternative approaches, such as rehabilitation programs and restorative justice, are being investigated as more efficient and kind methods to deal with crime. These programs could include counseling, treatment, education, and career training. Rehabilitation programs may lower recidivism rates and keep people from reentering jail by giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed. In order to undo the damage done by the crime, restorative justice entails bringing the victim, the offender, and the community together. Instead of emphasizing punishment, this strategy emphasizes the value of healing and reconciliation. Restorative justice can potentially lower recidivism rates and increase offenders' feelings of responsibility. What Doesn't Work? War on Drugs The government's initiatives to fight drug misuse and drug-related crimes are known as the "War on Drugs. Communities of color have raised worries about the unbalanced effect of The War on Drugs since black and Hispanic people are all the more habitually captured and

5 imprisoned for drug offenses contrasted with White individuals (Earp et al., 2021). As per various arguments of The War on Drugs, the mission's way to deal with rebuffing drug clients and sellers as opposed to resolving basic issues, for example, destitution and psychological maladjustment, which are underlying drivers of illicit drug use, has brought about the inability to lessen both chronic drug use rates and related crimes. Individuals are progressively supporting drug addictionlike decriminalization or authorization, with the end goal of diminishing or abrogating criminal punishments related to drug use and ownership. While some fight that decriminalization and authorization might empower drug use, others highlight the outcome of comparative approaches in countries like Portugal and the Netherlands, where drug utilization and damages related to drug use have policies since these arrangements were carried out. Militarization of the Police In many parts of the United States, the militarization of the police has been used to lower crime rates. This strategy entails providing police personnel with military-style tools and techniques, including armored cars, potent weapons, and tactical clothing. Some see this technique as essential to discourage crime and keep communities safe. In contrast, others claim it has increased police brutality incidents and exacerbated relations between law enforcement officers and civilians. Due to this strategy, numerous places have been exposed to intimidation and fear, making inhabitants believe they are under siege. The militarization of the police force increases the likelihood of police brutality, and the use of military-style equipment and procedures by police personnel makes them more likely to use excessive force and violence during contact with citizens. Police brutality and the use of unnecessary lethal force have resulted in several incidents that have eroded public trust in law enforcement, and the emphasis has shifted from supporting efforts to fostering positive relationships between police officers and

6 civilians through targeted programs aimed at addressing issues such as poverty and educational disparities (Warren, 2019) to purchasing military-grade weaponry. Because of their rising militarization, police agencies are coming to resemble paramilitary forces rather than public servants, and as a result, the problem of police militarization has grown. SWAT teams are increasingly used in routine law enforcement operations, even though they were initially intended only in life-or-death emergencies. As a result, the perception of the police as an invading force has grown in many places. Conclusion No method can successfully address the complicated challenge of crime control in the United States. It requires a complex strategy incorporating community involvement, legislators, and law enforcement organizations. Community policing, strict gun regulations, and jail are all effective ways to reduce crime in the United States. Gun control laws limit the purchase, ownership, and usage of weapons, which reduces the number of crimes using firearms. It can be argued that imprisonment has contributed to lower crime rates. However, The United States has not experienced a decline in crime despite efforts such as police militarization and the War on Drugs due to its inability to deal with the underlying factors that lead people towards drugs usage; therefore, The War on Drugs has caused many individuals involved in drugs to be imprisoned. With the militarization of the force causing erosion in community and law enforcement confidence, there has been an increase in police violence. Addressing the issue of crime in the US necessitates a thorough strategy that integrates law enforcement tactics with social and economic measures aimed at tackling underlying causes of criminal behavior.

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7 References Earp, B. D., Lewis, J., Hart, C. L., & with Bioethicists and Allied Professionals for Drug Policy Reform. (2021). Racial justice requires ending the war on drugs. The American Journal of Bioethics, 21(4), 4-19 Mondragon, S. (2019). California's Three Strikes Law-proposition 36: A Policy Analysis. California State University, Long Beach. Schuck, A. M. (2019). Community policing, coproduction, and social control: Restoring police legitimacy. Political authority, social control and public policy (Vol. 31, pp. 63-77). Emerald Publishing Limited. Warren, B. (2019). Applying Community-Oriented Policing as a Method to Counter Far-Right Extremism..

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