Description of the news story
It is noted that law enforcement agencies cannot be present in all places to reform the accused or the convicts (DaGrossa, 2014). In this situation, criminal justice agencies need to depend on the community-based correction system. In a few cases, informal correction system can become effectual when compared with the formal correction system. For example, a few convicts are not reformable in the formal correction system.
Nevertheless, it is possible to reform them in the community-based correction system. At the same time, it is imperative that the legitimacy of the informal correctional system is established. Paucity of legitimacy may affect the ability of communities to enforce legal and ethical code of conduct (DaGrossa, 2014).
Issues related to Probation
A few suggestions are made to improve the legitimacy of correction officers in the community-based correction setting. First, correction officers should discuss with offenders concerning their family and social background. In this way, they can obtain the confidence of the convicts. Second, law enforcement authorities need to learn a few intervention methods. This is indispensable to motivate convicts to improve their decision-taking ability.
Offenders should be able to defend their actions so that they can participate in the judicial process. Third, correctional officers need to collaborate with offenders while offering them suggestions to improve their behavior. Fourth, correction officers should apprise offenders concerning the terms and conditions of the supervision system.Offenders should be encouraged to respect rules of probation. Fifth, offenders should be allowed to defend their misconduct. In this way, it is possible to establish rapport between the offenders and correction officers. Sixth, law enforcement authorities need to offer the rationale for their actions. This is likely to enhance the legitimacy of correction officers. Seventh, police officers need to establish friendly relationship with the family members of the offenders. The family members should be encouraged to explain the reasons for misconduct of the offender. Eighth, employees of commmunity-based correction system should be apprised of the significance of legitimacy.
Participatory management style is effective as it can reduce employee stress. Probation officers, offenders, family members, and the community should participate in the decision-making process. In this way, it is possible to ensure job satisfaction for employees of community-based correctional organizations. A satisfied employee is likely to respond positively to the issues raised by the offender. In this way, it is possible to improve the relationship between correction officer and the offender (DaGrossa, 2014).
New Information
Interestingly, a few criminals aver that the criminal justice system lacks legitimacy. This is the new information provided by the article. This information is not available in the textbook related to the criminal justice system. According to offenders, the procedural justice system does not protect their interest. As a response to this injustice, they have exhibited criminal behavior. In this situation, it becomes important to find an alternative to the formal criminal justice system. This is particularly significant as several citizens claim that they lack confidence in the current law enforcement authorities. Several criminals have personal experience with injustice.
Several juveniles have experienced injustice in the form of unjustifiable incarceration of their parents. African-American juveniles are more likely to become criminals when compared with their white counterparts. The American criminal justice system does not allow the convicts to participate in the political process. At the same time, studies have revealed that suspects cooperate with officers, who are known for their just behavior. It is also suggested that convicts should be given considerable opportunities to express their views concerning a criminal act. Currently, correction officers dominate the criminal justice system (DaGrossa, 2014).
Works Cited
DeGrossa, Joseph A. “Improving Legitimacy in Community-Based Corrections.” Federal Probation 78.1 (2014): 22-27. Print.