Running Head: BOOK REVIEW ABOUT GANGS 1
BOOK REVIEW ABOUT GANGS 2
Book Review about Gangs
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Book Review about Gangs
The book “Introduction to Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice” by Hess, Orthmann, & Cho (2016) provide the latest changes in criminal justice. It comprehensively covers law enforcement and criminal justice as a whole including the court, correctional and juvenile systems. The book uses a simple language to facilitate its understanding. It uses real-world examples and related boots on the street perspective enhancing readers’ understanding about gangs. The book has thirteen topics with several ways technology has changed daily policing operations and gives recommendations of the president’s Taskforce on the 21st Century policing.
Various ideas can be gleaned from the book. Firstly, while technology is used to commit more sophisticated crimes, it is also used in daily operations of policing. The book argues that the law enforcement officers are using technology to combat crime and protect the public against gang terrorism. Secondly, there is a need to improve trust and legitimacy with the public and develop a guardian mentality rather than a warrior mentality. Thirdly, there has been law enforcement to prevent gang activities. According to the book, between 1960 and 1990, criminal behaviors drastically increased in the United States (U.S). For instance, there were high cases of murder, aggravated assaults, and auto theft. As a response, the U.S. increased law enforcement activities such as the “brick-and-sticks” approach. This highlights the importance of law enforcement in dealing with criminal behaviors. Fourthly, there is need to use patrol to supplement policies against criminal acts. This is covered in chapter six of the book where it covers police patrols. Gangs are a threat to the U.S. security and measures to prevent them should not only target legislation. Different approaches can be used collectively to fight criminal behaviors.
Apart from the main ideas in the book, it has also strengths and weaknesses. Starting with the strengths, the book is well organized and critically evaluates law enforcement to address criminal activities. The book is divided into four sections, and topics are grouped to form a section. This enables readers to easily follow what is covered and how it fits the broader section. Also, rather than focusing on only the U.S. it presents criminal philosophies and law enforcement on a global scale. Thus, a reader not only understands regulations against gang terrorism in the U.S. but can also compare what other countries have done. Once the criminals have been apprehended, they are subjected to the law. Strength of the book is that it covers corrections targeting to change bad behavior of the criminal. This is important in reducing crime rates in the U.S. as well as reducing recidivism. Additionally, the book uniquely promotes a vision for law enforcement and various criminal justice system personnel. Consequently, it fosters readers’ critical thinking, problem-solving and communications skills.
The book does not have many weaknesses apart from making ambiguous statements. For example, in topic ten: “Gangs and Drugs: threats to our national security,” some unclear statements are made without elaboration. The book says that gangs and gang membership are decreasing in the U.S. although “the problem is perceived as worsening.”Here Hess, Orthmann, & Cho (2016) mean that although gangs are reducing, the remaining ones have paced up crimes creating a more dangerous feeling among the people. Though a simple sentence, it can be difficult to understand. For instance, many will be left wondering while gang activities are reducing, why is the problem worsening? And who feels that the problem is deteriorating; the public, law enforcement officers or which party exactly? This among other statements affects the readers’ understanding, and perhaps the next edition should be more precise.
I agree with the premises of Hess, Orthmann, & Cho (2016) especially with regards to a worsening gang problem. Since 2015, crime rates have increased in the U.S. with over 18 deaths being related to gangs. Majority of crimes were committed by the MS-13 gang which is known for its brutal tactics. In general, gang violence is increasing in the U.S. and thus making the population feel the problem is worsening. Also, the argument that law enforcement officers use technology to prevent gang violence is correct. Today, police are using predictive technologies to fight crime before it occurs. Predictive policing was previously used to reduce domestic crimes although has been expanded to fight street-committed crimes. Therefore, policing has gone high tech.
Additionally, Hess, Orthmann & Cho (2016), mentions that the gangs are also using technology to commit violence. For instance, using the internet, criminals can communicate unnoticed and learn ways of building chemical and explosive weapons. Hence, technology is used by both law enforcement officers and the gangs.
The book reflects my experience with the topic about the gangs because some of the violence mentioned I have seen them happen. Theft, drugs use, and assault, as indicated in the book, are some of the gang activities I have seen. Several countries are not new in tasting the effects of gang violence, and my experience is ordinary to any person. Also, it reflects my experience of using technology to fight crime. For instance, installing cameras in streets for monitoring is common in our societies.
References
Hess, K. M., Orthmann, C. H., & Cho, H. L. (2016). Introduction to Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Stamford: Cengage Learning.
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