Module Five Assignment Two
Views
The Native Americans (especially American Indians) are of the opinion that the country’s criminal justice professionals are racially biased, and as such, how these professionals treat the minorities is a serious problem. This may be attributable to high incarceration rates evidenced in this group of people. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that the rate at which Native Americans are jailed is 38 percent compared to the national average (Marks & Smith, 2015).
Misunderstandings
Native Americans have had several misunderstandings with criminal justice professionals. Some of the misunderstandings have centred on religion/beliefs. There are instances where criminal justice professionals and especially police officers have acted brutally towards this group of people. Marks & Smith (2015) state that police brutality is normally associated with racial profiling. When differences in religion and beliefs exist between the law enforcers and the citizenry, some police officers may perceive the population as generally deserving to be punished.
Professional Practices
Understanding the public-denotes to comprehending the needs of the public.
Possible outcomes
• More cooperation
• Reduced cases of crime
Diversity training-is any program formulated to foster intergroup interaction, decrease discrimination and prejudice (Wildermuth & Gray, 2005).
Possible outcomes
• Reduction in police brutality
• Increased racial tolerance
Procedural justice-refers to the idea of fairness in the processes involved in resolving disputes and allotting resources
Possible outcomes
• More faith in the justice system
• Fair treatment of the public
Police legitimacy-this is the level to which people perceive law enforcers as genuine, usually determined in terms of the willingness of citizenry to observe and cooperate with the law enforcers.
Possible outcomes
• Public trust in the police increases
• Obedience to the police
• Level of cooperation increases
Diverse hiring practices-this is hiring individuals on the basis of merit while ensuring the processes are free from biases like race, age, gender, religion, ethnicity etc.
Possible outcomes
• Promotion of individual talents
• Efficiency in the delivery of services
References
Marks, R. M., & Smith, R. A. (2015). Native Americans/Criminal Justice.
Wildermuth, C., & Gray, S. D. (2005). Diversity training. American Society for Training and Development.
