Describe how differences in culture impact society’s interactions with criminal justice professionals
Scenario
You are in the same role you chose for Project One: Because you did such fantastic work with the training you held for community members and sworn officers, the Civilian Office of Accountability, a local advisory board, has invited you back to report back with specific potential ideas for the location you chose for Project One. The board would like to hear your thoughts on relevant issues, such as how other cultures view criminal justice professionals, and typical types of misunderstandings between such professionals and civilians.
Directions
Suggestions Report
For your report, feel free to take information from any of the module resources, or use outside resources.
Describe different cultures’ or subcultures’ views of criminal justice professionals.
Include at least three of the following (different from your own background) that are relevant to your community:
Native Americans
Asian communities
Hispanic communities
Refugees
People of color
Undocumented people
Explain the general views that are culturally based.
Describe the reasoning (often historical) behind those views.
Describe incidents of cultural misunderstanding between criminal justice professionals and civilians. Address the following in your assessment:
Language
Religion / beliefs
Illiteracy
Deafness
Describe professional practices that may create cultural sensitivity in criminal justice professionals. Address the following in your assessment:
Understanding the public
Diversity training
Procedural justice
Police legitimacy
Diverse hiring practices
Assess best practices to build trust within cultural communities. Address the following in your assessment:
Creating an understanding of the community
Transparency
Accountability
Positive community interactions
Visibility
Full Answer Section
- Cultural misunderstandings: Differences in cultural practices and communication styles can lead to misunderstandings between Native Americans and law enforcement, potentially escalating situations.
Asian Communities:
- Emphasis on respect for authority: Many Asian cultures place a strong emphasis on respect for authority figures, including law enforcement officers. This can lead to a tendency to be more compliant and deferential during interactions with police.
- Language barriers: Language barriers can hinder communication and understanding between Asian communities and law enforcement, potentially leading to frustration and misinterpretations.
- Cultural sensitivity: Some Asian communities may be less likely to report crimes due to cultural factors like "saving face" or fear of bringing shame to the family, which can hinder effective policing.
Hispanic Communities:
- Negative experiences with profiling: Many Hispanic communities have experienced racial profiling and discriminatory treatment by law enforcement, leading to feelings of fear and resentment.
- Language barriers: Similar to Asian communities, language barriers can create communication challenges and misunderstandings between Hispanic communities and law enforcement.
- Lack of trust: Negative experiences and historical injustices can lead to a general lack of trust in the police within some Hispanic communities.
It's important to remember that these are general trends and not universal experiences. Individuals within each group will have their own unique perspectives and experiences with law enforcement.
Additional Considerations:
- People of color: This broad term encompasses diverse cultures and ethnicities. While specific experiences vary, some common concerns include racial profiling, excessive use of force, and a lack of representation within the criminal justice system.
- Undocumented people: This group may face additional fear and distrust of law enforcement due to the risk of deportation or apprehension. Building trust and ensuring access to justice for undocumented individuals is crucial.
By acknowledging and understanding these diverse perspectives, we can work towards building trust and fostering positive interactions between all members of the community and the criminal justice system.
Sample Answer
Cultural Views of Criminal Justice Professionals:
Understanding the diverse perspectives within a community is crucial for fostering positive interactions between civilians and criminal justice professionals. Here's an exploration of how some cultural groups within the United States may view law enforcement, focusing on Native Americans, Asian communities, and Hispanic communities.
Native Americans:
- Historical distrust: Many Native American communities have a long history of mistreatment by government officials, including law enforcement, leading to distrust and skepticism towards the criminal justice system.
- Tribal sovereignty: Native American tribes have their own legal systems and law enforcement structures, and some may view external law enforcement as infringing on their sovereignty.