Instructions: This assignment should be
approximately 6-7 double-spaced typewritten pages. A minimum of 1500
words (not counting the title page and references). Use one-inch margins
and 12-point Times New Roman type.
APA format will be observed for this assignment. This
means there is to be a title page, as well as a reference page. The assignment
should be submitted in Word format or PDF utilizing Turnitin. This assignment
is worth 30% of your grade. No late assignments will be accepted.
You are a newly assigned Police Chief in the City of
Anytown, U.S.A., which has approximately 120,000 residents. Unfortunately,
you have inherited a police department that was formerly under investigation by
the federal government for a major scandal. Six months ago, 8 police
officers were arrested and convicted for both falsifying police reports and
covering up citizen complaints involving excessive use of
force. Consequently, Gallup polls indicate that 68% of Anytown residents
do not trust police officers in their community. Unemployment has risen
27% and violent crime (e.g., murder, assaults, robberies, etc.) has increased
22% from the previous year. Domestic violence has also experienced a sudden
increase, which may have caused the growing number of gang delinquency,
especially in areas of low socioeconomic status. Various quality-of-life issues
(e.g., graffiti, public consumption, disorderly conduct) continually rise as
your police officers are underpaid and overworked. Sadly, 4 of the 150 sworn
police officers have died by suicide this last year. Overall, department
morale is at an all-time low.
As a result, you have been tasked by the Mayor to research three
(3) significant theoretical perspectives covered during the semester in our
textbook readings. The previous police chief (your predecessor) never
introduced any of these perspectives to the department, as academia has never played
a factor in addressing the systemic issues within Anytown PD. The three
(3) theoretical perspectives must be selected from the list below:
1.
Anomie/Strain
Theory
3.
Deterrence Theory
4.
Rational Choice Theory
For EACH theoretical perspectives, you are REQUIRED
to provide an overview/description from the textbook (a minimum of six (6)
textbook citations required) AND assess their value in making a
policy change. Utilize scholarly materials (a minimum of six (6)
peer-reviewed journal articles required) that have empirically assessed the
theories selected particularly relating to their application in a policy or
program. ***It is strongly encouraged to use two (2) textbook citations
and two (2) journal articles for each theory discussed.
Based on extensive RESEARCH and your CRITICAL
THOUGHT, make a decision on whether or not to utilize these theoretical
perspectives in your department as a foundational tool to enhance your agency.
Lastly, provide a SUMMARY of ALL decisions
you’ve made. Clearly state YOUR overall objective as a leader of
police officers. Remember: your objective should be to reduce the number of
crimes in Anytown and increase morale within your police
department.
***Be sure to not re-use previously submitted work. This
includes material from the textbook, unless re-phrased, or outside sources.
This is to be new work***
The textbook is classics of criminology: fourth edition.
