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Participants in American Criminal Justice - The Promise and the Performance

NCJ Number
86887
Author(s)
C Bartollas; S J Miller; P B Wice
Date Published
1983
Length
392 pages
Annotation
This textbook focuses on the behavior of law enforcement, courts, and corrections professionals, highlighting discrepancies between the images and realities of their work.
Abstract
Participants' formal expectations vary within their own departments, conflict with those of other justice agencies, and differ from society's. They shape their behavior from these expectations, the assumptions they bring to the job, their work experiences and personalities, peer influences, and the dictates of informal codes. The text analyzes the job objectives and responsibilities, as well as the rewards and tensions experienced by police chiefs, sheriffs, line officers, and detectives; judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and bail bondsmen; wardens, probation and parole officers, and correctional officers and counselors; and youth supervisors and juvenile social workers. It identifies how each role differs from those of other justice personnel and the informal codes governing behavior. The text also discusses the formal system (laws, written policies, and procedures) against which professionals perform, emphasizing points at which they can divert offenders or aid victims. Footnotes, tables, illustrations, chapter references, and an index are provided. Future trends facing criminal justice professionals are noted.

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