Criminology

United States capitol police is a police force charged with the responsibility of protecting the United States Congress within the District of Columbia and all over the United States and its boundaries. It was created by the congress in 1828 because of the physical attack on the son of John Quincy Adams in the Capitol Rotunda. At the start of the force, it was composed of only five officers who were providing security to the Capitol Building. Its initial roles were to provide security for the United States capital. The mission of the United States capitol police was later stretched to include congressional community and their visitors with various police services. The security services provided by the United States capitol police are done through various specialty support units, foot and vehicle patrols, setting up fixed police posts, full time control and emergency response team, e.t.c. In 2007, United States capitol police had 1,700 members.

Currently, the responsibilities of United States capitol police include protecting lives and property of the public, preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activities and ensuring traffic rules are followed in big congressional buildings, parks, and thorough fares are charged. The United States capitol police exclusively operate within the United States Capital Grounds and also have a link with other law enforcement agencies such as United States Park Police and the Metropolitan Police department of District of Columbia. In the District of Columbia, their area of operation is approximately 200 blocks around the complex. They have additional responsibility of protecting the members of congress, officers of congress, their families all over America, its territories and belongings, and the District of Columbia.

USCP has its recruits sent for initial training in Federal Law Enforcement Training Center which is found in Glynco. On some occasions, they can be sent to FLETC located in Artesia, NM, but this is not commonly done. After completing the 12 weeks training at FLETC, they are then sent to FLETC which is located in Cheltenham, MD for another 13 weeks training. After the recruits have received the training, they are then sworn in as law enforcement officers and are posted to one of the three divisions to start their work. At the level of training, the salary is 54, 000 but this is later increased to 56, 000 after graduation. After serving for about 30 months, there is promotion to the rank of private first class officer and the annual salary is raised to 63,000.

The United States capitol police have various ranks and insignia in its structures. The lowest rank in this law enforcement agency is private officer this is then followed by private officer with training who has one chevron. There is a private first class officer who has a chevron and rocker. There is also the rank of a technician, detective or Metropolitan Police officer, sergeant who is distinguished with 3 chevrons. Lieutenant has one gold bar, captain has 2 gold bars, inspector has 1 gold oak leaf, deputy chief has 2 stars, assistant chief 3 stars, and finally the highest post in this agency is the chief of the capitol police who has 4 stars.

Being a federal agency, the United States capitol police has numerous external entities. The entities include Government accounting office, office of the inspector general, and congressional committees which are charged with the responsibility of regular assessment and appraisal of the operational and the office running of the department. United States Capitol Police willingly requested for the CALEA Law enforcement Accreditation and they were awarded in 1999. After the initial accreditation, they have received accreditation twice and currently comply with 352 of the 463 standards. The department is currently very open to scrutiny and this enhances their mission which is to protect and provide security to the Congress for it to achieve their constitutional roles in a secure and open environment.  

United states Capitol Police officers have been killed while are on duty. The fondly remembered incident occurred in 1984 where a training incident resulted into death of Sergeant Christopher Eney. There was also a case of a mentally ill gunman called Russell Eugene Weston Jr. who shot dead Jacob Chestnut and detective John Gibson on July 24th, 1998. The two shot officers were laid in honor in the Rotunda awaiting their burial in Arlington National Cemetery. Chestnut became the first black American to be laid in honor in the Rotunda.

The United States capitol police, through the Capitol Police Board, have exclusive responsibility and control for policing US capitol buildings and grounds. Capitol police board is made up of sergeant at arms of the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives, and the Architect of the capitol.  Metropolitan police department are allowed by the law to carry out arrest within the capitol building and grounds for any unlawful activity. In contrary, metropolitan police department members are not allowed to make arrest, serve a warrant, or even patrol the capitol building without the authority of the United States Capitol Police. They are only responsible to the areas which are not under the jurisdiction of the capitol police, for example Capitol Buildings and Grounds.

Capitol police is allowed to carry out arrest and if not implement the laws of the united states, in addition to laws of district of Columbia in Capitol buildings and Grounds and other possessions under the control of the Architect of the capitol within the areas. Arrest can be carried out within the District of Columbia for any crime or violence committed in the full view of the capitol police officer when he is carrying out the official duties. Arrest can also be done to avoid looming loss of life or even injury to people, or damage to or even loss of a property when the capitol police officer is carrying out official duties. Arrest can still be made within the District of Columbia in relation to any crime of violence committed within the United States Capitol Grounds.

There are some procedural guidelines which the capitol police must follow when carrying out their duties. Investigations of criminal acts committed within the capitol buildings are done by the capitol police. The only types of cases they do not handle are homicide and serious sex crimes which are done by the metropolitan police department though they get assistance from the capitol police. Within the capitol police, there is a Civil Disturbance Unit which is charged with the responsibility of carrying out mass arrests within the United States capitol buildings and grounds. Capitol police has the right to use of the Washington Area Law Enforcement system and National Crime information Center. They are also allowed to use the Teletype system of the metropolitan police department to ferry information to the telecommunication branch and synchronized operations command center to feed the data.

Recently the United States capitol police have taken several bold steps towards increasing security around the capitol buildings. Some of the steps they have taken include retaining officers to shoot suspected suicide bombers in the head if other efforts to stop the attacker have flopped. These orders have been given out by the police chief Terrace Gainer. He has also decided to close a major thoroughfare and enforce about 14 vehicle check points on Capitol Hill.  There is also intensive training of capitol police officers together with the Israeli counterterrorism experts and bomb technicians. These are considered as major steps towards intensifying security measures.

Many federal law enforcement officials who are involved in counterterrorism work and others who work in Capitol Hill believes that the capitol was the main target of hijackings and of the September 11th attack, and is still considered as a major target for terrorist attacks. The officers believe coupled with anthrax and ricin attacks which were carried out in senate offices has elicited fear among many workers operating and living around Capitol Hill. From the time he took the leadership of the capitol police, Gainer has placed more emphasis on how to improve security services he is currently offering to 535 congress members.

A municipal court is a court whose area of operation is limited to a specific municipality, county, community, or city. They are only mandated to preside over cases and offences which fall under their area of operation. Their main objectives are to administer justice in a manner considered fair, just and timely. They are also determined to protect the legal rights and liberties of citizens and protect the public interest. The kind of cases presided over by the municipal courts include traffic citation cases, landlord tenant cases, civil cases valued up to 15,000, and all small claims complaints valued up to 3000.

There are several advantages of being involved in municipal courts. Some of the advantages are these courts are less expensive compared to other courts. Their procedures tend to be less formal and are more user friendly. It is not easy for a person to be jailed by municipal courts except when the person fails to pay the fine charged. They also quicken the delivery of justice to petty offences which would have delayed in other court systems. Municipal courts resolve civil disputes which require no court hearing therefore they enable people with small disputes to reach a compromise faster.

Municipal courts are presided over by judges who are qualified therefore fear of ones case being handled by unqualified individuals is not there. The doctrine of judicial precedent is applied in municipal courts by the judge. This doctrine ensures that proper decision is made concerning the case being handled. Municipal courts have an appeal system should one of the parties feel unhappy with the decision passed. These courts offer legal representation to people with low income. Without the aid of municipal court, some cases involving boundaries take long before being resolved. It also ensures better enforcement of the law at the local level. Collection of fines from the court is made easier with municipal court. There is also a possibility of scheduling night sessions with municipal courts which eliminates piling of cases.

Municipal courts also have some disadvantages. These courts are expensive. Most of the cases receive high fines as compared to fines offered in other courts. Trials take long unlike in other courts. The process involved in municipal courts is a bit complicated.  Municipal courts are only operating during work days and these forces people to take some time off from their work to attend court hearings. The court set up of municipal courts may make someone feel uncomfortable when telling their story. It may also scare persons who have never been to a court before. Courts are created to help people but not to hurt them. In such courts even after winning the case, getting back your property or money is not assured. If you are not paid instantly or in installments as was agreed, the court can give an order called execution of judgment that will allow a local sheriff to try to collect for you at a small fee.

Conclusion
Municipal courts have many advantages as compared to disadvantages. These courts brings legal services closer to the people, also ensures law enforcement at local levels. In minor cases where court hearings are not necessary, municipal courts assist. Through such courts even people with low income are capable of getting legal representation. The few disadvantages of this court include uncomfortable set up, guarantee of getting your property back after ruling, and extra fees paid to court sheriffs.

There has been much talk about Miranda Rights and the preservation in the news media recently.  Attempted terrorists are now being given Miranda Rights as though they were citizen of the United States.  While this practice has created much controversy, each citizen of the United States is to be legally given Miranda Rights in order to protect them from self-incrimination.  The United States Supreme Court made a landmark decision in Miranda vs. Arizona citing that Miranda Rights were a diligent part of law enforcement.
   
Certain legal conditions mandate the use of Miranda Rights.  Miranda Rights give an individual the right to remain silent, have an attorney, and refuse to answer any questions.  These intricate rights also inform the individual that any information provided of them may possibly be used in court at a later date.  Before any member of law enforcement is able to interrogate a suspect, the suspect is to be read the Miranda act.  If a suspect has been placed under arrest, the same holds true.  These rights are used to preserve the innocence of the suspect until proven guilty in a court of law.
   
It has been questioned as to whether or not a confession offered before being read the Miranda act can still be used in court against the individual.  The answer is no.  Any statement made in a confession, influenced confession, or out of duress may not be used against any individual in a court of law.  Other evidence may be used against a defendant in a court of law to secure a conviction without a confession.  Miranda Rights are a minor technicality that carries a lot of weight in court.  If due process is not followed diligently, the court can be forced to uphold the law by dismissing any charges against a suspect.  Most importantly, the Miranda act was enacted to keep individuals from incriminating themselves.

Communication is the most effective way of conveying ideas and thoughts from one person to another.  This can be achieved through speech, gestures, and looks.  In todays changing times communication barriers are becoming ever more present.  The United States is growing fast in population which brings with it different cultures and ways of communication.  English is becoming a second language.  For law enforcement officials, this can become quite a hindrance when trying to perform the duties required of their job.
   
Law enforcement may encounter situations that make communicating virtually impossible.  This may be due in part to someone having a disability, hearing loss, speech impediment, or an inability to understand the language by which the officer is speaking.  In order to overcome these barriers, law enforcement officials must be willing to listen and learn.  Officers need to be mindful to show respect and be empathetic when trying to communicate with an individual.  Being patient and speaking slow are also effective reassurances that can be offered to the individual.  Avoid eye contact as to not intimidate the individual.  Slang should not be used.  Communication barriers can be remedied where differences in language are concerned when precincts offer foreign language courses to enhance the officers communication abilities.
   
When an officer is conducting an investigation, communication barriers make an already hectic situation seem worse.  Law enforcement officials can use other means of collecting information besides verbal speech.  Officers can listen to what the word is already on the streets.  Someone may pass a note or leave a voice message for the officer in charge.  A translator may be needed when interviewing someone who simply cannot communicate in English.  Gestures and sign language are other effective forms of communication.  An officer should never condemn an individual for their personal indifferences in communication.

Self-managed teams are defined to be  relatively autonomous teams whose members share or rotate leadership responsibilites and hold themselves mutually responsible for a set of performance goals assigned by higher management . In this kind of teams, there are several expectations from each of the members, as all of them play a critical role towards the achievement of the groups goals. The elements of the self-managed teams can be used in organizations under the field of Criminal Justice.

First, the team members are expected to share their knowledge, skills, and abilities that results to the expansion of employees KSA and levels of motivation. Through this, the members of the team can play a diverse set of roles as they have an increased level of knowledge and are capable of doing more tasks using the information gained. Second, the members are expected to acquire leadership roles in order for them to effectively handle the team as everyone should be able to lead theirselves and the team. Lastly, team members are expected to adopt the principles of  preparation, communication, and mutual respect,  which gave way to the success of The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

In organizations working under the field of Criminal Justice, the concepts related to self-management teams can be applied where relative autonomy can be given to these organizations. For example, police officers can work as a team during entrapment operations wherein everyone is allowed to take on different roles in leading. However, there are occupations with highly specialized requirements and can not be included, such as the appointed officials.

Teams and Groups
In organizations, the role of teams and groups form a significant part in the achievement of goals. According to Bolman and Deal (2003), a great part of the work in present-day organizations are carried out by teams and groups. However, there is a distinction made between the two where all teams are considered to be groups but not all groups are teams. Simply put, the teams can refer to themselves as groups but groups lack some of the characteristics of a team, which makes them not appropriate to be called a team.

The concept of the word  team  is defined by  a group of people with a high degree of interdependence geared toward the achievement of a goal or the completion of a task. The teams have something in common, which makes them qualified to become groups, but moves on beyond this quality to include working towards a particular goal as they become interdependent with one another. For example, the marketing team formed for the purpose of introducing a new car to the market share certain characteristics and are working towards the goals provided to them. As for groups, the broadest definition that can be provided is that it is  a number of people who have something in common. In this case, the common characteristics do not qualify them to become teams because of the inherent lack of the movement towards a particular goal. For example, women who have two children can be considered as a group because they have something in common. Also, students who belong to a particular section can also fall under the category of a group because they share the same section.

Thus, the characteristics of the team can include that of the group. However, the elements of the group do not suffice for them to be considered as teams.

Incarcerating offenders for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the members of mainstream society is not the only function of the Bureau of Prisons. The truth is that the Bureau is engaged in rehabilitating offenders so that they could become productive members of society after serving their time in prison. In this connection, the programs and services being provided in the different federal prisons are not only meant to meet the basic needs of the inmates. Prison officials are also tasked to ensure that inmates are prepared for a successful reintegration into society and that their leisure is being structured in such a way as to contribute to their general transformation. Achieving this threefold objective, according to the bureau, would effectively ease the inmates way back into the folds of society, and prevent them from committing future offenses, thereby reducing the rate of recidivism (Federal Bureau of Prisons, n.d.).