Law Enforcement Today

University of Phoenix

CJS/200-Quentin Gerbich

The individuals that work in the field of law enforcement today are presented with issues and concerns unlike any faced by those of the past. The changing face of crimes and criminal activity in this country and around the world are at the root of many of these challenges. In this country, the most significant issue is the shift to a more multicultural society. There are also concerns regarding police corruption, use of deadly force, racial profiling and the job hazards of policing in an increasingly dangerous world. The way police agencies enforce the laws and work to provide a safe environment to those they serve has perhaps never been more complex than it is today. The new threat of terrorism only exacerbates the issues and adds a new element to an already difficult situation for law enforcement officials in America.

The United States today is full of citizens from a number of different ethnic backgrounds and different religious and cultural beliefs.

Numbered map of police force territories in the Un...

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Ag...

United States Postal Inspection Service car

In any field where your job is to provide a service to the public, it is important to have a basic understanding of the people you serve. The same is true for those who work in law enforcement, but because of the nature of their duties, it is an issue for serious concern. The multicultural shift in America means that there is more representation of various minority groups, all of whom have differing historic relations with those in law enforcement, and often times an unfavorable one. Whether these groups are newly represented in American society or have been part of the society for generations, most often there is a history of unfair or unequal treatment under the law that is difficult for parties on both sides of the issue to...