Perspectives on the Police and Criminal Justice Debate (From The Australian Criminal Justice System: The Mid 1980s, P 193-211, 1986, Duncan Chappell and Paul Wilson, eds. -- See NCJ-110891)

• NCJ Number: 110901
• Author(s): P A Sallmann
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Butterworth-Heinemann
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper assesses the role of Australian police in public debate and law reform pertaining to criminal justice issues.

Abstract

The Australian police through their police organizations and senior spokespersons are actively involved in the political debates bearing upon criminal justice policies and procedures. In such debates the police have tended to portray a 'war on crime' in which they are the front-line troops who must be supported in their critical efforts. The police should continue their involvement in such public debate but should do so from the perspective that effective social control involves a much broader socioeconomic strategy than is represented by the police role alone. In debates on the nature of police powers, police officials have pushed for an expansion of police powers at the expense of the rights of suspects. Police representatives must approach the debate with the understanding that this is a complex matter that involves the balancing of many interests. This necessitates compromise that is ill-served by divisive tactics that polarize the various interest groups. The police have become involved in debate not only regarding their own powers but also in issues pertaining to the courts, such as the laws of evidence, juries, and sentencing. Although the police should have input in all matters that in any way affect their role in the criminal justice system, the tactics of their involvement should not create divisiveness within the criminal justice system nor seek to overpower the legitimate interests of other criminal justice professionals. 32 footnotes.