MJ601Survey of Criminal Justice
Lesson 3: Policing in the United States
Discussion Question 1(50 points)
List and describe the four (4) major functions of law enforcement personnel in the United States. Which functions do you think take up the bulk of law enforcement time and resources? Why? Is this a flaw or strength in the system? Why? Provide examples to support your positions.
(50 points) (A 2-page response is required.)
Grading Rubric
Please refer to the rubric on the following page for the grading criteria for this assignment.
CATEGORYExemplarySatisfactoryUnsatisfactoryUnacceptable
6 points 5 points 4 points3 points
Student provides a clear,
logical description of the
law enforcement function
of law enforcement.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical discussion of
the law enforcement
function of law
enforcement.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical discussion of
the law enforcement
function of law
enforcement.
Student provides a weak or
unclear discussion of the
law enforcement function
of law enforcement.
6 points 5 points 4 points3 points
Student provides a clear,
logical description of the
order maintenance
function of law
enforcement.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical discussion of
the order maintenance
function of law
enforcement.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical discussion of
the order maintenance
function of law
enforcement.
Student provides a weak or
unclear discussion of the
order maintenance
function of law
enforcement.
6 points 5 points 4 points3 points
Student provides a clear,
logical description of the
service function of law
enforcement.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical discussion of
the service function of law
enforcement.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical discussion of
the service function of law
enforcement.
Student provides a weak or
unclear discussion of the
service function of law
enforcement.
6 points 5 points 4 points3 points
Student provides a clear,
logical description of the
deterrence function of
law enforcement.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical discussion of
the deterrence function of
law enforcement.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical discussion of
the deterrence function of
law enforcement.
Student provides a weak or
unclear discussion of the
deterrence function of law
enforcement.
8 points 6 points 5 points 4 points
Student provides a clear,
logical discussion of which
functions the student
thinks take up the bulk of
law enforcement time and
resources and why.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical discussion of
which functions the
student thinks take up the
bulk of law enforcement
time and resources and
why.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical discussion of
which functions the student
thinks take up the bulk of
law enforcement time and
resources and why.
Student provides a weak or
unclear discussion of which
functions the student
thinks take up the bulk of
law enforcement time and
resources and why.
8 points 6 points 5 points4 points
Student provides a clear,
logical discussion of the
answer given in “Time-
Consuming Functions” is a
flaw or strength.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical discussion of
the answer given in “Time-
Consuming Functions” is a
flaw or strength.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical discussion of
the answer given in “Time-
Consuming Functions” is a
flaw or strength.
Student provides a weak or
unclear discussion of the
answer given in “Time-
Consuming Functions” is a
flaw or strength.
5 points 4 points 3 points2 points
Student makes no errors
in grammar or spelling
that distract the reader
from the content.
Student makes 1-2 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Student makes 3-4 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Student makes more than 4
errors in grammar or
spelling that distract the
reader from the content.
5 points 4 points 3 points2 points
The paper is written in
proper format. All sources
used for quotes and facts
are credible and cited
correctly. Excellent
organization, including a
variety of thoughtful
transitions.
The paper is written in
proper format with only 1-2
errors. All sources used for
quotes and facts are
credible and most are cited
correctly. Adequate
organization includes a
variety of appropriate
transitions.
The paper is written in
proper format with only 3-5
errors. Most sources used
for quotes and facts are
credible and cited correctly.
Essay is poorly organized,
but may include a few
effective transitions.
The paper is not written in
proper format. Many
sources used for quotes
and facts are less than
credible (suspect) and/or
are not cited correctly.
Essay is disorganized and
does not include effective
transitions.
Mechanics -Grammar,
Punctuation, Spelling
(5 Points)
Format - APA Format,
Citations,
Organization,
Transitions (5 Points)
Flaw or Strength
(8 Points)
Resource-Consuming
Functions (8 Points)
Law Enforcement
Function (6 Points)
Deterrence Function
(6 Points)
Service Function
(6 Points)
Order Maintenance
Function (6 Points)