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Introduction

After analyzing the Courtelaney Pass situational report, I have decided to assume the role of Captain of Investigations.  There are numerous issues in the report that can be suspected to be linked to the rise in criminal activity in Courtelaney pass. As part of the investigatory role, it is critical to outline the reasons why something has happened to reduce the risk of such events happening again. The community of Courtelaney Pass is plagued by racism, drugs, and poor investigatory as well law enforcement tactics. As acting investigator over this situational report, I would like to announce these six issues based upon my findings:

Drug Activity and Police Tactics

One of the most notable problems involving Courtelaney Pass is the large number of drug related crimes and the tactics the officers of Courtelaney Pass operate with. The “crackdown” with law enforcement efforts to reduce crime may have enticed customers to willingly purchase drugs from them possibly being associated with entrapment. The events following the shooting including the rioting, damage to businesses and individuals stemmed from the biased and racial actions from the law enforcement agency. The views and actions of law enforcement officers acting unethically suggest that this is a social behavior among groups or members of an agency and can be expressed in various patterns or behaviors (Punch, 2000).

Illegal immigrants and undocumented crime

My second issue regards the illegal migrant workers in Courtelaney Pass and the criminal activity that they are not protected from. The lack of protection for immigrant related crime is linked to biased feelings directed towards those communities is unethical in proper police procedure. Regardless of immigration status or fears of deportation, it is the duty of law enforcement to protect individuals from targeted crime and the duty of the public to support their mission. The objection to the sergeant from the white council man further confirms the racially divided community in Courtelaney Pass. Studies conducted at the University of Wisconsin, concluded that the rise of illegal immigrants did not rise the rates of crimes despite the stigma associated crime and illegal immigrants (Light & Miller, 2018).

  Racially enforced speed traps

The third issue that I noticed from the report was the use of speed traps in Courtelaney Pass to ticket unexpecting motorist due to an immediate drop of the speed limit within a fifty-yard stretch of highway. My first concern with the speed trap issue is whether the portion of highway in which the officers utilize for their enforcement efforts has been justified by a traffic survey within the last five years. My other concern is with the admission of several officers that have stated they are given a “strict” quota to fulfill each day. The reports documents that a source has revealed that out of town minorities make up a staggering 87% of the speeding tickets issued. Statistics have shown that minorities are more than twice as likely as “white” people to have negative interactions from law enforcement in communities with a lower income rate (Connor, 2016).

The investigation into the Kayla Williams disappearance

The investigation into the Kayla Williams disappearance is a clear example of poorly executed police investigatory methods in a possible homicide case.  Being a minority, Kayla’s murder was not given a second look or thought as confirmed through the acting agencies procedures. In fact, it was documented that the responding officers in the initial report of Kayla’s disappearance stated that they could not help the parents locate their daughter because they were the “wrong” color and that it wasn’t their responsibility to help them. It is plausible that the findings in this case were subject to racist and biased actions as well as numerous other murders of minorities in Courtelaney Pass. Interviews conducted with different officers found that majority of the officers felt that racial profiling was acceptable and considered “normal” in police work rather than being unethical (Chan, 2011).

The investigation into the forensic analysis of Kayla Williams

The forensic investigation into the discovery of Kayla’s body as well as the handling of evidence grabbed my attention due to the lack of investigation based upon the victim being black. The problems arose starting with the single investigator being called to the seen. The footprints that were discovered were not casted and therefore ceased any potential suspect leads. The discovery of Kayla’s panties was also not treated as “potential” evidence as well as Dr. Clausen’s claim that Kayla’s panties were ripped due to a tree branch that was backed by a scratch located on her leg.  In today’s era forensic testing is almost 99% accurate with the use of technology. Proper and strict procedures are routine to prevent the further destruction of potential evidence, which wasn’t the case in this matter (Hunter, 2006).

The investigation into Dr. Elmer Clausen

The investigation into Dr. Elmer Clausen stems from his findings and methods for the examination and listed causes of death of the previous bodies found in Courtelaney Pass, including Kayla Williams. Doctor’s take an oath to protect and treat patients equally regardless of discriminating factors (Tello, 2017). The actions taken by Dr. Clausen including not performing an autopsy or a sexual assault examination as well as “surmising” that Kayla had died from a snake bite, raise suspicion to the possibility that the doctor might be trying to cover something up to possibly help aid an association with a racial hate group, such as the KKK.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issues listed are the most problematic regarding the impact between Courtelaney Pass and the community. It is vital for law enforcement agencies to maintain healthy relations with the community they are present to help aid in local support. The actions and questions in matter regarding Courtelaney Pass demonstrate racial and biased operations upon the minorities in this community. In my opinion the issues that plague Courtelaney Pass are caused by racially motivated actions and poor alliance with the community. Without the support of a community it is inevitable that law enforcement agencies will show an increase in crime compared to a community where relations with the public are fair and perform their job with integrity.

References

Chan, J. (2011). Racial profiling and police subculture. Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice/la Revue Canadienne De Criminologie Et De Justice Pénale, 53(1), 75-78. doi:10.3138/cjccj.53.1.75