Southern New Hampshire University
CJ-205 Policing in the United States
Week Seven Notes
What is an important criterion for judging policy in a democratic society?
The public’s perception about the lawfulness and legitimacy of law enforcement are an
important criterion for judging policy in a democratic society.
What are the consequences of public distrust of the police?
1. Undermines the legitimacy of law enforcement
2. Without legitimacy, law enforcement loses their ability and authority to function
effectively
What is police legitimacy?
Police legitimacy is the extent to which the public view the police as a higher power
authority figure, usually measured in terms of the public’s willingness to obey and
cooperate with the police.
What is reconciliation? How does it affect the police and community?
Reconciliation is a system of promoting apparent conflicts between minorities, police and other
authorities that grant them to concentrate on chronicled strains, injustices, misinterpretations, and
restoring relationships.
What is the aim of racial reconciliation?
The reconciliation process acknowledges the very real and harsh truth of America’s
history of insolent law enforcement attitudes towards minority communities.
Furthermore, it respects, without confirming, the sometimes detrimental historical each
side has about the other.
How is racial profiling problematic from a public safety perspective?
Racial profiling is problematic from a public safety perspective by reason of, it undercuts
effective police work by damaging trust in law enforcement.
Which amendment is violated due to prolonged traffic stops for the purpose of inquiring
about immigration status?
The Fourth Amendment is violated in the instance of a prolonged traffic stop for the
purpose of inquiring about immigration status.
[The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits unreasonable
search and seizures].
