A comparison of Public and Private Policing in America Essay Example for Free

A comparison of Public and Private Policing in America Essay The responsibility of citizen protection, property security, and the maintaining of law and order in a community is traditionally taken on by the public police department. The police personnel are hired, paid, and report to officials at various levels of the local government. Local responsibilities usually fall under the umbrella of the city police department or county Sheriff, while other tasks such as patrolling our highways may be the responsibility of the state police. An increase in population, growth of industry, and a rise in crime have resulted in the inability of many police departments to effectively provide services as in the past. The result is the emergence of private police departments and private security companies. Private police departments have been operating since the early 1970’s (although private security companies have been in existence much longer). Large corporations, gated communities, retail establishments, and businesses that engage in government contracting all have formed private police departments. These departments, however, have not been met without criticism, skepticism and debate. Arguments have been made that the private departments are not adequately trained, lack professionalism, and do not have the authority of public police departments. This may be partially true but each private department needs to be examined individually to better assess these arguments. Some private departments require officers to attend law enforcement academies along side officers from municipal departments. This ensures the proper training is obtained and creates a more professional department. The responsibilities of a private police department have also been met with criticism. A comparison of responsibilities shows that many of the private departments perform the same duties and function in a similar manner to that of the public departments. In fact, Zalewski (2007) suggested that â€Å"the functions performed by the private organizations are not dissimilar to the functions of the public services†. Both public and private departments enforce laws, protect lives and property, and are required to report to higher authority. The manner in which, and to whom these responsibilities are carried out do differ in many ways. According to Joh (2006) public police systems and policies are governed by law. The U. S. Constitution, state constitutions, and local ordinances provide parameters establishing many of the procedures used in police work. Public police must also be responsive to requests of an entire community, city, town, or state. The interest of all citizens regardless of where he or she lives or works is protected by the public police. The need to protect all citizens of the community may give some citizens the feeling that not enough patrols are being made because of lack of exposure of the police. All public police officers are required to attend a law enforcement training academy and undergo field training prior to performing the duties and meeting the needs of the community. In many instances psychological evaluations are part of the screening process for entry into the police field. Private police departments and their personnel are governed by the policies established by the business or client paying for the service. An exception to this is a case in which an officer attends a municipal training academy and receives a state certification. These officers are also bound by the policies and regulations set forth by the local government in addition to the business or client. Although Joh (2004) suggested that there is difficulty in distinguishing the differences between the responsibilities, function, and appearance of the departments, the law recognizes an absolute distinction. Joh suggested that the private police are â€Å"unburdened by the constitutional criminal procedure or state regulation†. Zalewski (2007) indicated there were several more distinctions between the public and private police. Training, accountability, and job responsibilities may vary depending on the business or client associated with the private police. They receive minimal training as compared to the public officers. They are accountable to the client or business owner, instead of government officials and the citizens of the community. The job is primarily that of securing the property and interests of the client as compared to the general public as in the case with public police. Private police are also constrained to the boundaries of the client when performing duties. They are not allowed to conduct law enforcement work in the city streets. Training is a very controversial issue in the comparison of public versus private policing. As previously mentioned, public police officers attend an extensive and intensive training program supported by the local and state government. Part of the recruiting process usually involves written, oral and psychological testing to ensure candidates have the capability to learn the legal aspect of the job, and the psychological capability to deal with the unknown and sometimes grueling calls for service. Field training with an experienced officer is also a requirement to allow the recruits the opportunity to demonstrate their acquired skills and learn additional procedures that are better taught in a â€Å"hands-on† environment instead of the classroom. In contrast, O’Leary (1994) suggested that the training of most private police and security officers is limited, at best. The only training some of these officers receive is in the use of firearms. Training in areas such as search and seizure and other legal issues is almost non-existent within a private police department and O’Leary indicated it is critical that officers receive constant training in these areas. An argument against the private police department could be that the lack of training is putting the officers at potential risk. They may be called upon to handle a situation in which they received no training or had limited exposure to it. Although these risks may be associated with the public police also, there is a greater probability that the public police have received more training, and will probably have assistance from other officers patrolling the streets when they come upon a risky situation. Although there are an increasing number of private police departments, the shift away from the public police to maintain community security has been gradual (Noaks, 2000). Most organizations opting for the private policing are do so with extreme care, an in many instances, with the assistance of the public police. For instance, a local gated community has its own private police department. The police are responsible for protecting the lives of the residents within the community as well as patrolling the entire boundary and streets of the property including all of the facilities and buildings. Most of the officers on this department have attended a municipal law enforcement training academy, and therefore, respond to criminal complaints within the boundaries of the property. Summons’ can be issued and arrests made when the officers determine a crime has been committed. Depending on the nature of the crime however, a local public police may also be called in to assist the private police. The local police may have more experience handling particular situations, but also have more resources available to them, such as mental health counselors or social workers, in the event of possible suicide or other domestic cases. The growing population, increase in crime, and limited resources of public police make private police departments valuable assets. Although the controversy and debate over the abilities and responsibilities will probably continue, there is evidence that communities, businesses, and other private entities can benefit from both private and public policing. There are obvious differences in organizational and operational structures between the different departments, but the overall job is quite similar. Both types of departments are tasked with protecting life and property and assisting residents or citizens.

The Death of Ivan Ilyich: Spiritual Awakening Essay -- Tolstoy Death I

The Death of Ivan Ilyich: Spiritual Awakening He went to his study, lay down, and once again was left alone with it. Face to face with It, unable to do anything with It. Simply look at It and grow numb with horror" (Tolstoy, 97). Death takes on an insidious persona as it eats away at Ivan Ilyich, a man horrified at the prospect of losing his life. Even more horrifying is the realization that despite his prominence and prosperity as a Russian high court judge, Ilyich has done nothing to make his life worth saving. The Death of Ivan Ilyich begins at the end, with his associates receiving the news of his passing. Here, Tolstoy emphasizes the diffident attitude the living often have toward the dead and their unintended insensitivity to what they can't comprehend. His colleagues are more preoccupied with what kind of personnel changes his death causes and getting in a game of whist than the loss of this individual. Even his wife, while playing up her bereaved widow status, considers how she can profit from his passing. Aside from the realistic portrayal of his truly devastated son, those who survive the dead man seem to consider him an inconvenient corpse. The story then flashes back to develop Ivan Ilyich as a living man. At first, the indifferent attitude of his loved ones seemed justified, since he leads a rather empty, superficial life common to the late 1800's. It appears that if someone else died, his first thoughts would turn to whist as well. Propriety, not morality, dictates his actions and he relishes power and glory. He is a consummately impervious individual, impervious to conscience, empathy, and understanding. This does not make him an evil man. More i... ...back the family has. Both of them suffer from false expectation brought on by their commitment to propriety over conscience or morality. As Ilyich's condition worsens, he begins to notice the hypocrisy upon which he has based his life. At first, he sees those around him as perpetrators of a "great lie," insisting that he will get better and making light of his condition. Later, he comes to accept that in the past he has lied to himself, and forgives his family of all his petty grudges. His realization and spiritual awakening in the moments before his death ultimately draw the greatest audience sympathy. We feel his denial and fear, his unending physical pains and emotional misery, and are able to accept, as Ilyich does, the unalterable course of our lives. Tolstoy, Leo. The Death of Ivan Ilyich. Translated by Lynn Solotaroff. Bantam Books:New York, 1981.

Role and Function of Art

FUNCTION AND ROLE OF ART IN 21st CENTURY Seminar on Aesthetics: Research Assignment – Essay Abstract In 21st century, art is keeping pace with the technological evolution while taking advantage of it. Role and function of art has evolved, adapted and gained diversity in terms of interest, production, specialization and idea. Examination of personal, social and physical functions of art are going to be discussed with examples. While discussing assigned roles of today’s art and design, the subject will be clarified with author’s personal opinion.The core aim of this paper is to answer the question of â€Å"What is the role and function of art in the 21st century? † FUNCTION AND ROLE OF ART IN 21st CENTURY 21st century art is a growing field of practice, research and publication, with a lot of diversity in terms of conceptualization. This makes it a lot more interesting to study field of art today. In the early part of the 20th century, what we now call †Å"Modern Art† became main stream and at a point it all started to look same old. Museums and exhibition environments use to be perceived as high class society by public which puts up a distance between art and the viewer.Other topics that were much-discussed in the late 20th century remain vital for the 21st century art and visual culture. Art of the 21st century is affected by globalization. The world in which we live and work has become increasingly economically, politically, and culturally interconnected. Aided by internet and mass media, people can reach out to local art and artists via a device which has WI-FI or 3G. It is easier to follow development of art by monthly e-mail updates from different services.This incredible growth of interconnectivity emerges with a modern way of critical thinking and scholarly debate, and creates a whole new perspectives and ideas to their consumers. The increased movement of artists across borders and oceans has added to the intermixing of influences. Artist today are regularly and freely mix media and forms, making the choices that best serve their concepts and purposes. Some of the basic personal functions of art such as self-expression, gratification, communication or aesthetic experimentation are still remains today, yet there are many of them and they vary from person to person.A lot of different topic, idea, taboo, cliche and stereotype have been resonating in the world of artists. Some artists are interested in the freedom to solve the special problems of style or technique which fascinate them. Others seek the freedom to use style and technique to express their views about society and political processes. Sometimes a piece doesn’t have to mean anything. The meaning comes with the perceived value of the piece by the audience. For example, John Cage wrote a symphony which continues for four minutes and thirty three seconds of complete silence and called it â€Å"4:33† or â€Å"Four Thirty Three †.Even though piece does not include any kind of musical note, it is one of the most well-known classical music pieces of our century. Conservative communities of classical music do not consider this as a good art as it is not representing its root, while some art critics raising voice against the existence of term â€Å"good† or â€Å"high† art. Any argument and/or objection can change the fact that John Cage’s piece offers a complete new experience and perspective to its audience. The audience is the key to examine social functions of art.In a sense, every piece of art has a social function unless it is not created for an audience. Art has always influenced human and human behavior. Art can influence the attitudes of people in groups, affecting the way they think or feel and, ultimately, the way they act. Today’s social media is playing a key role to bring society together. Facebook, tweeter, myspace a like social web sites has millions of users. Museums, theaters and other traditional exhibition environments have become screens in our bedroom. Going-green† and alike social activism reaches out to its audience by a piece of art or design. Artists attracted by the immediacy and connectivity of globally networked media often create online projects that invite social interaction. Relational aesthetics has developed (and been contested) as a critical theory for analyzing and evaluating such undertakings. Paintings and buildings can be symbols, but only buildings serve a physical function. The art of â€Å"physical function† refers to objects that are made to be used as tools or containers.Architecture, the crafts and industrial design are some areas where physical functionality is inevitable. Today we have industrial designers; they create anything- from earthmovers to cigarette lighters to houses to storefronts. Art shares responsibility for the built environment: how it looks and how it works. And here, art means more than embellishing or beautifying surfaces. We love our dishwashers, air conditioners, automatic ovens, tile bathrooms, and built in stereo sets more than the qualities of light and space that art and design can bring to a home.The great aim for this era is to combine aesthetic and physical functionalities in an art piece. The arts can play a pivotal role in moderating the complexities of our lives. The art can open an argument among diverse groups by creating safe spaces for engagement, thus allowing new relationships to take root. It can help us understand and connect cultural distinctions. It contributes to economic opportunities and community vitality. It enhances our quality of life. Through its multiple means of expression, the art can raise a voice where once there was only silence.As a young designer/artist, I feel lucky to live in this century. Today, transnational flow of information makes it easier to conceptualize and exhibit my work. Thus, economical complications a re too influential on artists and especially for designers. Art and design related costumers, producers, sponsors etc. who provides money might try to manipulate/dictate on the final piece, or the concept, even the idea. If we, as artists and designers of the new era can take advantage of new social interactivity, it is very easy to reach out society while not being dependent to providers.It is still early in 21st century. Development of art never stopped, and never will be. In the future, we might look back and see this era as experimentation in combining technology, functionality and art. It might feel like everything has been experimented, done or thought yet we continue to create, spread and consume. Art must play a role in the improvement of our collective existence. Art must participate through visual education and persuasion in the development of popular attitudes which can lead eventually to a better society.

Foundations of Psychology Essay - 813 Words

When psychology first emerged as a science, the process of explaining the human mind and human behavior began. In this essay we will present a brief synopsis of what psychology is and introduce the reader to the primary biological foundations of psychology that are linked to behavior as well as introducing the reader to the major schools of thought in psychology. In Kowalski and Westen Fifth Edition of Psychology, psychology is define as â€Å"the scientific investigation of mental processes such as; thinking, remembering, feeling, and behavior. Understanding a person requires attention to the individual’s biology, psychological experience, and cultural context.†(Kowalski Weston, 2009, p. 4). Each component is necessary in formulating who†¦show more content†¦It is worth noting that when our brain and neurotransmitters link together they have a major impact or influence on our thoughts, feelings and behavior. This brings us to our first school of thought whi ch is known as structuralism. Structuralism, our first major school of thought was developed by Edward Titchener and the primary focus of structuralism is the breaking down of mental processes into one basic component. In that regard, introspection was a primary element Titchener used to reveal elements of consciousness and to analyze inner processes of the mind. Shortly after this school of thought made an entrance into the psychological world, other schools of thoughts were formulated and functionalism was one of those schools. Functionalism looked at explanation of psychological processes in terms of their role or function in helping the individual adapt to the environment. Darwin was the scientist noted for formulating and bringing into existence the functionalism theory. According to Functional Psychology (2011), â€Å"Functionalism arose in the U.S. in the late 19th century as an alternative to structuralism.[2] While functionalism never became a formal school, it built on structuralisms concern for the anatomy of the mind and led to greater concern over the functionsShow MoreRelatedFoundations of Psychology771 Words   |  4 PagesFoundations of Psychology Psychology is an academic and applied discipline involving the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. There is some tension between scientific psychology (with its program of empirical research) and applied psychology (dealing with a number of areas). Psychologists attempt to explain the mind and brain in the context of real life. In contrast neurologists utilize a physiological approach. Psychologists study such phenomena as perception, cognition, emotionRead MoreFoundation of Psychology773 Words   |  4 PagesFoundation of Psychology Psychology is the study of human behavior and mind. 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