Pick one of the countries mentioned in the Unit V Lesson Presentation (Canadian) and discuss one aspect of its criminal justice system (policing, corrections, or the courts) that you believe could be improved. How could it be improved? How does it relate to a similar aspect of the U.S. criminal justice system? How is it different?
ANSWER THE ABOVE DISCUSSION AND THEN REPLY TO MY CLASSMATES POST. EXPLAINING WHY YOU AGREE WITH HIS POST. (A MINIMUM OF 200 WORDS EACH)
After completing this week reading, I chose the country of Japan and their policing system. Japan specializes in community policing where the officers are assigned and localized to the area in which they live. This traditional policing characterizes a close working relationship between the police and local community leaders (Leishman, 2007). However, historically this concept was successful but has shown to have vulnerabilities and could be improved. Specifically, the concept was successful decades ago where the family and social structure of the people of Japan was much simpler. Families construct has changed over the years to include social mobility which makes this aspect of policing difficult. With constant change of people, its difficult to establish the social norms and or familiarity of someone. Policing needs to focus more effort in engaging the public and not simply those respected leaders. The US does have similar policing as many areas throughout the country law enforcement works with community officials (local church leaders, teachers, nonprofit’s, etc.) to create a working relationship that benefits the residents of that community. Similar to Japan this community policing can establish a healthy working relationship between law enforcement and community leaders which can actually deter crime as the people feel a sense of pride. This aspect has severely diminished over the years and is currently failing, however, with reform and continuous discussion the hope is it can improve.
Leishman, F. (2007) Koban: Neighborhood policing in contemporary Japan. Policing, 1, 196202.
