Premium Essay

Leadership Skills and Criminal Justice

In:

Submitted By macadon
Words 866
Pages 4
Leadership Skills for Criminal Justice Professionals
Leadership involves the commitment, dedication, and risk taking attitude of the individual, which also includes other skills to accomplish the tasks. “In a criminal justice organization, leadership is essential to the success of the goals of the organization” (McKinney, 2008).Criminal justice professionals should develop and maintain leadership skills in their professional and personal lives because they are role models, and their decision-making is suppose to be trusted by the public. The field of criminal justice is very broad, which includes professions like law enforcement, information security, and forensic science; however, there are many career choices in that field that require some of the same skills in leadership.
Communication is a major skill in the success of careers in the criminal justice field. “Professionals in this field should possess excellent communication skills because they must be able to give suggestions to employees, give orders to people over whom they have authority, and explain clearly to the community what legal issues are involved” (“Qualities of Good Criminal Justice,” 2011). Professionals will need to be able to speak clearly, effectively, and with confidence and authority. In addition, a professional in the criminal justice field must be able to write in a manner that is understandably clear and relayed effectively. They will be writing anything from reports, press releases to parole orders from time to time; therefore, they also need to be comfortable with versatile writing styles and requirements. Good communication skills will help the justice professional to avoid conflicts and solve problems.
Another vital leadership skill that a criminal justice professional should have or develop is the ability to think fast with a sound mind in order to make good judgment calls when

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Leadership Skills for the Criminal Justice Professional

...Leadership Skills for the Criminal Justice Professional Leadership is the role that a person takes to guide a group of individuals. There are many tactics involved within leadership. Leadership is also a function that criminal justice professionals carry because it is part of their job. For this reason, it is very important for a criminal justice professional to develop leadership skills. Each criminal justice field has a different purpose within the system. Even so, the main purpose in most fields is to carry out laws and to protect society. The criminal justice field that I chose to focus on is corrections. This is because in my opinion the corrections field is one of the hardest in which to work. The reason is that being a corrections officer can be very hazardous as other criminal justice positions. In the corrections field the officer must have many important qualities that are necessary for survival within the system. Ethics, morality, and virtue are three traits that could only benefit a corrections officer. It is often believed that these characteristics may be used interchangeably but as we have learned in class this is not the case. For the purpose of this paper, ethics is considered to be the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.: criminal justice ethics, medical ethics (Dictionary.com, 2012). Morality is conforming to the rules of right conduct rather than on legalities, enactment, or...

Words: 488 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Organization Behavior

...I will discuss Organizational Behavior within the Criminal Justice Agency and the important elements of Organizational Behavior and how these elements can challenge the effectiveness of an agency. Organizational Behavior is the study of individual behavior and group dynamics in organizations. An article that I read stated that Organizational Behavior is an application of knowledge about how people, individuals, and groups act in organization. Whatever career and individual choose, the behavior of the human beings tends to shape the behavior of others. The primary concern of organizational behavior is psychosocial, interpersonal, and behavioral dynamics in organizations. The variables that affect human behavior at work are relevant to the study of organizational behavior. These organizational variables include jobs, communication, performance, design, organizational design and structure. The variables are very important in individuals’ behavior and group dynamics. Organizational Behavior encompasses mass professions, companies and organizations, with the goal of increasing productivity, attaining goals, promoting employee development and learning, motivating employee and providing customer service to external and internal stakeholders. The company that I worked for mission was to keep an open line of communication with employees and customers to increase sales and productivity. Good leadership in a company or criminal justice agency creates a pattern of working relationship which...

Words: 866 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Administrator Challenges Essay

...2016 Professor: Charles Davis Administrator Challenges essay In this essay, I will discuss the functional role of the criminal justice administration in the police department. I will also describe what I consider being the major issues and satisfactions of that particular role. Finally, I will discuss if this course helped prepare me? If not, what might improve the course? To understand and comprehend what a criminal justice administrator job functions are we must first define these two words Criminal Justice, Administrator of Criminal Justice and Police Administrator. Criminal Justice – Is the system of law enforcement, involving police, lawyers, courts, and corrections, used for all stages of a criminal proceeding and punishment (Dictionary.Reference 2016). Administrator of Criminal Justice – Is defined as the performance of activities such as detection, apprehension, detention, pretrial release, post-trial release, prosecution, adjudication, correctional supervision or rehabilitation of accused person or criminal offenders or the collection, storage and dissemination of criminal history record information (Us. Legal 2016). Police Administrator – Is defined as the process, art, and science of the management, supervision and ethical leadership of a police agency (Us. Legal 2016). In today's world of policing the role of criminal justice, police administrator is a very complex and challenging job in today society. A police administrator has many different functions...

Words: 1196 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Administrator Challenges Essay

...2016 Professor: Charles Davis Administrator Challenges essay In this essay, I will discuss the functional role of the criminal justice administration in the police department. I will also describe what I consider being the major issues and satisfactions of that particular role. Finally, I will discuss if this course helped prepare me? If not, what might improve the course? To understand and comprehend what a criminal justice administrator job functions are we must first define these two words Criminal Justice, Administrator of Criminal Justice and Police Administrator. Criminal Justice – Is the system of law enforcement, involving police, lawyers, courts, and corrections, used for all stages of a criminal proceeding and punishment (Dictionary.Reference 2016). Administrator of Criminal Justice – Is defined as the performance of activities such as detection, apprehension, detention, pretrial release, post-trial release, prosecution, adjudication, correctional supervision or rehabilitation of accused person or criminal offenders or the collection, storage and dissemination of criminal history record information (Us. Legal 2016). Police Administrator – Is defined as the process, art, and science of the management, supervision and ethical leadership of a police agency (Us. Legal 2016). In today's world of policing the role of criminal justice, police administrator is a very complex and challenging job in today society. A police administrator has many different functions...

Words: 1196 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Organizational Management and Operations Paper

... Team A University of phoenix CJA 484 Dwayne Carr April 27, 2015 Organizational Management and Operations Paper While the criminal justice system can be viewed as on whole entity, there are different levels of organization. Within these different organizational levels comes varying degrees of functionality. The three organizational levels include local, state, and federal police functions. Each of which are responsible for certain aspects pertaining to the criminal justice organization. As the organizational levels progress, the functionality and responsibility of each grows. Each level has a little more power than the one beneath it. Overall each is of extreme importance to the criminal justice system, but each have their own functional priorities. This is to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall organization through splitting up the responsibilities of each level. Each level of policing has different organizational, administrative, management, and operational functions. While the setup may appear to be similar amongst each, there will be slight variations dependent upon on the function of the level. The management and leadership styles will vary based on the operations. Different operations will call for different styles of leadership, and this will show in the various operational functions of policing. Policing is more than what meets the eye. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes which often goes...

Words: 1316 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Leadership in Criminal Justice

...Assignment #6  Leadership Skills for the Criminal Justice Professional Write a 2-3 page essay describing the leadership skills that criminal justice professionals should develop and maintain in their professional and personal lives.  Discuss the importance of ethics and virtue criminal justice leadership.  In addition to material covered in the textbook and classroom lectures, utilize at least 3 web-based documentary resources to support your essay.    This paper should adhere to APA style standards including the following: Double space, 1” margins, title page, in text citation of references, and a reference page. CJS is one of the major public services in the country. Across the CJS, agencies such as the Police, the Courts, the Prison Service, the Crown Prosecution Service and the National Probation Service work together to deliver the criminal justice process The criminal justice system consists of a number of separate agencies that in theory gel together to produce a just outcome when a crime has been committed. In the criminal justice system, there are specific codes of ethics that apply to any lawyer or legal assistant. Sometimes the code of ethics may require something that is contrary to your personal ethics. You will need to balance your personal ethics against the ethical code of your profession. Model Code of Ethics Each state has a professional code or rules of ethics that set out what an attorney can and cannot, or should and should not, do in situations...

Words: 1770 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Bottling Company Case Study

...successful business or professional career. The use of effective communication is one the most important skills that I recommend for all people working in a professional position to acquire and perfect. But this skill is not easy for everyone, it can be a challenge for many even the most talented people. (Kelly, McGowen, William, 2014, Pg.125) Fundamental of Effective Communication in the Workplace Communication is imperative to achieve the goals of those who in work the law profession. Criminal justice, criminology and law enforcement workers must be able to articulate their actions and reasoning to the public in order to maintain their support. Without the ability to communicate effectively the details of the event may be seen as a public misconception. Criminologists and Investigators must be able to present their research and findings in a coherent manner to persuade the case and apprehend the subject or subjects. Three Reasons and Results How Communication is Effective The first communication skills is understanding the cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic and religious groups. With the understanding of many cultures, many businesses hire personnel with multiple languages skills. This helps the language barrier and comprehension of what being communicated. As criminal investigators, basic speaking and active listening skills are parts of investigate methods to report in the case as giving and receiving feedback and instruction to...

Words: 471 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

What Can I Do with My Major? Criminal Justice

...CRIMINAL JUSTICE What can I do with this degree? AREAS SOCIAL SERVICES Corrections Counseling Juvenile Justice Casework Administration Probations & Parole Victim Advocacy EMPLOYERS State and federal correction facilities County jails Precinct station houses Prison camps Youth correction facilities Medium-security correction facilities Voluntary correction facilities Halfway houses and pre-release programs Reintegration programs Alternative schools Juvenile detention centers Juvenile group homes Women’s and family shelters Domestic violence agencies Immigration and naturalization services Other nonprofit organizations STRATEGIES Seek courses or training in topics such as victimology, social problems, diversity issues, or grieving. Supplement curriculum with courses in psychology, sociology, or social work. Gain experience working with a juvenile population in any capacity (i.e., sports teams, summer camp counselor, parks and recreation programs, and community/religious youth groups). Gain related experience in employment interviewing, social casework, substance abuse, and rehabilitation. Learn to work well with people of diverse backgrounds. Consider learning a second language. Maintain a blemish-free driving and criminal record. Gain firearms and self-defense training. Earn a master’s degree in social work or counseling for therapy positions. Obtain a masters degree in criminal justice or business for upper-level positions in facilities management or administration...

Words: 879 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Motivation and Empowerment Paper

...Motivation and Empowerment Paper CJA/474 Motivation and Empowerment Paper Introduction The criminal justice field is one that centers on motivation and empowerment amongst employees. These are concepts that not only guide, but also maintain constructive behaviors. Motivation and empowerment are that force every professional needs to preserve their goals and ambitions. This paper will provide three academic theories of motivation including an explanation on each theory. It will also define empowerment and its components. Next, it will compare and contrast motivation and empowerment. In this paper there will also be an evaluation on the implications of empowerment and delegation in a criminal justice organization. Lastly this paper will outline the theory of Transformational Leadership and contrast the roles of motivation and empowerment in leadership style. Define and state at least three (3) academic theories of motivation In any organization the key role of managers is the motivation of their personnel. This can be done in many different ways. This section will discuss three academic theories on how to properly motivate employees. The first theory is Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. This theory states that certain needs have to be met before an individual will work towards fulfilling other needs. The first set of needs that need to be met our survival needs; they include things such as food water and air. Until these needs are met an individual cannot focus...

Words: 1932 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Motivation and Empowerment Paper

...Motivation and Empowerment Paper Trina Dorsey, Latoya Jenkins, Mercheryl Moore, Sharlanda Smith-Lazard & Burnell Thompson CJA474 September 25, 2015 Laura Gremillion, Facilitator Introduction In the world of criminal justice organizations motivation and empowerment are of importance. In any organization, to be successful, motivation and empowerment from the employees are crucial. In policing, instead of being fearful with the thought of doing something wrong, there are officers who are achievement-oriented and who expend maximum effort when he or she is in the field (Gui, 2012). Both motivation and empowerment are of great importance in relation to the success on the philosophies, which involve problem solving techniques, COMPSTAT, and community policing. All personnel of a criminal justice organization are expected to take ownership of his or her assigned areas and activities while being more proactive in his or her duties. Everything in the world of criminal justice involves strong communication skills, and communication brings motivation and empowerment to others of the organization (Terrill, 2014). Compare motivation and empowerment The meaning of motivation and empowerment are somewhat similar but also very different. These terms have several different meanings. Motivation is a noun and a behavioral description of stimulation, enthusiasm, ambition, or inspiration. According to The Free Dictionary (2014), motivation...

Words: 1727 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Organizaitonal Behavior

...professional demeanor when dealing with members of the public as well as establishing relationships of trust through their behavior. When police officers apply to much force or select criminal suspects based on their race or ethnic group their behavior can have negative consequences on the relationship established with the policing agency and members of the community. The behavior of the police ties are directly to the type of trust community members will have for police officers. If members of the community do not trust, the police because they do not display behavior fair and impartial the police will have difficulty persuading community members to cooperate in criminal investigations or even in community members report crimes. In order for the police officer to have the necessary skills and tools to establish a strong working relationship with community members that they must receive the proper training form his or her police organization. Organizational behavior is the actions and attitudes of the members of the organization. The police organization and the organizational structure will an enormous impact directly by the type of behavior demonstrated by the police officer (Maguire, 2003). How police organizations functions are essential to the behavior is affected by the leadership and the values and beliefs of other members of the police organization. In the policing agency, organizational behavior not only concern but also the members of the policing organization...

Words: 837 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Leadership Approach Crj 220

...allegiance to a city. Oftentimes, Chiefs are appointed by the Mayor of a city; or, they may be appointed by or subject to the confirmation of a Police Commission. Being a chief in a large city or county sheriff is a very challenging profession and rank. They are the leaders that control a squad. The three skills that are required of a police chief in a large city or a county sheriff would be: communication skills, leadership, and management skills. A police chief must have good communication, because they are the head of the department. When an officer needs help to address a situation the chief takes the officer place to address the situation with the individual. They have to know what to say at the right given time to the right person. According to Greene (2007), “The chief, as a communicator, must build lines of communications not only within the police department but among the community and other government entities” (p. 930). Being a chief holds great responsibility, since the public hears what the chief says on the news. The community looks for answers that the police cannot give. Another skill that a chief in a large city or county sheriff needs is good leadership skills because they must be the leader and set an example to their fellow officers. They must developing innovative policing strategies, evidence-based policing initiatives, organizational accountability and neighborhood-based policing strategies, while leading organizational changes. They are held as role models...

Words: 1209 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Police Officer Duties

...someone ends up dead?" These thoughts are apart of the stress that comes with the job and most people are trained to deal with this stress. Speaking of training, there are classes that a high school student can take to prepare for a career in law enforcement. Psychology, sociology, foreign languages, and computer courses are recommended for those students who plan to take criminal justice as their higher education major. Participating in sports can improve your chances on becoming an officer of law because it improves strength and endurance. Other student activities can be helpful in this career because they help to improve leadership skills and other publications. Every law enforcement agency has different requirements for qualification; however, almost all of them require a college degree. You can either have a degree in police science, administration of justice, public administration, or criminal justice to qualify for employment. English, Sociology, Psychology, Personal Computer Operations, Survey of Criminal Justice, and Principles of Criminology are classes that need to be taken to complete a criminal justice major. Almost every college...

Words: 314 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Social And Criminal Justice Issues In The 21st Century

...enforcement organization, leaders must possess the skills to not only address the social and criminal justice issues, but also the skills to lead groups and organizations in the 21st Century. Conflating the deliverables throughout this program, the course work selected reflects critical issues in modern law enforcement, community assessment through data analysis, and the application of technology in law enforcement. As law enforcement leaders look to reestablish trusts and improve the police-community relationship, an in-depth understanding of crime data and...

Words: 595 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Women in Policing

...Policing History, duties, and leadership roles Melissa Carpenter Genesee Community College Author Note This paper was prepared for Administration in Criminal Justice 205, Section 99, taught by Professor Bushen Abstract: The journey of women in policing and police leadership has been long and strewn with obstacles and issues. The aim of this paper is to examine and discuss women in the policing. This paper will attempt to discuss the struggles and problems women face when taking a leadership role. This paper will give a brief history of the roles women played when first being introduced into the criminal justice system along with the roles they obtain now. When thinking of people in the criminal justice field especially that of police officers, chief of police, prosecutor, etc. many people often picture men in those positions. For many decades the criminal justice system was a male-dominated field and although men still hold a majority of these positions, more women are stepping up and taking initiative to lead in these areas. “In most cultures across the globe, males hold more power and privilege—both publicly and privately—than females. Men control more of the wealth, hold the highest position in government and industry, control the military, make more scientific and scholarly discoveries, and are more prominent in sports and entertainment than women” (Goodstein). This paper will discuss the roles of women in the criminal justice system and will attempt...

Words: 1666 - Pages: 7