AC3.3 Limitations of Agencies Flashcards
Define finance in terms of Criminal Justice Agencies
Without adequate finances to fund their operations, agencies such as the police, prisons and CPS are unable to achieve effective social control. Their budgets mainly come from public funds. Unfortunately government spending cuts have had a significant impact on these agencies, including their effectiveness.
How does finance affect the police?
Between 2010 and 2018, there was an overall cut in police budget by 19%, leading to the fall of 20,000 in police numbers, there is now a national shortage of detectives.
There is evidence that police are also dropping investigations into crime including sexual offences, violent attacks and arson. For example, the Metropolitan Police dropped over twice as may cases as they previously did. The force said it was necessary to balance the books. Rape cases take an average of 129 days to solve, compared to theft which can take two days.
How is the Prison Service affected by finance?
They have suffered a budget cuts, leading to a decrease in prison stage and lack of resources for prisoners. Between 2010 and 2018, the prison budget fell by 16%, and staff levels have fallen by 15%. This has a significant impact on the prison population, including self-harm and attacks on prison staff. The Prison Officers’ Association has warned that inmates with mental health problems are in more danger without a boost in resources. The lack of funding impacts the ability to keep social control inside the prisons.
In 2016, the police riot squad officers were sent to the HMP The Mount twice in 24 hours, prisoners were said to be armed with weapons and seized control of a Wing. Staff shortages and an extended lock-down of prisoner are reported to have left the prison as a ‘disaster waiting to happen’
How are the CPS affected by finance?
The CPS have experienced budget cuts, which could lead to miscarriages of justice. Their budget was cut by 25% and the organisation lost a third of its staff. The head of the CPS said the CPS and police were failing to investigate thousands of cases efficiently, and that both organisations were critically short of the skills and resources needed.
How is the Probation Service affected by finances?
Due to funding cuts that are shared with the prison, the probation service faces a national staff shortage, making them become over-reliant on agency staff. The lack of finance has also meant there are shortcomings in keeping victims safe.
How are charities and pressure groups affected by finance?
They are funded by voluntary organisations, so the groups that focus on social control are at a disadvantage. If they do not receive public donations, they are unable to function. Any government grants that the organisation are able to claim also are being reduced. Charities have lost more than £3.8 billion in grant from the government over the last decade.
