Unit 4 AC3.1 Explain the role of agencies in social control Flashcards
What are the aims of the police according to the Association of Chief Police Officers?
Keep peace, protect life and property, prevent, detect and investigate crime, bring offenders to justice.
What philosophy was set up by Sir Robert Peel in 1829 for the Metropolitan Police force?
Prevent crime and disorder, rely on public cooperation, minimal force, impartial service to the law.
What are the sources of funding for the police?
Central government, local council tax, charging for services.
What is the total police budget in 2018/19?
£12.3 billion.
How has the police funding changed in recent years?
Funding fell by 19% between 2010 and 2018.
How many police officers were there in England and Wales in March 2019?
Over 123,000 police officers.
What powers do the police have in relation to crime?
Stop, question, search, arrest, detain, interview individuals in relation to crime.
What is embedded in the Police Code of ethics?
Philosophy of public service and maintaining public support.
How many regional police forces are there in England and Wales?
39 regional police forces in England, 4 in Wales.
How many police forces are there for Scotland and Northern Ireland?
One police force each for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
What are some specialist police organizations with UK-wide reach?
National Crime Agency, British Transport Police, Border Force.
What types of criminality and offenders do the police deal with?
All types of offenses and offenders, with specialized agencies for specific crimes.
What are the general duties of the police?
Patrolling, community work, responding to calls, securing crime scenes, gathering evidence, apprehending offenders.
What are some examples of specialist departments within the police?
CID, Fraud and Drugs Squad, Special Branch, Covert operations, Traffic and Mounted Police.
What are the working practices of the police in terms of national and local reach?
39 regional police forces in England, 4 in Wales, one police force each for Scotland and Northern Ireland, along with specialized organizations.
How do the police deal with different types of criminality and offenders?
Deal with all offenses and offenders, with specialized agencies for certain types of criminals and crimes.
What are the general duties of the police in terms of their daily work?
Patrolling, community work, responding to calls, securing crime scenes, gathering evidence, apprehending offenders.
What are some examples of specialist units or departments within the police?
CID, Fraud and Drugs Squad, Special Branch, Covert operations, Traffic and Mounted Police.
What are some examples of national-level specialist roles within the police?
National Crime Agency (e.g., Child Exploitation and Online Protection), Metropolitan Police (e.g., SO15 Counter Terrorism Command), Special Constables, Police Community Support Officers.
What is the role of Police and Crime Commissioners?
Elected representatives of the people within a Police Force’s area.
When and why was the CPS set up?
The CPS was established in 1986 to prevent bias and take over prosecuting role from the police.
What is the main role of the CPS?
The CPS prosecutes serious and complex cases in England and Wales.
What are the aims and objectives of the CPS?
The CPS advises police, assesses evidence, decides prosecutions, prepares cases, and supports victims and witnesses.
How does the CPS contribute to social control?
The CPS prosecutes serious offenses and ensures justice with fairness and independence.
What values underpin the CPS?
Independence, fairness, honesty, respect, professionalism, excellence, equality, and inclusion.
Where does the CPS get its funding?
The government funds the CPS, and it recovers costs from court awards and confiscated assets.
How has CPS funding changed recently?
Funding has been cut, impacting staffing and effectiveness.
How does the CPS handle criminality and offenders?
The CPS deals with majority of offenses and offenders, focusing on serious cases.
What is the reach of the CPS in its working practices?
The CPS operates nationally with 14 regional teams working locally.
What is CPS Direct?
CPS Direct provides charging decisions to police nationwide, operating 24/7.
What tests does the CPS use?
The CPS uses evidential and public interest tests.
What factors are considered in the public interest test?
Factors include offense severity, suspect’s culpability, community impact, proportionality, and protecting information sources.
When can a suspect be charged with insufficient evidence?
Under certain circumstances, if reasonable grounds exist for guilt and more evidence can be gathered later (Threshold Test).
What is the role of the Chief Crown Prosecutor?
Chief Crown Prosecutors lead regional teams in prosecution efforts.
How does the CPS support victims and witnesses?
The CPS assists, informs, and supports them throughout the legal process.
How does the CPS inspire confidence in the legal system?
By upholding values and treating everyone with respect.
What types of cases does the CPS handle?
The CPS handles serious and complex cases, including major offenses, organized crime, and terrorism.
How does the CPS recover costs?
Costs are recovered from court awards and confiscated criminal assets.
What is the CPS budget?
The CPS has a budget of around half a billion pounds per year.
What types of criminality and offenders does the CPS deal with?
The CPS deals with serious offences and the majority of cases, except for very minor offences.
How does the CPS handle very minor offences?
Very minor offences are not handled by the CPS.
What is the role of Chief Crown Prosecutors within the CPS?
Chief Crown Prosecutors head each of the 14 regional teams within the CPS.
What is CPS Direct and what service does it provide?
CPS Direct is a virtual service that provides charging decisions to police nationwide.
What does the CPS assess in order to determine whether to prosecute a case?
The CPS assesses whether there is enough evidence to secure a conviction for a suspect.
What are the key questions considered in the public interest test?
The public interest test considers factors like offence seriousness, suspect’s culpability, and impact on the community.
Under what circumstances can a suspect be charged even with limited evidence?
A suspect can be charged with limited evidence if there are reasonable grounds for guilt and potential for conviction.
What are the two requirements for applying the Threshold Test?
Reasonable grounds for guilt and serious offences are the requirements for applying the Threshold Test.
What is the reach of the CPS in terms of its jurisdiction?
The CPS operates nationwide in England and Wales and has 14 regional teams for local prosecutions.
How many regional teams does the CPS have for prosecuting cases locally?
CPS Direct is a virtual service that provides charging decisions to police nationwide, available 24/7.
How does the CPS collaborate with local police forces and other partners?
The CPS works closely with local police forces and other criminal justice partners in its operations.
How does the CPS evaluate whether a prosecution is in the public interest?
The CPS considers factors such as the seriousness of the offence, suspect’s level of culpability, and public interest in prosecutions.
How does the CPS handle cases involving information sources and other investigations?
The CPS handles cases involving information sources and other investigations with appropriate measures to ensure their protection.
What are the criteria for applying the Threshold Test?
The Threshold Test requires reasonable grounds for guilt and the offence to be serious enough to justify immediate charging.
How does the CPS handle cases where immediate charging is justified and bail is not appropria
The CPS reviews cases where immediate charging is justified and bail is not appropriate throughout the process.
What is the main aim of the judiciary in social control?
The main aim of the judiciary is to interpret and apply the law to the cases that come before the courts.
What are the responsibilities of judges in the Crown Court?
In the Crown Court, judges manage the trial, explain legal issues to the jury, sum up the evidence, and pass sentences.
What role do judges play in the appeal courts?
In the appeal courts, judges make rulings on appeals from lower courts, creating precedents that bind future decisions.
What are the six principles outlined in the Guide to Judicial Conduct (2016)?
The Guide to Judicial Conduct outlines six principles: judicial independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equal treatment, and competence.
What does judicial independence mean?
Judicial independence means being free from government interference in decisions to uphold the rule of law and safeguard citizens’ rights.
What is the importance of impartiality for judges?
Impartiality requires judges to remain neutral and not show favoritism towards any party.
How is integrity defined in relation to judges?
Integrity refers to judges being honest and having strong moral principles.
What is the significance of propriety for judges?
Propriety means upholding accepted standards of behavior and morals in society.
What is the principle of equal treatment in the judicial system?
Equal treatment ensures fairness for everyone who comes before the courts.
What is the requirement of competence for judges?
Competence refers to judges having the knowledge and ability to perform their duties effectively.
What oaths do judges take when they are appointed?
Judges take two oaths: the oath of allegiance and the judicial oath, emphasizing loyalty, impartiality, and adherence to the law.
What is the role of the Senior Salaries Review Body in determining judges’ salaries?
The Senior Salaries Review Body makes salary recommendations for judges, MPs, and senior civil servants.
How much did the Lord Chief Justice earn in 2018?
In 2018, the Lord Chief Justice earned £257,000, while district judges earned £110,000.
How does the potential earning of senior lawyers compare to judges?
Senior lawyers may earn more than judges, especially in commercial law where some barristers can earn over £1 million.
What factors may discourage people from becoming judges?
Income disparity and potentially lower earnings in criminal courts may discourage individuals from becoming judges.
What is the impact of income disparity between barristers in different areas of law?
Income disparities between barristers in different areas of law can be significant.
How does the income of lawyers in criminal courts compare to other legal professionals?
Lawyers in criminal courts may earn considerably less compared to other legal professionals.
What is the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in terms of working practices?
The Supreme Court has nationwide jurisdiction and settles points of law of national importance.
Which courts handle local cases in the judiciary’s working practices?
Lower courts, such as Crown Court venues, handle local cases.
What types of criminality and offenders do judges deal with?
Judges deal with all types of criminal offenses and offenders.
What principles of independence do the duties of a judge uphold?
The duties of a judge uphold principles such as independence, scrutiny of tenure, and guaranteed salary.
What are the working practices of the CPS and the Judiciary?
The CPS and the Judiciary have different working practices in the context of social control.
How are less serious cases typically handled in the judicial system?
Less serious cases are often handled by magistrates or through cautions and fixed penalty notices.
What safeguards protect the independence of judges?
The independence of judges is safeguarded through tenure and protection from government interference.
What is the hierarchical structure of the judiciary?
The judiciary is organized hierarchically, with superior and inferior judges in different court levels.
How does the Supreme Court contribute to social control?
The Supreme Court contributes to social control by interpreting and applying the law in significant cases.
What role do magistrates play in handling certain cases?
Magistrates handle certain cases and make decisions on guilt or innocence.
Do judges handle all types of offenses and offenders?
Yes, judges handle all types of offenses and offenders across the criminal justice system.
How is the tenure of judges protected in terms of removal from office?
The tenure of judges is protected, and removal from office requires a petition to the Queen and approval by both Houses of Parliament.
What are the different levels of courts within the judiciary?
There are different levels of courts within the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and lower courts.
What alternatives to court proceedings exist for less serious offenses?
Alternatives include cautions and fixed penalty notices issued by the police.
What is the significance of salary guarantees in the judiciary?
Salary guarantees help ensure the independence and impartiality of judges.
How are superior and inferior judges categorized within the judiciary?
Superior judges sit in higher courts like the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, while inferior judges preside over Crown Courts and magistrates’ courts.
What are the three main aims of prisons?
To protect the public, rehabilitate offenders for positive societal contribution, and implement court sentences and orders.
Who is responsible for UK prisons?
HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), a government agency.
How are prisons funded in the UK?
Through general taxation, with a total budget of approximately £3 billion in 2018, 16% lower than in 2010.
What has been the impact of funding cuts on staffing levels in prisons?
A 15% reduction in the number of prison officers between 2010 and 2018, resulting in experienced officers leaving and a third of officers having less than 2 years’ experience.
How is the prison service organized in terms of national and local reach?
It is organized nationally, and offenders are initially placed in local prisons before being potentially moved elsewhere based on a risk assessment.
What are the categories of closed prisons?
Category A for highly dangerous individuals, Category B for those who require max security, and Category C for offenders unlikely to try and escape.
What category of prison houses reasonably trusted offenders?
Category D - open prison.
How do prisons contribute to social control?
By removing offenders from society, aiming to rehabilitate them, and reducing reoffending rates.
What is the role of prison officers in working practices?
They ensure security, supervise activities, and implement court sentences and orders.
How do prisons help in the rehabilitation of offenders?
By offering education, vocational training, therapy, and counseling programs.
What has been the impact of funding cuts on prison facilities and resources?
Reduced facilities, limited program access, and inadequate infrastructure.
What measures are taken to protect the public from harm in prisons?
Strict security measures, surveillance systems, physical barriers, and controlled access.
How does the classification of offenders contribute to the prison system?
It enables appropriate placement, management for safety, and targeted rehabilitation efforts.
What alternatives exist to prison for certain offenders?
Community-based sentences, probation, community service, and electronic monitoring.
What is the philosophy of the HMPPS regarding social control?
Preventing future victims by changing offenders’ lives and reducing reoffending rates.
How have staffing levels in prisons changed between 2010 and 2018?
Decreased by 15%, resulting in a shortage of experienced officers and increased proportion of less-experienced staff.
What impact do staffing cuts have on the overall functioning of prisons?
Reduced supervision, limited program access, increased risks, and decreased effectiveness in rehabilitation and public protection.
How are offenders treated if they attempt to escape?
They are put on an escape list, made to wear yellow clothing (nicknamed “banana suits”), and experience frequent cell changes with belongings removed at night.
What has been the criticism regarding rehabilitation and activities in prisons?
The Chief Inspector of Prisons in 2018 criticized the lack of useful activity programs in half of the inspected prisons.
What are incentives and earned privileges (IEPs)?
They are rewards given to prisoners who follow the rules, with three levels: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced.
What determines the level of incentives and earned privileges a prisoner receives?
Behavior: Poor behavior moves prisoners
What are the aims and objectives of the NPS?
The NPS aims to protect the public by rehabilitating offenders and enabling them to turn their lives around.
How is the probation service funded in the UK?
HMPPS is funded through general taxation, while CRCs have contracts with the MOJ and face performance targets.
What types of criminality and offenders does the probation service deal with?
The probation service deals with a variety of criminal offenses and supervises both NPS and CRC clients.
How many offenders are under probation supervision, and what is the division between NPS and CRCs in terms of supervision?
Approximately 250,000 offenders are on probation, with 40% supervised by the NPS and 60% by CRCs.
Who are the partners of the NPS in managing offenders?
The NPS builds partnerships with the courts, police, and partners in the private and voluntary sectors to manage offenders.
What is the plan for the renationalization of the probation service in England and Wales?
The government plans to renationalize the probation service into 10 English regions with an NPS division and one CRC. In Wales, NPS will manage all offenders.
What are CRCs and their role in probation services?
CRCs are community rehabilitation companies that provide probation services for low to medium risk offenders. They are partners in managing offenders.
What are the working practices and responsibilities of the probation service?
The probation service has various responsibilities, such as preparing pre-sentence reports, managing approved premises, and assessing prisoners for release on license.
How does the probation service contribute to social justice, inclusion, equality, and diversity?
The probation service is committed to social justice, social inclusion, equality, and diversity, and believes in the worth and dignity of the individual.
What is the role of the probation service in social control?
The probation service plays a significant role in social control by supervising high-risk offenders released into the community and providing support to victims of serious crimes.
How does the NPS operate on a national and local level?
The NPS is a national service that delivers consistent standards across the country while providing services on a local level.
What is the role of the probation service in rehabilitating offenders?
The probation service aims to rehabilitate offenders, tackle the causes of their offending, and enable them to become responsible citizens.
What are the core values and ethical principles of the NPS?
The NPS has core values that include the belief in offenders’ capacity for positive change, the worth and dignity of individuals, and commitment to social justice and inclusion.
What is the financial performance and monitoring record of CRCs?
CRCs have faced challenges in meeting their targets and have been criticized for their monitoring of offenders.
How is the probation service divided in terms of areas and regions in England and Wales?
The probation service for England and Wales is divided into seven areas, and the government plans to introduce regional divisions for better management.
What are the responsibilities of the probation service in preparing reports and managing premises?
The probation service prepares pre-sentence reports for courts, manages approved premises, and assesses prisoners for release on license.
What are charities and pressure groups?
Charities and pressure groups are voluntary, non-profit organizations that aim to promote the interests and welfare of specific groups and campaign for change, respectively.
Are charities and pressure groups independent of government control?
Yes, charities and pressure groups operate independently of government control.
What is the aim of charities?
Charities aim to help those in need and promote the interests and welfare of the groups they are concerned with, such as victims and ex-offenders.
What is the aim of pressure groups?
Pressure groups aim to campaign for change on various social issues.
Can a charity also be a pressure group?
Yes, some organizations, like NACRO (National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders), can function as both a charity and a pressure group.
When was NACRO founded?
NACRO was founded in 1966.
What type of organization is NACRO?
NACRO is both a charity and a social justice organization.
What are the services provided by NACRO?
NACRO provides services such as housing, education, resettlement advice, and outreach projects to support ex-offenders and prevent crime.
How many tenants does NACRO have in its own properties?
NACRO has over 3,000 tenants in its own properties.
What does NACRO do in terms of education?
In 2018, approximately 4,900 people studied through NACRO’s educational services.
What does NACRO do regarding resettlement advice?
NACRO provides information and advice on housing and jobs to offenders and those working with them.
How does NACRO contribute to preventing youth offending?
NACRO implements outreach projects aimed at stopping young people from offending.
What is Ban the Box, and how does NACRO support it?
Ban the Box is an initiative that aims to remove the tick box on job application forms that asks about criminal convictions. NACRO supports this initiative.
How does NACRO campaign for change?
NACRO campaigns to change laws and policies affecting ex-offenders, such as the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
What is the annual income of NACRO?
NACRO has an annual income of £50 million.
What are the sources of funding for NACRO?
NACRO receives funding from public donations, government grants, and contracts for providing services to ex-offenders and others.
Does NACRO operate nationally or locally?
NACRO is a national organization with local activities and projects in approximately 50 different parts of England and Wales.
Does NACRO work with a specific group of offenders?
NACRO works with a range of ex-offenders, including young people at risk of offending and excluded pupils.
What are the concerns of NACRO regarding disadvantaged individuals?
NACRO is concerned with addressing the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults.
How many full-time staff members and volunteers does NACRO have?
NACRO has a large full-time staff and relies on the support of many unpaid volunteers.
