The criminal justice system consists of 3 main components, which are: the police, the courts, and the prison systems. The following is an explanation of how each works and contributes to the United States criminal justice system.
The Police
Looking at the police on the state level, this can include a wide variety of state level policing forces such as a highway patrol or even fish and game. The police responsibilities in the United States criminal justice system holds a plethora of duties, and interestingly enough many do not relate directly to controlling and/or preventing crimes. A police officer’s role can include routine patrol within communities and identifying and preventing potential crimes before they happen. Police officers …show more content…
The FBI’s national security mission can be explained by saying they want to lead and coordinate strong intelligence initiatives that drive positive outcomes to better protect the United States from as many crimes as possible (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010).
The FBI website has a list of specific goals that are designed to develop an all-inclusive understanding of potential threats and also terminate national and transnational networks that could and hold a desire to harm the nation. The primary investigative jurisdiction for the FBI is covering all federal criminal laws except cases in which the responsibility is assigned to another agency specifically. They have special investigative jurisdiction for violations of state law under limited circumstances, specifically felonies, murders of state law enforcement officers, violent crimes, and serial killers (U.S. Department of Justice, …show more content…
It is a very unique asset to the United States Department of Justice in that is solely qualified to take care of communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations and other related things in the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosive devices, acts of terrorism, and the illegal distribution of alcohol and tobacco products. ATF makes an effort to work with communities, industries, law enforcement agencies, and public safety programs to protect the public by giving out information, offering training, and performing extensive research on these illegal acts (Public Affairs Division, 2015).
The jurisdiction of ATF is primarily over explosives and extends to requiring licenses to engage in the business of importing, making, distributing any explosive materials. It is also in the jurisdiction of ATF to require a permit to ship, transport, and receive explosives.
The structure of ATF is very similar to the FBI structure. There is a Director with a left and right wing chief of staff and chief counsel committee. Beneath the Director is the Deputy Director, which is then followed by 8 teams of different specialties (U.S. Department of Justice,