OLAER, DONNA MAY NOVEMBER 19, 2021

BS CRIMINOLOGY CRIM PRAC I

ACTIVITY NO. 5 - COMMUNITY ASPECT

Instruction: Research and answer the following items.

1. DISCUSS THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY AS ONE OF THE PILLAR OF

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

As the criminal justice system's fifth pillar, the community plays a unique role. In
this context, community is defined as components that are engaged and energized to
assist authorities in effectively resolving public concerns about law and order. It is
responsible for contributing to the development of peace and order through crime
prevention or deterrence, as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration of persons
deprived of liberty into society. Because of its vast and widespread nature, the
community is the most vital and valuable component of the criminal justice system.
Members of the community become involved in providing assistance and support to
crime prevention activities, particularly in improving the police, detection, and
prosecution of crime prevention programs and projects, as they become more aware of
their roles in the maintenance of peace and order as well as the administration of justice.

2. EXPLAIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMUNITY IN RELATION

TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

The connection between the community and law enforcement must consist of
both healthy relationships and trust in order to deliver and preserve both public safety and
successful policing. Many police organizations rely on the public to offer essential
information about any sort of crime perpetrated in their areas in order to properly fulfill
their jobs. However, this connection will only develop if both parties have trust in one
another, which is driven by the assumption that law enforcement acts are a reflection of
community values, procedural fairness, and legitimacy in and of itself.
 It is critical, and it goes a long way toward preserving relationships, for law
enforcement to be visible in their communities and to the people who live there. Many
citizens do not engage with law enforcement officers outside of circumstances that
necessitate their presence. As a result, this is more likely to result in a tense relationship
with the police. Such hurdles as preconceptions will be more readily broken down when
law enforcement works to create a good connection with their communities, which will
benefit law enforcement in getting more familiar with people in their communities who
are law abiding and those who are not.

The contacts between the community and law enforcement are critical because
they are founded on a two-way communication system, which is the basis for establishing
and maintaining the required trust. However, if the situation is not handled properly and
this critical trust between the two is not established, there will be ongoing distrust and
conflicts.

3. DESCRIBE THE ESSENTIAL ASPECT OF THE COMMUNITY POLICING

If crime reduction and quality of life are to improve, a synergistic collaboration

between the community and the Philippine National Police is essential. As a result,
reciprocal and supportive relationships are critical for law enforcement officers to be
more effective in upholding the law, decreasing crime, and keeping peace. This
relationship may be strengthened even further by implementing initiatives that make the
community feel comfortable while dealing with the police. When everyone in the
neighborhood feels safe, trust and confidence in the police are restored. As a result, it will
be simpler to enlist their help in all police initiatives aimed at achieving true peace and
security. As a result, the PNP will be a more accessible and vital partner in providing
more efficient and effective services to the community because community policing is an
organizational concept that encourages the systematic use of partnerships and problem-
solving tactics to proactively address the immediate factors that lead to public safety
concerns including crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.
4. EXPLAIN WHY COMMUNITY IS THE WIDEST PILLAR OF THE CRIMINAL
JUSTICE SYSTEM

Community is the widest pillar of the Criminal Justice System because it includes
the local governments, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and most
importantly, the people. Being a part of a community is significant because it provides
support to those who are affected by the everyday stress, challenges, and turmoil of
contemporary life. The concept of community is wide, because it encompasses various
aspects such as kinship, togetherness, and identity. Community also generates solutions,
provides security, and demonstrates commitment. It finds the truth. Communities are an
important component of daily life and have a good impact on their members.
Communities may be found and formed in a variety of settings. We may not realize it, but
we are a member of a community that is formed not just by our physical location, but also
by our lifestyle, religion, heritage, education, and ability.

5. IF YOU ARE, ONE OF THE LEADERS OF THE COMMUNITY, WHAT

PROGRAMS WOULD YOU IMPLEMENT TO HELP THE YOUTH TO AVOID
ANY COMMISSION OF CRIME. EXPLAIN AND SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER.

First and foremost, I would create programs that would allow them to hone their
talents and skills. I will conduct sports leagues and talent workshops. With the help of our
community’s leaders, we will encourage the youth to participate by giving them prizes as
reward. Hopefully, they can make use of it for their basic needs. During the weekend, I
would also implement group study sessions, where the youth can be guided with their
academics. For those who cannot afford to study, I would ensure that the community can
help in sending them to school, through sponsorships. If I become one of the leaders, I
will strengthen the medium for communication between the parents and their children by
offering free counselling. I believe the commission of crime can be avoided if boredom is
eradicated, free education is provided, and parents are well-oriented.
6. RESEARCH THE COMMON PROBLEMS/REASONS WHY EX-CONVICTED
PERSON COMMITS AGAIN ANOTHER CRIME THAT MAY LEAD TO
CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM. EXPLAIN BRIEFLY EVERY
PROBLEMS/REASONS.

• LACK OF SOCIALIZATION – They are used to socializing with people inside the jail.
It may have affected their outlook in life and how they deal with different situations. If
only they could socialize with people who can give them a better view of life and uplift
their spirit, then maybe, this would hinder them from committing another crime.

• LACK OF JOB TRAINING – When they are inside, they are asked to make different
items from which they can also sell to earn a living. However, when they are acquitted,
they are not trained for employment. Some of them just resort to illegal doings just
because it is more accessible for them.

• INABILITY TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT – This, I believe, is one of the greatest

causes why they become a recidivist. Just because they came from a correctional
institution, most employers would judge them right away. They are perceived as someone
who cannot work well with others, or worst, they’re afraid they might get hurt by the ex-
convicts which is certainly not true. In fact, they are reformed individuals.

• ASSOCIATION WITH OTHER CRIMINALS – We cannot deny the fact that their
bond inside has been strengthened through time, because of poverty, they agree to do
everything they can just to provide for their families, even if it means breaking the law.
Sometimes, even if they want to change, they are influenced by their so-called “friends”
inside the jail.

• IMPULSIVENESS – It’s like spur of the moment. They get too excited because of how
long they have been trapped inside the correctional facility. They become impulsive and
they can’t control themselves.
 • LACK OF EDUCATION – Growing up without having the proper education to be
knowledgeable is also a factor. They cannot distinguish right from wrong; they find it
hard to look for jobs because education is also a requirement, and it is a disadvantage for
them not just in looking for job opportunities, but also in life in general.

• LACK OF SUPPORT – Most of them did their best to be better when they were in jail.
However, when they go out, most of the people around them don’t give them enough
support, not just financially, but also emotionally and mentally.

• SUBSTANCE ABUSE – There are people who really can’t get rid of illegal substance.
Using illegal drugs would definitely result to a crime being committed for the second
time, or perhaps, a different crime. Mainly because they cannot think well, and they are
not themselves when they are under the influence of drugs.

• NEGLECT OR ABUSE OF PARENTS OR GUARDIANS – Family indeed plays the

most crucial role in an ex-convict’s recovery. After they are acquitted, they are already
reformed and rehabilitated. However, when families neglect and continues to abuse them,
it is still nothing. The cycle continues. It’s a never-ending process. Unfortunately, this
would make the ex-convict become a recidivist.

7. PROPOSED SOME RECOMMENDATION OR PROGRAMS OF THE

COMMUNITY ON HOW TO ADDRESS OR GIVE ATTENTION FOR THE EX-
CONVICTED PERSON IN PREVENTING THEM TO COMMIT ANOTHER
CRIME. SUPPORT YOUR ANSWER WITH A STUDY OR PROGRAMS IN OUR
COUNTRY OR OTHER COUNTRY.

Recidivism can be avoided in a variety of ways. Critics claim that prison-based

education initiatives can help prevent or reduce recidivism. High school diploma and
college degree programs are the core of prison-based education initiatives. Vocational
training may also be available. These education programs are intended to assist convicts
in gaining skills that they can apply when they are released back into society. The
objective is that these abilities will aid the offender's reintegration into society and
prevent him from committing more crimes. Following are my recommended
recommendations, taking these factors into account:

Solitary confinement has a negative influence on a person's mental health,

especially for a prisoner. Prisoners require counseling services mostly due to their lack of
social links to the outside world. It is critical to have a counselor because it helps the
inmate to unload pent-up feelings caused by isolation. Counseling programs may differ
based on the offender's age, gender, or the offense committed. Counselors may conduct
individual or group sessions with inmates, depending on what is most helpful for them.
Inmates must have access to these programs during their term, according to prison
officials.

Educational Programs - Inmates who participate in educational programs are less

likely to commit crimes again. As they reintegrate into society, education programs assist
inmates in changing their perspectives on life. Teaching them new skills for life outside
of jail also helps them retain a good attitude. Inmate education programs including
vocational, academic, and skills training will provide convicts with more and better
options outside of the prison walls.

Job Programs - Ensuring that convicts have access to employment programs

boosts their chances of finding work following their release. According to studies, being
unable to obtain work is a major determinant in criminal behavior. By supporting a
criminal in becoming a productive member of society, penal institutions can help him
restore self-worth. Employment program exposure also helps to build skills and values
that are beneficial to reintegration. Not just the convicts, but society as a whole, will gain
from these types of rehabilitation programs. As a result, both the offender and people of
the community will be able to experience a peaceful reintegration.

Programs for Mental Health - The importance of mental health in recidivism is a

topic that is rarely discussed. Many people released from jail have untreated mental
illnesses or develop new ones while incarcerated, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Individuals with mental health concerns will be less likely if these mental issues are
correctly identified and treated.