Category: Criminal Justice

To ensure clarity, usability, and efficiency, it is important to incorporate several essential visual elements when designing a tactical product. The essential components are simple and straightforward typography, well-defined color schemes for easy recognition, and intuitive iconography that can be quickly understood. The use of grids and layers can help organize information hierarchically and ensure that the most crucial data is accessible at a glance. Tactical products often rely on maps, diagrams, and overlays that can convey large amounts of information visually; each of these components should be arranged carefully to prevent clutter and enhance readability. In my field of crime analysis, these elements are crucial because they directly impact decision-making in the field with their quick and accurate interpretation.
The key to creativity in tactical products lies in the way information is organized, highlighted, or layered, rather than making drastic visual changes, as clarity and precision are paramount. To illustrate different threat levels, experimenting with subtle color variations can be done or unique icons and symbols can be used to meet specific law enforcement needs. In instances where standard visual cues can be confusing, I may modify the iconography or create new, more intuitive symbols based on real-world feedback from field agents. Furthermore, the utilization of dynamic, interactive elements like layers that can be toggled on and off enables users to customize the displayed information to meet immediate needs without overloading the screen.
My design choices are based on simplicity and clarity, which is a reflection of the environments where these products are typically used, often under time pressure and in high-stakes situations. Based on my background in Criminal Justice and Psychology, I prioritize usability by examining how individuals perceive visual data in high-stress situations. Ultimately, the goal is to create a product that not only communicates essential information efficiently but also adapts to various tactical needs, ensuring that the user remains fully equipped to handle dynamic operational contexts.

Create an original scholarly work synthesizing knowledge gained regarding criminal justice theories, methodology and systems. You should apply this knowledge to a contemporary issue, policy or problem in the field of criminal justice that is relevant to your concentration within your criminal justice major.Your final paper should be a minimum of 5,500 words, double spaced using 12 point font in either Arial or Times New Roman. The minimum word count excludes your reference page, title page, etc.
Within this paper, I would like to detail the history of drugs in America, the policies and reforms for drugs, and the pros and cons of decriminalization. Ultimately, I would like to argue that the cons of decriminalization outweigh the positives (not supporting decriminalization). An example provided could be how In the state of Oregon, residents chose to vote for the decriminalization of hard drugs. The vote passed, and now it seems that after Oregon took this drastic measure, it appears that Oregon is now trying to double back on their vote, and are now advocating for more law enforcement support.
An example layout for the topic is as follows, although you may deviate from it where you see fit:
Title: The Decriminalization of Drugs in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis
I. Introduction
A. Background on drug policies in the U.S. B. Importance of the topic C. Thesis statement
II. Historical Context
A. Overview of drug criminalization in the U.S. 1. Early drug laws and their evolution 2. The War on Drugs and its impact B. Public perception and societal attitudes toward drug use
III. The Case for Decriminalization
A. Arguments supporting decriminalization 1. Public health perspective 2. Economic implications 3. Reduction of incarceration rates B. Case studies of successful decriminalization 1. Portugal 2. Recent changes in U.S. states (e.g., California, Colorado)
IV. The Challenges of Decriminalization
A. Potential societal concerns 1. Increased drug use and addiction 2. Impacts on crime rates B. Law enforcement and policy challenges 1. Transitioning from criminalization to regulation 2. Addressing the black market
V. Current Trends in Drug Policy Reform
A. Overview of state-level decriminalization initiatives B. Federal policy landscape and recent developments C. Advocacy groups and their influence on policy change
VI. Comparative Analysis
A. International perspectives on drug decriminalization 1. Examples from other countries 2. Lessons learned and best practices B. How U.S. policy aligns or diverges from global trends
VII. Future Implications
A. Potential for nationwide decriminalization B. The role of education and public awareness C. Considerations for public health and safety
VIII. Conclusion
A. Summary of key findings B. Reiteration of the thesis C. Final thoughts on the future of drug policy in the U.S.
IX. References
A. Scholarly articles B. Government reports C. Books and relevant literature
This outline provides a structured approach to exploring the complex issue of drug decriminalization, allowing for a thorough examination of its implications, challenges, and potential pathways forward.
**I would like to request that page numbers or paragraphs be included for materials used- this way I would be able to go back and read the sections that are cited within the paper (Even when parenthetical citations do not require page numbers, I would still like to know which pages or paragraphs that information came from- this way I can go back and read all of the material provided). I can always edit that information out.

Textbook: Butler, J. (2011). Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology. ISBN 9780123745132
The Scott Peterson Case. There was TONS of evidence in this case that was presented in trial. The book mentions how mtDNA testing of hairs found were ruled admissible by the judge despite challenges the defense put forward. For this weeks discussion board, please answer the following questions after reading the textbook as well as watching the 20/20 episode on the case.
1). Do you think the mtDNA evidence was strong evidence for the prosecution? What does this say about mtDNA evidence in general?
2). What other evidence presented in this case had more incriminating value than the mtDNA evidence?
3). What do you think the admissibility of the evidence says about the practice of mtDNA evidence itself? How does the judge’s admissibility ruling effect the scientific community?

Textbook: Butler, J. (2011). Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology. ISBN 9780123745132
Determine which of the topics covered in the chapter best relates to the case being presented. How does this topic effect the forensic science community?
Describe the significance of the topic presented in the case study and how it effected the outcome of the criminal case.
Research other examples of similar cases where the same topic is addressed. Was the outcome the same? If yes, do you think the outcome will always be the same for the scenario? If no, why do you think the outcome of the two cases you compared were different? Was there significant differences in the evidence presented?
To complete the assignment, you will need to visit external sources. You can site the textbook, but when researching for similar cases, you will need to use the internet. Make sure provide citations for all sources used in the completion of this study.
See File.

Assignment Objective: This assignment will address a case study in which an individual utilized explosives to destroy a structure after committing a different crime. Address specific points in your submission.
Locate a case study in which an individual utilized explosives to destroy a structure after committing a different crime. After reviewing the details and the unit content, you will write an essay that includes the following elements:
Describe the important techniques utilized in scene preservation and evidence processing at the scene of the explosion.
Explain the difficulties that were encountered.
Determine the motive for the arson that has occurred.
Explain the motive behind arson after the initial crime.
Identify the fire dynamics used in the case.
Length: Your submission should be at least two pages in length, not including the title page and references page. Ensure you submit the written portion of this project in this unit’s assignment submission area of Blackboard.
References: A minimum of two references are required, one of which should be scholarly/academic in nature

Girls Inc. focuses on the intersectional challenges faced by girls and supports their education, health, and independence.FatCamera/iStock
Girls Inc. is a network of over 1,500 nonprofit organizations in the United States and Canada that advocates on behalf of the embetterment of girls’ lives. Its members promote policies and actions that focus on girls’ education, health, and independence. On their website, they describe their focus: “We engage in advocacy that focuses on the needs of girls from low-income communities and girls who face multiple, intersectional challenges such as those based on sex race, religion, ethnicity, immigration status, disability, socioeconomic statue, sexual orientation, and gender identity.”
Girls Inc. lists facts that serve as the fuel behind their many advocacy campaigns: 1 of 4 girls experience sexual abuse or assault by the age of 18 (combatting bullying, harassment, and sexual violence campaign), 1 in 6 girls won’t finish high school (promoting educational opportunities and economic independence campaign), suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24 (supporting girls’ mental health campaign), over 1 in 20 teen girls become pregnant each year (advancing reproductive health campaign), 52% of high school girls report being unhappy with their bodies (addressing the prevalence of gender stereotypes in media campaign), and for every child in an afterschool program, 2 more are unable to get in (advocating for strong and growing Girls Inc. local organizations). Girls Inc. works to create mentoring relationships and programming that is culturally and developmentally appropriate and skill building in girl-only convenient and safe spaces. They note that the girls who are involved in their programs are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, as well as more likely to be successful in school and graduate from postsecondary education and generally thrive.
For your discussion: What critical theory or theories of delinquency prevention seem to be reflected in the work done by Girls Inc.? Explain your reasoning.
answer the for your discussion question

Mid Term – Students will select one of the criminology theories identified in the textbook that they believe is the BEST EXPLANATION for criminality. Students will submit an outline/rough draft of a paper that will be used for the Final Assignment. At a minimum, the Mid Term paper should have the Title Page, Abstract, Headings per APA style, including an Introduction, and have a Reference Page. The paper should have content under the Introduction briefly addressing the reasoning for their selection. The rough draft should include a minimum of 4 headings identifying what the final paper will discuss. Students should review the Final Assignment to make sure they are addressing all the areas in their rough draft/outline.
The textbook is Criminological Theory: Past to Present By Cullen, Agnew and Wilcox, Oxford Press, 2022, ISBN: 978-019-761-9315

Textbook: Butler, J. (2011). Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology. ISBN 9780123745132
The Scott Peterson Case. There was TONS of evidence in this case that was presented in trial. The book mentions how mtDNA testing of hairs found were ruled admissible by the judge despite challenges the defense put forward. For this weeks discussion board, please answer the following questions after reading the textbook as well as watching the 20/20 episode on the case.
1). Do you think the mtDNA evidence was strong evidence for the prosecution? What does this say about mtDNA evidence in general?
2). What other evidence presented in this case had more incriminating value than the mtDNA evidence?
3). What do you think the admissibility of the evidence says about the practice of mtDNA evidence itself? How does the judge’s admissibility ruling effect the scientific community?

Textbook: Butler, J. (2011). Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology. ISBN 9780123745132
Determine which of the topics covered in the chapter best relates to the case being presented. How does this topic effect the forensic science community?
Describe the significance of the topic presented in the case study and how it effected the outcome of the criminal case.
Research other examples of similar cases where the same topic is addressed. Was the outcome the same? If yes, do you think the outcome will always be the same for the scenario? If no, why do you think the outcome of the two cases you compared were different? Was there significant differences in the evidence presented?
To complete the assignment, you will need to visit external sources. You can site the textbook, but when researching for similar cases, you will need to use the internet. Make sure provide citations for all sources used in the completion of this study.
See File.

Assignment Objective: This assignment will address a case study in which an individual utilized explosives to destroy a structure after committing a different crime. Address specific points in your submission.
Locate a case study in which an individual utilized explosives to destroy a structure after committing a different crime. After reviewing the details and the unit content, you will write an essay that includes the following elements:
Describe the important techniques utilized in scene preservation and evidence processing at the scene of the explosion.
Explain the difficulties that were encountered.
Determine the motive for the arson that has occurred.
Explain the motive behind arson after the initial crime.
Identify the fire dynamics used in the case.
Length: Your submission should be at least two pages in length, not including the title page and references page. Ensure you submit the written portion of this project in this unit’s assignment submission area of Blackboard.
References: A minimum of two references are required, one of which should be scholarly/academic in nature