WHICH STATE WILL BE THE FIRST TO DEVELOP A PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS MODEL CENTERED AROUND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AS THE HEALER-HELPER THROUGH REHABILITATIO
#MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Depression #Healing #Hope #Faith #Prayer #Resilience #Survivor #LifeStory
When most defendants first come into contact with the criminal justice system, it is usually during an arrest, detention or investigation. Defendants generally have a negative view of law enforcement and the criminal justice system, in the early stages. They see law enforcement as the enemy and the criminal justice system as being the process that destroys their lives. How do we as a Nation, turn this negative view around, to where defendants and their loved ones see the system as the healer-helper? What does law enforcement, the judicial system and corrections need to do or change, in order to make this happen? People in the community, pass up good paying jobs in the criminal justice system. This is generally because they do not want to deal with the negative public sentiment concerning law enforcement, or they have a negative view of law enforcement. There are many life stories of convicted people, who tell how the criminal justice system transformed their lives. However, they likely didn't think like that when they were arrested. How does the criminal justice system extend this acknowledged success that occurs later in the criminal justice process, to the front end? How can policing be transformed to effect the image of healer-helper? Many people have been grateful when they experienced a police officer giving them a break on a traffic ticket. Some have experienced an officer assisting a disabled vehicle, like providing a gallon of gas, so the driver can make it to the service station. When our behavior is a little more serious, that involves a stiff citation or arrest, our attitude is vastly different and often turns to anger. The laws and ordinances enforced by police officers are not dictated by the officer, but the public. That is why, when a defendant goes on trial, they are entitled to a jury of their peers. They are voters who have a say in what laws exist and how they are enforced. Police officers, prosecutors, judges, and corrections officers, do not dictate the law, but participate in the process like any other voted. They are enforcing the laws and ordinances that the public has adopted. When someone has their car stolen, and the police find it and bring it back to them, they are generally grateful for the police. When they are the one being arrested for auto theft, they are not grateful, but angry at the police. When a child is in distress, and the police are the first at the scene to save the child, the child's loved ones are usually grateful for the police. Some people despise law enforcement, over past experiences of brutality or for violating their rights. Their loves are also effected by these experiences. It is inherent upon our criminal justice system to swiftly correct brutality and civil rights violations, in order to send a strong message to the public that the criminal justice system is a healer-helper, and not an abusive system. Without stronger protections and swift responses to violations of rights, the criminal justice system will not be considered the healer-helper. Law enforcement and the criminal justice system, must make an impact by stressing that image matters from the start of their careers to retirement. Some defendants and members of the community, may never change their opinion about the criminal justice system. If the system continues to strive for reform, the criminal justice system, will be a place many will seek to work in and cooperate with. The image will change and public perception will change. The final question is, what can the criminal justice system do, in order for criminal defendants to see the system from their interaction until the last, as the healer-helper? Please discuss this subject with your family, community, or perhaps classroom. |
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