Critical Understanding of Modern Criminology and Criminal Justice Issues
The above images reflect areas requiring some of the most critical understanding: Active Shooters, Human Trafficking, and Officer Wellness
My Personal Reflection:
Possessing a critical understanding of modern criminology and criminal justice issues is an essential skill for all 21st century law enforcement leaders. Knowledge in these broad areas establishes the platform for chiefs and commanders to not only provide quality public safety to their communities, but to also keep their officers safe and healthy during these turbulent times. In an era in which national police reform is mandated, it is incumbent upon law enforcement leaders to understand the critical issues affecting society and to form proper response protocols. Moreover, knowledge in modern criminology principles qualifies police executives to either endorse and support their current policing practices or explore emerging strategies for change.
I authored three key graduate papers which connect directly to the concept of understanding modern criminology and criminal justice issues. The first examines active shooter events as a top critical issue for law enforcement, the second explores the atrocious and pervasive crime of human trafficking, and the third focuses on Mindful Based Resilience Training (MBRT) as a means of wellness for law enforcement officers. The papers serve to address vital concern for the policing profession, while also delving into the criminological aspects of these topics.
In my paper entitled, “Active Shooter Events: The Next Critical Issue in Policing,” I conducted a comprehensive examination of the key factors linked to these occurrences. This crime-type has trended upward over the last ten years, with 250 documented incidents occurring between 2000 and 2017. Resultingly, 799 people were killed, and 1,418 people were wounded in a wide array of venues. Although most suspects were male, with a majority having mental health issues and connections to their targets, there is still no active shooter profile. Since most suspects displayed concerning behavior prior to their attack, it is essential for all citizens to recognize and report suspicious activity. Community involvement and information sharing between all government agencies will prove crucial towards preventing future active shooting incidents from occurring.
In my paper entitled, “The Central New York Human Trafficking Task Force: Memorandum of Understanding,” my colleagues and I explored the intricacies of this horrendous crime, while outlining methods by which law enforcement can collaboratively prevent further victimization. Since human trafficking is analogous to modern-day slavery, the task force was ultimately designed to expose and lessen its occurrence, while providing a means to rescue victims and prosecute offenders. The task force describes the variables required for its success, to include its composition, its mission, funding, training, incident response, case management, and its overall operations. Since victims are systematically deprived of basic human rights, it is a high priority issue with vast criminological relevance, thereby requiring all of law enforcement’s attention.
In a memo-format style paper entitled, “Recommended Emphasis Towards Mindfulness Based Resilience Training,” I address the issue of wellness for law enforcement officers and underscore the fact that officer suicides exceed all other types of line-of-duty deaths. The memo affirms that policing exposes officers to daily trauma resulting in PTSD, depression, addiction, stress, and suicide. With studies indicating that an officer’s life expectancy may be 7-22 years less than their civilian counterparts, it is a critical issue requiring a solution. MBRT cultivates resiliency and compassion while enhancing self-awareness through a mind, body, and spirit connection, thereby reducing violence and bias. Through MBRT, officers reported less anxiety and a more positive attitude, thus creating a pathway towards health, both while in service and in retirement.
This reflection and the related papers illustrate some of the most salient topics which require the most in-depth understanding by all police leaders. Active shootings can occur anytime and anywhere, human trafficking occurs in plain sight and is actual slavery, and the wellness of our officers can no longer be ignored. Establishing these matters as top priorities demonstrates a true understanding of modern criminology and the key criminal justice issues which affect society.
Possessing a critical understanding of modern criminology and criminal justice issues is an essential skill for all 21st century law enforcement leaders. Knowledge in these broad areas establishes the platform for chiefs and commanders to not only provide quality public safety to their communities, but to also keep their officers safe and healthy during these turbulent times. In an era in which national police reform is mandated, it is incumbent upon law enforcement leaders to understand the critical issues affecting society and to form proper response protocols. Moreover, knowledge in modern criminology principles qualifies police executives to either endorse and support their current policing practices or explore emerging strategies for change.
I authored three key graduate papers which connect directly to the concept of understanding modern criminology and criminal justice issues. The first examines active shooter events as a top critical issue for law enforcement, the second explores the atrocious and pervasive crime of human trafficking, and the third focuses on Mindful Based Resilience Training (MBRT) as a means of wellness for law enforcement officers. The papers serve to address vital concern for the policing profession, while also delving into the criminological aspects of these topics.
In my paper entitled, “Active Shooter Events: The Next Critical Issue in Policing,” I conducted a comprehensive examination of the key factors linked to these occurrences. This crime-type has trended upward over the last ten years, with 250 documented incidents occurring between 2000 and 2017. Resultingly, 799 people were killed, and 1,418 people were wounded in a wide array of venues. Although most suspects were male, with a majority having mental health issues and connections to their targets, there is still no active shooter profile. Since most suspects displayed concerning behavior prior to their attack, it is essential for all citizens to recognize and report suspicious activity. Community involvement and information sharing between all government agencies will prove crucial towards preventing future active shooting incidents from occurring.
In my paper entitled, “The Central New York Human Trafficking Task Force: Memorandum of Understanding,” my colleagues and I explored the intricacies of this horrendous crime, while outlining methods by which law enforcement can collaboratively prevent further victimization. Since human trafficking is analogous to modern-day slavery, the task force was ultimately designed to expose and lessen its occurrence, while providing a means to rescue victims and prosecute offenders. The task force describes the variables required for its success, to include its composition, its mission, funding, training, incident response, case management, and its overall operations. Since victims are systematically deprived of basic human rights, it is a high priority issue with vast criminological relevance, thereby requiring all of law enforcement’s attention.
In a memo-format style paper entitled, “Recommended Emphasis Towards Mindfulness Based Resilience Training,” I address the issue of wellness for law enforcement officers and underscore the fact that officer suicides exceed all other types of line-of-duty deaths. The memo affirms that policing exposes officers to daily trauma resulting in PTSD, depression, addiction, stress, and suicide. With studies indicating that an officer’s life expectancy may be 7-22 years less than their civilian counterparts, it is a critical issue requiring a solution. MBRT cultivates resiliency and compassion while enhancing self-awareness through a mind, body, and spirit connection, thereby reducing violence and bias. Through MBRT, officers reported less anxiety and a more positive attitude, thus creating a pathway towards health, both while in service and in retirement.
This reflection and the related papers illustrate some of the most salient topics which require the most in-depth understanding by all police leaders. Active shootings can occur anytime and anywhere, human trafficking occurs in plain sight and is actual slavery, and the wellness of our officers can no longer be ignored. Establishing these matters as top priorities demonstrates a true understanding of modern criminology and the key criminal justice issues which affect society.
Authored works as described above:
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
Active Shooter Events: The Next Critical Issue in Policing By Dennis R. Nayor.pdf |
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
Finalized Human Trafficking Task Force MOU.pdf |
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
Mindfulness Based Resilience Training By Dennis R. Nayor.pdf |