1. What are some major problems with implementing the ideas of a human service model of employee supervision in criminal justice organizations? How do you think employees would react to such a supervision model?
2. What type of supervisor do most employees like to work for? Would they select a traditional, innovative, or supportive supervisor? Do you believe that employee personalities may influence what type of supervisor is favored?
3. Describe the role of a probation officer. What are the norms and values associated with this work? Include those that can be regarded as legitimate, as well as, those regarded as illegitimate. What are the sources of these norms and values? How do education, training and the work experience influence them?
4. What are some of the biases that would underlie a police officer's discretionary decision whether or not to make an arrest? What biases or beliefs do you possess that would impact your decision to make an arrest or to release the offender?
5. Describe the role of ethics in a criminal justice organization. Why do incidences of corruption occur? How can administrators reduce the number of ethical violations?
1. Distinguish between power and authority. Do you believe the foundation of criminal justice organizations is power or authority? Why? Give examples in everyday criminal justice life that reflect the differences among these concepts.
2. Think of the prison as a criminal justice organization. How does political power play out among life staff, supervisors, and administrators? Do inmates participate in the political structure?
3. Identify the best conflict-resolution strategy for dealing with a police emergency. Why is this the best course of action?
4. A growing number of line-level criminal justice practioners have college degrees. Will the advanced education of these practioners create greater or less resistance to change from within criminal justice organizations?
5. Discuss why you think police officers and/or their supervisors may be skeptical of researchers asking questions in and around their department. Why would officers be inclined to cooperate or not cooperate? If you were the police chief, how would you handle this situation?