These areas are illustrating how Harris is violating numerous aspects of criminal justice procedures and the law. ("Training Day," 2001)
Key Criminal Justice Procedures
In the film, there are a number of criminal justice procedures that are continuously ignored by Harris to include: not following proper procedure to obtain a search warrant, covering up crimes that are committed by himself / other police officers and failing to arrest criminal suspects who are involved in felony related activities. In the case of not follow proper procedure for obtaining a warrant, Harris engaged in these activities twice. This occurred when he raided Sandman's house and gave his mother a Chinese food menu in lieu of warrant. The second time happened, when he paid police officials' money under the table for the warrant. These issues are troubling, as Harris did not collect evidence and go to a judge showing how a crime is being committed. Instead, he used illegal methods to obtain the warrant or he simply ignored these procedures if the target was not politically connected. This is illustrating, how these actions created an atmosphere of lawlessness. (Carlson, 2005, pp. 3 -- 14) ("Officer Response," 2012) ("Understanding Police Procedures," 2012)
Covering up crimes that are committed by himself or others include: after he shot Roger, Hoyt smoking marijuana and the activities of Mexican gangsters. These areas are troubling, as they show that Harris is not enforcing the law by allowing these kinds of situations to take place. The way that he goes after one drug dealer and then works with other gangs is illustrating how he is not investigating these crimes. Instead, he is focusing on achieving his own personal objectives at all costs. This means that he will deal with criminal organizations and will use any means necessary to achieve his objectives. In criminal...
This is because their activities will have an impact on the police department's relationship with the community. At the same time, the unethical actions will have an effect on the ability of others to enforce the law and work with possible informants. This will make it more difficult for
law enforcement to conduct its mission. (Carlson, 2005, pp. 3 -- 14) ("Officer Response," 2012) ("Understanding Police Procedures," 2012)
Failing to arrest criminals involved in felony related activities that are taking
place throughout the film. The most notable include: the attempted
rape, working with gangsters (i.e. The Russians and Mexicans) along with covering up the shooting of an unarmed man (Roger). These areas are highlighting how Harris' failure to respond, allowed criminal enterprises to flourish. His role helped to protect them from other law enforcement agencies (based upon his relationship with them). Over the course of time, this allows large criminal enterprises to become established that are above the law. (Carlson, 2005, pp. 3 -- 14) ("Officer Response," 2012) ("Understanding Police Procedures," 2012)
Conclusion
Clearly, the
movie Training Day is showing the challenges that most
law enforcement officers will face. This is occurring through their desire to enforce the law and remain within its boundaries. Yet, at the same time they are dealing with criminal elements that are corrupt and have tremendous amounts of influence. The challenges that most individuals will have to face, is maintaining a balance in enforcing the law and the relationship that they have with these elements. Those who are able to remember these objectives will be able to follow the different constitutional provisions and prevent abuses from occurring. This is when the
public will have more support for the police department and the activities that they are involved in.
References
Officer Response. (2012). Miami Shores Village. Retrieved from: http://www.miamishoresvillage.com/Police/police_procedure.htm
Training Day. (2001). Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved from: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/training_day/
Understanding Police Procedures. (2012). Portland Police. Retrieved from: http://www.portlandonline.com/police/index.cfm?a=31583&c=29869
Carlson, R. (2005). Criminal Justice Procedures. Newark, NJ: Lexius Nexius.
