Strategies for reducing crime rates and public safety

Reducing Crime:

From the beginning of the 19th Century, the criminal justice system has basically revolved between two models that are geared towards reducing crime through distinct approaches. As part of their different approach, the crime control and due process models have separated the individuals that work in the criminal justice system. The crime justice structure has used more of crime control model than the due process model which has enabled the Supreme Court to rule on a number of court cases that extends the rights of culprits. These court cases include absolute defense against search and arrest as well as providing attorneys to unlawful defendants at the cost of state. It was noted that after a certain period of time, the rate of crime started to increase, the economy failed and people lost confidence with the government.

The purpose of the due process model was to maximize on powers of the government. While the process allows for the possibility of errors, innocent people are wrongfully accused though it reduces the mistakes in the arrest and conviction of innocent persons. On the contrary, the crime control model mainly focuses on the public protection which is done at a fee. In this model several mistakes including harassing, arresting and convicting of innocent people are seen. With the high rates of arrest and convictions, evidence is based on the interrogations and cross examination in the courts (Delaney, 2009).

Another factor that is focused on the due process model is the power limit on police and prosecutor. The power limit here is applied by considering other individual rights like; right to be innocent until proven guilty, right to public prosecutor, right against person's incrimination, right to just inquiry, and right against arrest without interrogation. On the other hand, the crime control model favors the police and the prosecutor by increasing their powers. The police have the mandate to illegal arrest, false evidence and coercive interrogations and this leads to the abuse to individual rights. Though the due process model is slow, it is the most preferred model since it retains its firm uniformity. The model does not also allow false arrest thereby forcing the police and the prosecutor to present only reliable evidence whenever needed.

In order to understand the most effective and reliable model for reducing crime, there is need to critically analyze the methods and make value judgment ("Which Model?" n.d.). The most effective method for crime reduction seems to be the due process model since it maintains the fact-finding capabilities and integrity of law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Even though it's slow as compared to the crime control method, it does not encourage unfair arrest and inappropriate prosecution of individuals. On the contrary, the crime control model has also been relatively efficient in crime reduction because of its focus on protecting the society. However, this method has been hindered by various mistakes that have thwarted its effectiveness in reducing crime. These mistakes include the illegal arrests, coercive interrogations, and unreasonable searches it tolerates.