Criminal Justice System: Course Analysis

As a Criminal Justice major, I am required to take plenty of courses that, of course, all discuss different aspects of the Criminal Justice system. Currently, one of the courses that I am taking CRIJ 267: Police Systems &Practices. This course has truly changed the way I view policing. Before this course, I viewed policing as the most dangerous job in the world and becoming a cop was totally out the picture. The media portrays such a negative aspect of policing that one becomes fearful. I decided to read and review I Love a Cop because I am considering becoming a police officer. I am a very family oriented individual so knowing what kind of toll the career I choose will have on my family is eminent. Also, my boyfriend is pursuing a job as a

Part I is titled “Hi, Honey. I’m home.” Part I is covered in four chapters. Each chapter focuses on different issues faced by police officers and their families. Part I discusses how to deal with long hours, unpredictable shifts, injuries, and long departures. It talks about the how a policing career can become a paradox. I Love Cop states, “It is a paradox that the same work habits that make a good cop can be hazardous to being a good mate and parent.” Also, over the course of the years a police officer goes through different phases in their career. Every police officer begins at the “honeymoon” phase. This is what they all call their rookie years. During this phase, police officers love their job. It is everything they ever dreamed of. But over the course of the years they begin to realize that a policing career is not as sweet and dandy as they thought. Cops go through two more phases, settling down and dealing with disillusionmen, before they reach the fourth and final phase. The fourth phase is “Coming to a Crossroad.” During this phase, officers begin to plan their future and focus on their outside life and their “after” policing years. Finally, Part I talks about organization stress and its effect on the

“Encountering violence on the job is often the first times officers realize that they can die and the extent to which they have been in denial about it.” I Love a Cop gives the various signs and symptoms that can result from an abnormal event. Additionally, Part II mentions ways to overcome trauma and become a survivor. Part II gives the reader ways to help a police officer who is suffering from trauma and how to help your family overcome a traumatic event. A section of Part II is particularly dedicated to kids and trauma. Children are often the most affected individuals in any traumatic event, whether it affects them directly or not. Children are vulnerable. Often times they do not know how to express themselves verbally and that is key to overcoming a traumatic event. I Love a Cop gives tips on how to deal with children facing trauma.

In continuation, Part II talks about domestic violence, the best-kept secret of policing. This section of Part II focuses on the realities of domestic violence, the possible why, and how to know if you are being abused. This section gives the reader advice on how to stay safe and how to deal with domestic violence. Furthermore, Part II discusses alcohol abuse and suicide. Finally, it discusses how to get the help you need. There are plenty of resources that