The proliferation of information systems throughout the criminal justice system has prompted many universities supporting criminal justice programs to add criminal justice information systems technology to their curriculums. Several universities have gone so far as to hire professors with specializations in information technology and to offer criminal justice information systems as an area of concentration. Introduction to Criminal Justice Information Systems gives an overview of the various software systems and technologies currently used in the criminal justice environment. The book covers a variety of topics critical to each member of the criminal justice system: police, prosecutor, courts, and corrections. It details the current systems in use, how they are used, and how separate systems interact with others. It also suggests how the current technology and the processes built upon it will evolve. While designed as a textbook to meet the needs of an introductory criminal justice information technology course, Introduction to Criminal Justice Information Systems is also a flexible resource useful to professionals in relevant areas of the criminal justice system. With rapidly increasing development and use of technology in modern law enforcement, this book provides a much-needed reference for those who are responsible for its implementation as well as an essential introduction to those who will become responsible for it. An instructor's manual is available as an electronic download upon request.

A contemporary guide to the criminal justice process, the broad scope of this book means it will be a trusted companion throughout a Criminology and/or Criminal Justice degree. The contents of An Introduction to Criminal Justice include: 23 chapters spanning all that’s involved with, and fully contextualising, the criminal justice process: the agencies, institutions and processes and procedures that deal with victims, offenders and offending A detailed timeline of criminal justice since 1945 Consideration of victims and witnesses, complaints and misconduct A comprehensive review of policing, prosecution, the courts, imprisonment and community sanctions A focus on community safety, crime prevention and youth justice A review of the effectiveness of the criminal justice process Exploration of global and international dimensions as well as the futures of criminal justice Lots of helpful extras including further reading suggestions, case studies, self-study questions and a glossary of terms. The accompanying website to An Introduction to Criminal Justice has: A podcast interview with a police officer Practice essay questions Multiple choice questions Suggested website resources to explore Videos.

A practical and applied introduction to criminal justice Introduction to Criminal Justice: Practice and Process shows you how to think practically about the criminal justice system by offering you a proven, problem-based approach to learning. Bestselling authors Kenneth J. Peak and Tamara D. Madensen draw on their many years of combined practitioner and academic experience to explain the importance of criminal justice and show how key trends, emerging issues, historical background, and practical lessons can be applied in the field. New to the Third Edition: An emphasis on constitutional policing, legitimacy, and procedural justice stresses the importance for police to develop a “guardian” mindset over a “soldier” mindset. New discussions of contemporary criminological theories—such as social structure theories, social process theories, social conflict theories, feminist theories, and environmental criminology theories—provide you with a concise explanation on why people commit crimes and how to prevent them in the modern world. An in-depth view of three particularly challenging problems and policy issues—terrorism, the mentally ill population, and illegal immigration—demonstrate how today’s society and the criminal justice system are affected by these issues and what can be done to address the problems. New examples and case studies of ethical dilemmas illustrate today's climate of distrust, dissension, and dysfunction to encourage you to think critically about what is considered “ethical”. New video interviews with criminal justice professionals offer you career advice, provide you with insights into a variety of career paths, and discuss challenges and misconceptions of each profession.

This book provides an overview of the criminal justice system of the United States. It is intended to provide the introductory student a concise yet balanced introduction to the workings of the legal system as well as policing, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice. Six chapters, each divided into five sections, provide the reader a consistent, comfortable format as well as providing the instructor with a consistent framework for ease of instructional design.

Introduction to Criminal Justice: Systems, Diversity, and Change, Fourth Edition, offers students a brief, yet thorough, introduction to criminal justice with up-to-date coverage of all aspects of the system in succinct and engaging chapters. Authors Callie Marie Rennison and Mary Dodge weave four true criminal case studies throughout the book, capturing students’ attention with memorable stories that illustrate the real-life pathways and outcomes of criminal behavior and victimization. Designed to show the connectedness of the criminal justice system, each case study brings the chapter concepts to life. Providing students with a more inclusive overview of criminal justice, important and timely topics such as ethics, policy, gender, diversity, and victimization are emphasized throughout. This title is accompanied by a complete teaching and learning package.