write a 3000-word report to critically review both the victim-based and offender-based approaches to policing, and how these are applied to reduce crime. Your work should demonstrate your understanding of how the criminal justice system manages crime with a focus on issues of ABUSE and SAFEGUARDING.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
A Critical Review of Victim-Based and Offender-Based Approaches to Policing in Crime Reduction: Focus on Abuse and Safeguarding in the Criminal Justice System
Introduction
In the realm of policing and crime reduction, two primary approaches guide law enforcement practices: victim-based and offender-based approaches. These approaches play a crucial role in shaping strategies to prevent and address crime while safeguarding individuals from abuse within the criminal justice system. This report critically reviews the effectiveness of victim-based and offender-based approaches in reducing crime, with a focus on issues of abuse and safeguarding.
Victim-Based Approach to Policing
The victim-based approach to policing emphasizes the needs and rights of victims affected by crime. This approach aims to provide support, protection, and justice for individuals who have been victimized. By prioritizing the needs of victims, law enforcement agencies seek to empower individuals, address trauma, and prevent re-victimization. Victim-based policing often involves victim support services, crisis intervention, and advocacy to ensure that victims receive the necessary assistance and protection.
Effectiveness of Victim-Based Approach
– Empowerment of Victims: By focusing on victims’ needs, the victim-based approach empowers individuals to participate in the criminal justice process and seek justice for the harm they have endured.
– Prevention of Re-Victimization: Through tailored support services and protection measures, victim-based policing aims to prevent further victimization and trauma among vulnerable populations.
– Enhanced Trust in Law Enforcement: Prioritizing victims’ rights and well-being can foster trust between law enforcement agencies and communities, leading to improved cooperation in crime prevention and investigation efforts.
Offender-Based Approach to Policing
Contrary to the victim-based approach, the offender-based approach centers on identifying, apprehending, and holding offenders accountable for their criminal actions. This approach focuses on investigating criminal behavior, gathering evidence, and prosecuting offenders through legal channels. By targeting offenders and addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, law enforcement agencies aim to deter future crimes, disrupt criminal networks, and uphold public safety.
Effectiveness of Offender-Based Approach
– Crime Deterrence: The offender-based approach seeks to deter criminal behavior by holding offenders accountable for their actions through legal consequences and sanctions.
– Disruption of Criminal Networks: By targeting offenders involved in organized crime or repeat offenses, law enforcement agencies can disrupt criminal networks and prevent further criminal activities.
– Promotion of Public Safety: Identifying and apprehending offenders contributes to promoting public safety and reducing the prevalence of crime in communities.
Abuse and Safeguarding in the Criminal Justice System
Issues of abuse and safeguarding are critical considerations within the criminal justice system, particularly concerning vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Abuse can manifest in various forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Safeguarding efforts aim to protect individuals from harm, prevent abuse, and provide support services to those at risk.
Challenges in Addressing Abuse
– Underreporting: Victims of abuse may hesitate to report incidents due to fear, shame, or lack of trust in authorities, leading to underreported cases.
– Complexity of Cases: Abuse cases often involve multiple factors such as psychological trauma, dependency relationships, and legal complexities, making them challenging to address effectively.
– Resource Constraints: Law enforcement agencies and support services may face resource limitations in responding to abuse cases promptly and providing adequate assistance to victims.
Integration of Approaches in Crime Reduction
To effectively reduce crime and address issues of abuse and safeguarding within the criminal justice system, a holistic approach that integrates victim-based and offender-based strategies is essential. By combining these approaches, law enforcement agencies can create a comprehensive framework that prioritizes victim support, offender accountability, and community safety. Collaboration between law enforcement agencies, victim support services, social welfare organizations, and legal entities is crucial in implementing multifaceted strategies to combat crime while safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the victim-based and offender-based approaches to policing each play a vital role in crime reduction efforts within the criminal justice system. While the victim-based approach focuses on empowering victims, preventing re-victimization, and enhancing trust in law enforcement, the offender-based approach targets offenders, deters criminal behavior, and promotes public safety. Issues of abuse and safeguarding underscore the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from harm and providing support services to those in need. By integrating victim-based and offender-based strategies with a focus on abuse and safeguarding, law enforcement agencies can enhance their effectiveness in reducing crime while upholding justice and protecting communities.
