Current Issues in Criminal Justice

Featuring chapters written by current and former criminal justice professionals, Current Issues in Criminal Justice provides students with an examination of the most pertinent issues, phenomena, and trends within the discipline today.

The book begins with an examination of the constitutional basis for the criminal justice system and the limitations placed upon it by the Constitution. It then moves into a description of the historical experiences of non-white populations with the criminal justice system, followed by a discussion of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected modern policing. Students read about the mass shooting epidemic in the United States, how politics can affect policing, best practices in hiring diversity, and police ethics training. Additional chapters discuss problem-solving courts, drug policy in the U.S., and current issues in both institutional corrections and community-based corrections. The book closes with a chapter that reviews emerging technologies and their effects on contemporary criminal justice. Each chapter features pre-reading questions and end-of-chapter questions to engage students and well support their learning experience.

Balancing academic research with practical information, Current Issues in Criminal Justice is an ideal resource for courses and programs within the discipline.

Christopher James Utecht is an associate professor and department chair in the Criminal Justice Department at the College of Lake County. He holds master's degrees in criminal justice and sociology from the University of Cincinnati and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, respectively.

Jeff Czarnec retired as the associate dean of criminal justice and social sciences at Southeastern New Hampshire University. He holds a Ph.D. in leadership studies from Franklin Pierce University.

Darren K. Stocker is a tenured professor and the coordinator of the Criminal Justice Department at Cape Cod Community College. He holds master's degrees from Saint Joseph's University and the University of Massachusetts. He is a recognized expert in policing and corrections.