Why Criminal Justice Professionals Must Stay Updated on Changing Laws

Anyone intending to engage in criminal justice must realize that the laws are constantly changing. Laws and policies change, procedures change and all these changes occur over time. 

It is, therefore, necessary that any person operating within this field has been adequately updated concerning such changes. Whether they are police officers, legal assistants, social workers, or even correctional officers, all these professionals have to be up to date regarding new laws and legislation.

In the following blog, we will explain why it is essential for criminal justice professionals to stay ahead of changing laws and provide helpful tips on keeping up with the latest changes in the law.

The Law Changes to Protect People

Laws are written for the protection that a community or person deserves. However, as the times change and grow, so must any need to modify the law to new rules for protecting the rights of individuals, enhancing the protection regarding the general safety of society, or dealing with crimes considered new. Professionals in criminal justice also have to understand this changes-with-the-times concept to realistically and appropriately perform their duties effectively.

Example: New laws may be passed that affect how police officers handle a situation or new rules regarding how the courts handle the case. Such a new ordinance can alter, for example, how juveniles are handled within the justice system, which can change how a social worker or probation officer deals with young people’s cases.

Failure to stay current in the law could result in applying some mistake, which could hurt a case or otherwise result in some legal consequence to a person or agency. One must go with time, follow current guidelines, and protect their rights precisely.

Save Yourself and Others from Legal Headaches

Criminal justice professionals must consistently update themselves with new legislation in an attempt not to make mistakes with dire consequences. For example, a police officer not being aware of new search and seizure laws could inadvertently violate a citizen’s rights. 

Similarly, a paralegal unaware of a new court practice could miss a key timeline. Staying current prevents such an error and appropriately enables the administration of justice.

Example: This is apparent if a police officer needs to understand how evidence collections have changed. The officer could continue collecting the evidence incorrectly, hence also making the evidence inadmissible in a court of law. This hurts a case and brings a criminal away free when they may have been guilty.

Keeping up with the changes in the law helps you ensure that you operate under the proper rules, avoiding legal issues for yourself, your clients, and your agency. It protects you and those you serve from unnecessary mistakes.

Keeping Abreast of New Technology

Another challenge the criminal justice system faces is addressing new technology and, with it, the change that the laws must undergo to adapt. Technology indeed plays a massive role in everything from surveillance cams and body cams to online crime hacking or identity theft. Besides, criminal justice professionals must know how technologies affect their work and how the law addresses them.

For instance, new legislation may relate to cybercrimes or the use and storage of data. If a law enforcement officer investigates a cybercrime, he must understand digital evidence and privacy laws to avoid making mistakes.

With each new tool and technology come new laws and regulations. Criminal justice professionals must be prepared to adjust to the shifting technology that changes how they gather and process information. You may inadvertently overlook essential facts or even violate privacy laws if you don’t know.

Evolving Public Expectations and Viewpoints

Public opinion about crime and punishment changes with the times, and so do the laws. For example, societal views have changed about drug offenses as some places have legalized certain drugs or lessened punishments for select types of offenses. Because of this, their criminal justice professionals approach the job differently.

For example, in places where marijuana use has been legalized, the laws on its consumption have changed, influencing how police officers deal with drug-related offenses. What had before been an automatic arrest for possession of marijuana would today perhaps result in a citation, depending on where you live.

As the general public’s attitude shifts, the laws they are based upon eventually change. Criminal justice professionals must be aware of such changes to continue conducting their job responsibilities responsibly and congruent with public expectations.

Professional Credibility

As a professional in the field of criminal justice, you must maintain credibility. Failure to keep up with legal changes will result in losing credibility with colleagues, clients, and the public. Staying updated about the laws shows that you are responsible, dedicated, and committed to doing your job right.

Example: As a probation officer, you have to be updated with the changes made in the sentencing laws to provide compliance or assistance in probation. This can make the rehabilitation of the convicted person nil, and your reputation as a professional also suffers.

Being informative will bring you closer to being trusted and reliable to your colleagues and the constituency you serve. If you are informed promptly regarding legal changes, all will witness that you will be of service at your finest.

How to Stay Updated with the Laws

Read news stories, legal journals, or government sites that publish updates on the change of law. Most Websites publish newsletters that come directly to your inbox with fresh legal updates. 

Networking events, online groups, and conferences are a significant way to remain in contact with other professionals in the criminal justice field. This will keep you informed and enable you to learn from one another among these contacts when it comes to changes in the law.

Conclusion 

As a Legal Assistant, a Criminal Justice Professional, or anyone working with the judicial system, one must be current with new legislation. Keeping abreast with new laws enables one to navigate one’s position effectively and preserve justice.
Start your career with Northwest Career College and develop the skills, training, and expertise you will need to become successful in this changing field.