Phase 5 – Consequence of Inaction
The Issue
Most violent crimes reported do not result in prosecution of the suspects (Gramlich, 2017). It is, therefore, not surprising that charging VBBC members would be an upheaval task. As head of the virtual police department, there would be a need to focus on the recommendations given by Raymond Burr. The prosecutor is reluctant to envision the agenda of the alliance called upon by Chief Moore. Many of the crimes perpetrated by the VBBC go unpunished despite arrests by the police department. To ascertain the probable cause for the arrest and subsequent prosecution, there has to be substantial evidence to back the arrest.
In this regard, dealing priority would be given to efforts geared at additional training on probable cause, interrogation procedures, and charging. A lapse in these procedures plays a significant role in the outcome of cases taken to the judicial system. The virtual police department feels that efforts to curb VBBC crime have solely been relegated to the police. However, sentiments by Burr could be useful in enlisting the judicial justice system. The alliance with other departments seeks to pursue current police investigations and prosecutions. Training on the mentioned aspects would thus be in line with the goal of the partnership.
The Solution
There are more than thirty thousand street, motorcycle and prison gangs in the U.S (“Gangs | Federal Bureau of Investigation”, n.d.). VBBC is an example of a motorcycle gang. Not only does the gang have an impact on the streets, but it also influences prisons. The effect of gang affiliation thus increases the crime rate in the area. Dealing with the gang activities would, therefore, involve the arrest, interrogation, and court process of the suspects. Evidence plays a significant role in the outcome of a case. Training as regards identification, handling, storage, and retrieval of evidence is thus essential. Clearance protocol, for example, needs to be established. Handling training is also necessary, such as the proper use of kits and storage equipment to reduce the chances of evidence contamination.
Not only is training necessary, but action should also be taken against officers who disregard the established protocol. Interrogation is equally vital in establishing probable cause. A flawed interrogation could negatively impact the authenticity of a case. Not reading a suspect Miranda right, for example, during an arrest and interrogation process, could jeopardize case authenticity. Charging procedures are equally essential in authenticating a criminal case. Proving probable cause when all the mentioned aspects have been put in place becomes easier. It also means that not only would training of officers be essential, collaboration with the justice department would also be necessary. In this regard collaborating with Burr would be instrumental as he would offer guidance as far as the process is concerned. It is important to note that working with all the other departments identified would be necessary for curbing crime in the virtual area.
Conclusion
A flaw in the process could jeopardize a case outcome due to the presentation of weak cases in court. However, the criminal prosecutor’s office would equally have to show some goodwill in dealing with the VBBC menace. Previous arrests are a testament to the fact that it would be possible to arrest more gang members. However, better preparedness strategies would be required to achieve positive results. It is in this regard that collaborating with Burr, the prosecutor from the Office of the District Attorney would be the most critical agenda as far as the VBBC crime issue is concerned.
References
Gangs | Federal Bureau of Investigation. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Retrieved from
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/gangs.
Gramlich, J. (2017). Most violent and property crimes in the U.S. go unsolved. Pew Research
Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/03/01/most-violent-and-property-crimes-in-the-u-s-go-unsolved/.