ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on general political, global, economic, and legal factors affecting the operations of criminal justice agencies and their personnel. In recent years, social movements to protest abuses in the criminal justice system have also come into play. As will be discussed, criminal justice agencies and organizations in the private sector dealing with justice administration issues do not operate in a vacuum. They are all tied to a wide range of variables that impact daily and long-term operations. One major factor affecting the delivery of services is the economic status of the community, state, nation, and increasingly, the global environment. As discussed in your coursework, the establishment of any criminal justice organization must be based on a perceived need, which is then redefined in a body of law. Personnel must develop a legal framework in order to perform their duties. This is a difficult task because daily business is affected by many laws, case rulings, and internal procedures. Thus, the major purpose of this chapter is for you to review the major impact these factors have on the criminal justice system and your internship placement site.
