Basharat,

On a macro-level, politics certainly play a role in what is criminalized and what crimes are most likely to be enforced.

But, macro-level politics are not the only consideration--how important are political influences on micro-level criminal justice policies and operations?

In my experience, on a micro scale there is a deliberate attempt to insulate Police Chiefs and police departments from politics. This is accomplished through the Politics-Administration Dichotomy; through professional organizations; and, finally, through the legal arrangement of the employment contract for police managers.

As you are most likely aware, the Politics-Administration Dichotomy insists that politicians refrain from directing day-to-day operations or dabbling in the appointment or promotion of personnel. In return, agency staff should not seek to influence policy nor should they become embroiled in elections or other political activity. In practice, the power to formulate policy and the power to direct operations are most effective when shared, thus it may seem at times that politics influences criminal justice policies and practice. However, even this political influence is moderated by the professional organizations (e.g. state and national police management organizations, police research associations, etc.) that frequently monitor, evaluate and publish best practices models.

The last component that I mention is the employment contract for police managers. In practice, if the Chief of Police is protected, then the managers below will be protected. Given this, another way to insulate police departments from micro-level politics is to insist on Police Chief employment contracts that include clauses for super-majority termination requiring four out of five council members to support termination; and/or severance pay for terminations not based on malfeasance (e.g. six months, one year or longer severance pay). This does not preclude a political body from changing directions in management, but ensures that changes made are truly necessary and managed in an orderly manner. For instance, a Chief with severance and super-majority clauses would most likely be encouraged to look for "opportunities for advancement" elsewhere rather than be abruptly fired.

All of these things tend to reduce the role of politics in the micro-level operation of police departments.

Rob

I do agree with your assessment on the role of politics at the micro and macro levels. However, with respect to the developing countries such as Pakistan, politics does play an important role at both levels, i.e. at the formulation of criminal justice policies and at the micro-level operational policing as well. this is very sad because it effect the police performance in crime control. Politicians does interfere in the day-to-day operational policing activities. I give you an example, the security situation in Karachi city - the business hub of Pakistan - is increasing getting worse, few months back, the Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan accused all political parties for having links to the underground criminals. The police department started operation against criminals in Liyari area in Karachi which was strongly criticized by the ruling political party, Pakistan Peoples Party, because it is their strong political hub. Unfortunately, the police department had to stop their operations. Now, that much political interferences in operational policing have crippled the efficiency and performance of the police department to do their business and the security situation in Karachi is still uncertain.

On the other hand, the police officials have no choice but to relay on these corrupt politicians for getting favour for their promotions.

Even at the policy levels, history has shown that politicians - both military leadership and political leadership - have tried to pleased the public by making false promises but have failed to deliver. General Zia (1979-1988) introduced Hudood Laws in the name of Islamization aganda to get public support and prolong his rule, in which he succeed, now the same laws are rarely practiced these days.

Basharat,

Thanks so much for sharing how this works in developing countries. I have much to learn from these examples.

Rob

My opinion is that.....

They make law as if, to bend and make plea to anybody in "anything and every thing" for betterment of politicians alone'

I may be

I am sorry for responding late as I was thinking about it. I view Criminal Justice is a politico-legal instrument of the state to ensure rule of law , therefore, I view a proactive role of politics in promoting C J policies. In fact, politics do drive to large extent the formation of any policies.

Surekha,

I can't disagree as long as we talk about politics as the competition for scarce resources. It is the nefarious politics wherein groups and individuals use politics to circumvent the rule of law and constitutional governance that is problematic.