PART 1
As you begin to consider your career goals, it is important to clarify your specific needs and interests. In most instances, you cannot get the job you want if you aren’t clear about what you are searching for as well as the types of jobs for which you qualify. In order to identify the types of positions you are most interested in (or most qualified for), conducting industry research is important. The work you put forth now will provide a large return of investment; the more clearly you can identify your goals, the greater your chances of fulfilling them.
Primary Task Response:
Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.
Does the private sector have a career for you?
Action: Research jobs using Web site A or additional Internet sources, and find options that do not involve the most familiar employment avenues.
Awareness: Most people are familiar with some careers and settings like police officers, courts, and corrections, but what options exist outside of the government?
How does the private sector overlap with government jobs?
Action: Find and list 3 specific jobs that have private and government equivalents, and list 3 skills for each that are the same in both sectors. A compare-and-contrast element can be added to evaluate the jobs’ requirements and duties.
Awareness: Many government jobs have private-sector equivalents with the same titles, benefits, or duties.
What are the advantages to working in the private sector?
Action: Answer the following questions in short answer or essay format:
How can the skills and training benefit your marketability for a future career?
Could this job serve as a job that could lead you to a government job later in your career?
Awareness: Private-sector jobs are abundant and often have less restrictions for employment compared to their government counterparts. They also can be less dependent on unpredictable government changes. They can also serve as a great way to gain needed experience and training for a future job or career.
To learn more about where to explore and research your chosen discipline, please watch the following tutorial: .
PART 2
Because of the rising crime rate and the nation’s tougher stance on crime, many states have enacted legislation that eliminates discretion for sentencing alternatives, especially as it relates to repeat offenders. This legislation is referred to as “three strikes and you’re out.” In some states, one does not have to be convicted of a third felony to be affected by this legislation. If someone committed a misdemeanor for the third offense, it would trigger the “three strikes” law and subject the offender to a life sentence.
Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas on the following:
What impact, if any, do you feel that this type of legislation would have on recidivism rates? Explain.
Do you believe that someone convicted of a misdemeanor for their third offense should be subjected to life imprisonment under this legislation? Why or why not?
What does the data show in evaluating the impact of “three strikes” legislation?
PART 3
In light of the economic struggles that many states are facing today, every area of the criminal justice system is coming under scrutiny, especially as it relates to the expenditures of taxpayer monies. One of the most hotly contested areas is that of the privatization of prisons. Respond to the following questions, and support your position using credible research:
Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of prison privatization? Explain in your own words.
What impact does the privatization of prisons have on providing rehabilitative services that would help prisoners rejoin society productively and curb recidivism? Explain.
What impact does contracting with a private firm have on governmental liability for the violation of inmates’ constitutional rights? Explain.
Some would argue that for-profit private prisons have no place in a democratic society. Do you agree? Use external research to justify your response.