Intermediate Microeconomic problem set section A & B Coursework

Intermediate Microeconomic problem set section A & B - Coursework Example It is only possible to have dominant strategy equilibrium as Nash equilibrium, and not Nash equilibrium as dominant strategy. A dominant strategy is a special case of Nash equilibrium since there can be a tie of the strategies made by the players, therefore, resulting in Nash equilibrium. At that point, no player is capable of making any move since any move made by any player makes them worse off. They can only make a move if the dominant player makes a move (Kelly, 2003). 5. What are production externalities and how can they be eliminated through a merger? Explain, also with the aid of an example illustrated by a diagram. Production externalities are costs or benefits to a party other than the producer. Production externalities can either be positive or negative. Positive production externalities are the benefits that ensue from production or the construction of a production unit in a place. The benefits are to the society. These benefits result from production externalities that co me about as a result of production by companies and industries. The costs that come about as a result of production sum up to negative production externalities. ... Industries emit harmful gases into the atmosphere through the various processes of production. Such gases pollute the environment and more so, the air people breathe. This results in respiratory diseases when inhaled and also destroys the ozone layer leading to changes in climate. Setting up of industries also involved creating space trough cutting down of trees. Planting and having such trees takes ages and this is a cost to the society. Another externality is that traffic jams ensue as industries take up more space for industrial construction. Positive production externalities are the benefits to other third parties other than the producer. Such benefits are enjoyed by third parties. The producer does not enjoy them. An example is where producers provide jobs to the community in which it is set up and provides sponsorships and produce quality and safe products to the society. Have to be charged for emission of gases or harmful substances into the environment. They also pay for poll ution permits in order to produce. Industries also pay taxes to the government which acts as a revenue. While society benefits from this, it is a cost to the producer. A merger is where industries come together and represent both industries as one. For example, when there is a fishing firm a manufacturing industry that emits sewerage to the water that the fish firm depends on. The fish firm may decide to buy the manufacturing firm so it becomes one company, so that it is able to control the pollution of the water resource. Thus, by merging the two industries, the costs of the production externality are controlled and reduced (Quiggin and Chambers, 2001). S=maginal social costs(MSC) S=marginal private costs (MPC) Price P* P B D=marginal social benefits (MSB) Q* Q Quantity The difference

Understanding & Managing Organisations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Understanding & Managing Organisations - Essay Example Understanding and Managing Organisations As such, human resource (HR) has to find means wherein the management of people becomes the foundation for the success of the organisation (Boxall & Purcell 2003). In this regard, this study will look into HRM, its meaning and functions and on how strategic HRM becomes an essential development in the field. From this perspective, the study will focus on five aspects of HRM, namely, resourcing, employee engagement, job design, employee development and leadership. This is undertaken with the purpose of gaining more insight and better understanding of HRM. The paper will be having the following structure. The first section will deal with the nature of HRM. This will provide the framework in which the five related functions of HRM are appreciated. The second part will deal with some questions pertinent to the five aspects of HRM, which is the focus of the study. This is essential as it affords a way wherein some concerns relevant to these five functions may be clarified. Finally, the thi rd part will be the conclusion. In the end, it is the aim of the writer to be able to produce a clearer vision of the relationship between organisational behaviour and HRM. HRM: Its Nature and Definition Before, HRM has been concerned with administrative functions in people management. However, with developments in technology, HRM administrative functions are no longer its main concern, but it is now focused on coming up with strategies that position the right staff in the right job at the appropriate time and carrying out task effectively. (Lawler & Morhman 2003). As such, human resource management is â€Å"strategic and coherent approach to the management of an organization’s most valued assets – the people working there who individually and collectively contribute to the achievement of its objectives† (Armstrong 2006, p 2). Observable in the definition is the notion that people are considered to be as the â€Å"most valued assets of the organisation†, this position breaks from the traditional perception that employees are deemed as costs rather than assets. This is a significant condition because there are some who are claiming that there is a difference between HRM and human capital management (HCM) and that the main difference between the two is the actual practise (Armstrong 2006). It is contended that HRM also sees personnel as assets, however, since they have several concerns, only a few of HR people admits in implementing the philosophy and belief system underlying HCM (Armstrong 2006). On the other HCM uses measurable data to come up with policies, strategies and programmes that will help the management develop the right training, learning and opportunities that will further improve the employees. Nonetheless, although the discourse regarding the difference between HRM and HCM is continuing, what is necessary is that HRM and HCM may be combined in order to with better HR policies, strategies and programmes that best suit t he needs and goals of both employees and the organisation. With people as valuable assets as its ethos, HR works within a system wherein there is a clear HR philosophy that serves as a guide to managing people. It also has to have clear HR strategies that will lead HRM to its goals and vision. Likewise, it has to have HR policies that will set as the standard in addressing HR concerns while HR procedures are necessary concrete methods or processes adopted by the organisation as it implements HR policies. At the same time, there are

Human Resource Management (Strategic Perspectives) Essay

Human Resource Management (Strategic Perspectives) - Essay Example It is, therefore, imperative that call centre employees be exceedingly well-trained in order to ensure, not just the provision of quality service but that the call centre communicate a positive image of the corporation itself. Upon consideration of the importance of call centres, the decision to outsource appears quite monumental as, indeed, it is. Cost considerations, however, firmly establish it as a practical decision. Therefore, prior to outsourcing its call centre operations to India, ABC Incorporated need have a thorough understanding of HR outsourcing, its associate management models, be cognizant of the advantages and disadvantages of such a step and realise the cross-national and cross-cultural challenges which confront such a step in order to best manage them. This report will do just that. The report will commence with an overview of the definition of both outsourcing and HRO. Both these definitions are important for two reasons. In the first place, they give us a solid understanding of the advantages of outsourcing specified HR functions. In the second place, they give us an insight into the ways and means by which the disadvantages associate with HRO may best be managed and contained. Outsourcing: A New Definition for a Historic Phenomenon While popularly perceived of as a new phenomenon for which globalisation is held responsible, Domberger (2005) contends that outsourcing, as contracting, is a historical practice, solidly grounded in economic imperative and principle. As defined by Domberger (2005), outsourcing is best understood as a form of extra-contracting whereby, to reduce overall operational and manufacturing costs and maximise efficiency, firms and manufacturers have, traditionally and historically, contracting out specific steps in the work process. Referring to Adam Smith as the first to theorise this phenomenon, Domberger (2005) borrows the British economist's famous rural-urban example. Instead of rural areas embarking on activities which were not supported by heir environment, such as manufacturing, they focus on the agricultural activities supported by their environ; urban areas, instead of seeking to grow the raw material required for the manufacture of finished products, purchased the aforementioned from the rural areas. Rural and urban areas, thus, entered into an economically co-dependant and cooperative relationship, based on specialisation (Domberger, 2005). Specialisation, insofar as it involved the exploitation of labour tale nt and competencies from without the immediate geographic area, is the basis upon which outsourcing is founded. Domberger (2005) as may be deduced from the above, defines outsourcing as contracting based on specialisation and motivated by such economic imperatives as the exigencies of reducing cost and improving quality in order to remain competitive. Within the context of this definition, outsourcing is hardly a new phenomenon, but a

Project Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 4

Project Management - Essay Example On the sparc.airtime.co.uk website, a Software Project Manager is defined as a person with "the role with total responsibility for all the software activities for a project (CSCI). The Software Project Manager is the individual the Program Manager deals with in terms of software commitments and who controls all the software resources for a project. The Software Project Manager may have the responsibility for multiple software projects." (www.sparc.airtime.co.uk, 2006) By understanding what the project management position being advertised is in relation to the definitions of what that job is ensures that both the advertiser and the applicant are under the same understanding of what both are looking for. Sometimes the jobs that are being advertised are vague with respect to what the job scope is and many times this is done for a reason Many of the job advertisements reviewed from both online newspapers (Times) and internet searches were indeed different in what they wanted applicants to see. The different scopes of the descriptions tend to either be too vague and the job description is meant to either weed out those who the company does not want to have apply, or, keep their true job requirements a closely guarded secret. One of the many tactics that employers tend to do is to ensure that competitors are not finding out what the job is in entirety, especially if they are not going through a placement agency, to ensure they do not phish for information about future projects. As many employers look to recruitment agencies to find their next employees, one of the problems that come from that route is that the agencies do not provide complete details about the job as they want a face to face interview before the applicant even goes before the customer. The job of the recruitment agent is to ensure that the customer is in fact getting the right candidate for the job, and, for the position of a project manager the customer can ill-afford the trouble of interviewing substandard applicants. Advertised Positions for Project Manager - Good and Bad The search for this type of position was actually quite easy and circumspect in what the different employers classified as a project manager, as it would appear many of them leaned more to a Directorship position. In one advertisement for a web project manager through a recruitment agency, the position called for Detailed understanding of web projects & implementation methodologies; An understanding of commercial and account strategies with the ability to tailor implementation and wider delivery processes to meet stakeholder requirements; General knowledge of HTML, design/graphic production software packages (e.g. PhotoShop, Dreamweaver) and familiarity with other web technologies Understanding of web development and design tools; Appreciation of other web technologies; Ability to lead cross-functional team of designers, developers and other staff; Client management skills for project reporting, conflict management and general engagement; Strong project estimating skills; Strong project planning and project management abilities with skills in

Greek Mythology and Heracles Family Essay Example for Free

Greek Mythology and Heracles Family Essay The Greek heroes Heracles, Jason, Perseus and Theseus are all intriguing characters of Greek mythology. They each portray many different qualities and compare and contrast each other. For example the fact that Heracles was constantly a target of Hera and Theseus a target of Medea links them as characters. Also, Heracles frees Theseus from the chair of forgetfulness which also makes them similar. Even further, Perseus is from the city of Argos which happens to be where Heracles’ family is from as well. Another similarity between Heracles and Theseus is that they attack the Amazons together and both tend to rid the lands of certain monsters. Heracles also worked together in the Argonaut crew with Jason. All these heroes also tend to share great physical strengths and capabilities to defeat their enemies. These four heroes also differ from each other. Jason seemed to be portrayed as somewhat of a weaker character and Perseus seemed to receive much more help from gods and goddesses, even by Heracles, more than the other heroes did. It may have been because they favored him more. Another distinguishing feature is that Heracles was an average human being before he became immortal. As far as how each hero handles their quests, all four of them seem to mentally be prepared for each quest. They tend to each focus on the task at hand. For example, Heracles labors to catch a deer that is lightning fast; he perseveres for a year before he catches it. They all seem to show dedication and patience to each mission. However unlike Theseus who picks more dangerous routes, maybe for more of a mental challenge, Perseus does not seem to be as mentally focused but more on the physical side of things. Perseus is more physical and does not have to use as much intellectual thinking because he is gifted by nymphs and gods that give him the right tools to succeed on his quest. Heracles stands out as a physical hero since the day he was born by having to fight off the snakes that Hera sent his way and the fact that most of the twelve labors were aimed for his failure yet he succeeds. Another impressive success was the cleaning of the Augean stables by means of diverting 2 rivers. Each of these four heroes has honorable qualities that drives them in their quests and make them compare and contrast to each other.

Amendment to Controlled Substances Act: Hydrocodone

Amendment to Controlled Substances Act: Hydrocodone H.R. 1285: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone a Schedule II Drug Jill Garreth Abstract This paper describes H.R. 1285, a bill proposed to amend the Controlled Substances Act to make any substance containing hydrocodone a Schedule II drug. It explores the historical, sociocultural, ethical, economic and the political/legislative environment in which the bill was introduced. Some of the difficulties encountered include the bill being referred to the House Committee of Judiciary and the House Committee of Energy and Commerce (H.R. 1285-113th Congress: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone A Schedule II Drug, 2013). Since being referred to both committees, there has been no further action taken on this bill by Congress (H.R. 1285-113th Congress: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone A Schedule II Drug, 2013). Stakeholders in the passage of this bill include physicians, pharmacists, advanced practice nurses, patients and long term care (LTC) facilities. The likelihood that H.R. 1285 will pass is very small due to the fact that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently made a ruling that changed hydrocodone to a schedule II drug (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2014). Because of the DEA’s actions, it seems unnecessary to push forward with H.R. 1285. Keywords: hydrocodone, schedule II drugs, controlled substances, DEA H.R. 1285: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone a Schedule II Drug Introduction H. R. 1285 is a bill introduced March 20, 2013 to amend the Controlled Substances Act to make any substance containing hydrocodone a Schedule II drug (H.R. 1285-113th Congress: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone A Schedule II Drug, 2013). H.R. 1285 â€Å"amends the Controlled Substances Act to remove dihydrocodeinone (hydrocodone) from classification as a schedule III controlled substance. Directs the Attorney General to immediately allow manufacturers and distributors to store hydrocodone compound products in accordance with the physical security requirements for schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances for three years beginning on the date enactment of this Act. Requires the Comptroller General to submit a report on the reclassification of hydrocodone products under this Act, including: (1) an assessment of the degree to which the reclassification of such products under this Act impacts the ability of patients with legitimate m edical needs, particularly those in rural areas and nursing home facilities, to access adequate pain management; and (2) recommendations necessary to address any issues relating to patient access to adequate pain management† (H.R. 1285-113th Congress: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone A Schedule II Drug, 2013). H.R. 1285 is a piece of legislation that could directly affect the prescriptive authority of an advanced practice nurse (DEA Issues Info, 2012). Some states only allow an advanced practice nurse the authority to write prescriptions for drugs rated Schedule III and below and because of that, H.R. 1285 has the potential to affect advanced practice nurses in at least nine states (DEA Issues Info, 2012). Environment Historical Title 21 of the United States Code Controlled Substances Act classifies drugs based on three criteria (U.S. Code: Title 21-Food and Drugs, 2012). The criteria used to determine the schedule of the drug is the potential for abuse of the drug, whether the drug has an acceptable medical purpose and the type of dependence the drug may perpetuate (U.S. Code: Title 21-Food and Drugs, 2012). Between 2004 and 2009 products containing hydrocodone had an increase in demand of approximately 125% (Drug-Related Hospital Emergency Room Visits, 2011). Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan introduced this bill to help combat the growing prescription drug epidemic in his home state of Florida and wants to make hydrocodone combination products more difficult to obtain and prescribe (Congressman Vern Buchanan representing Florida, 2014). Sociocultural There are more than just health concerns that have brought this issue to forefront. There have been many studies done that show a direct link to drug abuse and crime. According to the Bureau of Justice, 30% of offenders in state detention facilities stated that they would likely commit crimes in order to get money for drugs (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2004). In Florida, at least 7 people die daily from prescription drug overdoses (Congressman Vern Buchanan representing Florida, 2014) and at least 75 people die daily nationwide (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2014). Crime and drug overdoses are just a few of the sociocultural considerations that caused Congressman Buchanan to introduce H.R. 1285. Ethical One ethical implication that pushes H.R. 1285 to the forefront of legislation is that because hydrocodone is a prescription medication, prescribers have an ethical responsibility to assist in combatting the misuse and abuse of this drug (Hamburg, 2014). H.R. 1285 is not designed to make it more difficult for patients with a legitimate need to obtain the medication but it is designed to assist the providers in making better educated decisions when prescribing medications that have such a high potential for abuse (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2014). Economic Economic factors that have made this issue important is not necessarily related to the cost of the drug but the cost of the effects of abuse of the drug. â€Å"Prescription opioid abuse costs were about $55.7 billion in 2007. Of this amount, 46% was attributable to workplace costs (e.g., lost productivity), 45% to healthcare costs (e.g., abuse treatment), and 9% to criminal justice costs† (Centers for Disease Control, 2014). In 2010 there were 49 million uninsured people in the United States (US Census Bureau, 2011). Rising healthcare costs and uninsured people need to be a consideration when legislators review H.R. 1285. Political/Legislative H.R. 1285 has been assigned to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Judiciary (H.R. 1285-113th Congress: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone A Schedule II Drug, 2013). The House Committee on Energy and Commerce has the responsibility of reviewing the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) ability to establish the effectiveness and safety of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in the United States (Longest Jr., 2010). The House Committee on Judiciary has jurisdiction over revision to existing codes so it has an important role regarding amending the existing drug scheduling (United States House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, 2014). Despite the fact that both committees have a Republican majority, there has still been no movement on this bill. Difficulties Encountered H.R. 1285 was introduced on March 20, 2013 by Florida Republican Representative Vern Buchanan (H.R. 1285-113th Congress: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone A Schedule II Drug, 2013). This bill has 54 co-sponsors of which 32 are Republican and 22 are Democrat (H.R. 1285-113th Congress: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone a Schedule II Drug, 2013). H.R. 1285 has been referred to the House Committee of Judiciary and the House Committee of Energy and Commerce and the committee chair makes the determination on whether the bill moves forward (H.R. 1285-113th Congress: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone A Schedule II Drug, 2013). One difficulty noted in regards to H.R. 1285 is the fact that there has been no action taken since its introduction to Congress. There is no optimistic timeline to predict if H.R. 1285 is going to be passed. Speaking pess imistically, H.R. 1285 will not pass at all. As of October 6, 2014 a Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) ruling took effect that is essentially in the same spirit as H.R. 1285 (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2014). This ruling reschedules hydrocodone from a schedule III drug to a schedule II drug (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2014). Since the DEA has already changed the schedule of hydrocodone and it has already been implemented, there is no need for further movement of H.R. 1285. Stakeholders in the passage of H.R. 1285 include physicians, pharmacists, advanced practice nurses, long term care (LTC) facilities and patients. LTC facilities have been especially vocal on this topic due to the fact they believe that any further regulation or change in the scheduling of certain narcotics will have a negative effect on patients in their facilities and the ease in which these patients will have access to them (Garrison Mitty, 2010). Nurses who work in these types of facil ities are encouraging others to join professional organizations and write to their legislators to make their voices heard (Garrison Mitty, 2010). Effects Some positive effects of H.R. 1285 are increased awareness for prescribers of the dangers of opioid dependence related to hydrocodone and a decrease in â€Å"doctor shopping† related to the tighter regulation and monitoring of hydrocodone (Phillips, 2013). Negatives of H.R. 1285 include increased difficulty for patients in LTC facilities to access physicians and obtain prescriptions needed to adequately address their pain needs (Garrison Mitty, 2010). Because of the tighter prescriber restrictions related to refills and the types of prescriptions accepted, those who reside in LTC facilities could have to wait longer to receive refills on much needed pain medication (Garrison Mitty, 2010). International The U.K. has similar problems to the U.S. when it comes to prescription drug abuse (Weisburg et al., 2014). The U.K. has the Health Act of 2006 which created Accountable Officers that track and audit the prescriptions written (Weisburg et al., 2014). The U.K. also has trialed a real-time monitoring system to be able to monitor irregular prescribing practices for certain drugs (Weisburg et al., 2014). Although it was only a trial of a computerized system, it showed great promise in assisting real-time monitoring of prescriptions written. Change to the Bill As with anything, there are always improvements that could be made. One way to refine H.R. 1285 is to implement mandatory education for prescribers. Requiring education in areas of opioid pain management, pain management alternatives and safe prescribing practices is one way that could improve policy outcomes (Weisburg et al., 2014). Another improvement that could be made is by establishing a universal standard to pain management and the dispensing of medication because by using a universal standard, improved outcomes can be expected (Gourlay et al., 2005). Another way to improve H.R. 1285 would be to include a plan to implement a national prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2014). Many states already have a PDMP in place but it only monitors statewide activity (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2014). In order for a PDMP to be effective, it would need to be nationwide and offer up to date information (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2014). Conclusions H.R. 1285 is a bill introduced to Congress to change the schedule of hydrocodone from a schedule III to a schedule II drug. Congressman Vern Buchanan introduced this bill because of the growing drug epidemic he witnessed in his home state of Florida (Congressman Vern Buchanan representing Florida, 2014). He describes seeing more pain management clinics that dispense prescriptions for drugs than McDonald’s restaurants (Congressman Vern Buchanan representing Florida, 2014). Although H.R. 1285 was referred to two separate committees, the likelihood that the bill will be passed is very slim. There has been no further action taken on the bill by either committee. Prescribers, patients and LTC facilities have a stake in whether or not H.R. 1285 passes. All have concerns regarding difficulty in prescribing medication to those who truly need it and maintaining access for the patients who are living in a LTC facilities. Due to the recent ruling of the DEA that changed hydrocodone conta ining products from a schedule III drug to a schedule II drug, it seems unnecessary for H.R. 1285 to move forward (Drug Enforcement Administration, 2014). References Bureau of Justice Statistics 2004 Bureau of Justice StatisticsBureau of Justice Statistics (2004). Bureau of Justice Statistics. Retrieved October 6, 2014, from http://www.bjs.gov 201410091059041289595843 Centers for Disease Control 2014 Prescription Drug Overdose in the United States: Fact SheetCenters for Disease Control (2014, July 3). Prescription Drug Overdose in the United States: Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov 20141009115559483260035 Congressman Vern Buchanan representing Florida 2014 Congressman Vern Buchanan representing FloridaCongressman Vern Buchanan representing Florida (2014). Congressman Vern Buchanan representing Florida. Retrieved from http://www.buchanan.house.gov 201410091015471184166312 DEA Issues Info 2012 American Association of Nurse PractitionersDEA Issues Info (2012, June). American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved from http://www.aanp.org 20141008133918138817310 Drug Enforcement Administration 2014 Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III to Schedule IIDrug Enforcement Administration (2014, August 22). Schedules of Controlled Substances: Rescheduling of hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III to Schedule II. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://federalregister.gov/a/2014-19922 20141009113706118370533 Drug-Related Hospital Emergency Room Visits 2011 National Institue of Drug AbuseDrug-Related Hospital Emergency Room Visits (2011). National Institute of Drug Abuse. Retrieved October 1, 2014, from http://www.drugabuse.gov 20141008130227593245745 Garrison K Mitty E 2010 Pain management and the U.S. Department of Justice.Garrison, K., Mitty, E. (2010). Pain management and the U.S. Department of Justice. Geriatric Nursing, 31(3), 214-219. 20141009140312276748895 Gourlay D Heit H Almahrezi A 2005 Universal precautions in pain medicine: A rational approach to the treatment of chronic pain.Gourlay, D., Heit, H., Almahrezi, A. (2005). Universal precautions in pain medicine: A rational approach to the treatment of chronic pain. American Academy of Pain Medicine, 6(2), 107-112. 201410091514541512988925 Hamburg M A 20140403 FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg statement on prescription opioid abuseHamburg, M. A. (2014, April 3). FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg statement on prescription opioid abuse. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.fda.gov 20141009112410159525513 HR 1285-113th Congress: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone A Schedule II Drug 2013H.R. 1285-113th Congress: To Amend the Controlled Substances Act to Make Any Substance Containing Hydrocodone A Schedule II Drug (2013). Retrieved from http://www.govtrack.us 20141008132123465403199 Longest B B 2010 Health policymaking in the United StatesLongest Jr., B. B. (2010). Health policymaking in the United States (5th ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press. 201410091217191092675209 Phillips J 2013 Prescription drug abuse: problem, policies and implications.Phillips, J. (2013). Prescription drug abuse: problem, policies and implications. Nursing Outlook, 61, 78-84. 201410091423161519538522 United States House of Representatives Judiciary Committee 2014 United States House of Representatives Judiciary CommitteeUnited States House of Representatives Judiciary Committee (2014). United States House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. Retrieved from http://www.judiciary.house.gov 201410091227131141156554 US Census Bureau 2011 Overview of Uninsured in the United States: A study of the 2011 current population surveyUS Census Bureau (2011, September). Overview of Uninsured in the United States: A study of the 2011 current population survey. Retrieved October 8, 2014, from http://hhs.gov 201410091201171076915503 US Code: Title 21-Food and Drugs 2012 Legal Information InstituteU.S. Code: Title 21-Food and Drugs (2012, January 14). Legal Information Institute. Retrieved from http://www.law.cornell.edu 20141008143645967177272 Weisburg D Becker W Fiellin D Stannard C 2014 Prescription opioid misuse in the United States and the United Kingdom: Cautionary lessons.Weisburg, D., Becker, W., Fiellin, D., Stannard, C. (2014). Prescription opioid misuse in the United States and the United Kingdom: Cautionary lessons. International Journal of Drug Policy, 20141009144237381562709

Police And The Use Of Force Shakoya

Police And The Use Of Force Shakoya There have been several issues concerning the policies that underline the use of force within the field of law enforcement. Favorable opinions, negative objections, and indecisive feelings about the use of force have varied throughout the public as well as within the criminal justice system when it comes to this policy. For a number of years, it has been extremely difficult in determining the proper definition of what is considered to be the use of force or the proper use of force, especially in regards to law enforcement. Ironically, there have been dozens of studies on police and the use of force and research concluded that there is no single accepted definition. Must police use force? Not only should the answer to this question include the circumstances surrounding the situation but it should also include the amount of force able to be used in each unique situation. This question will especially benefit a police officer when determining the amount of force that should be exerted on criminal suspects. Overall, in order for one to fully understand the various definitions of use of force, one must be able to appreciate the background, causes, and ways to reduce the use of force. The basic problem is the lack of routine, national systems for collecting data on incidents in which police use force during the normal course of duty and on the extent of excessive force. Literature Review The term, use of force, describes a right of an individual or authority to settle conflicts or prevent certain actions by applying measures to either: dissuade another party from a particular course of action, or physically intervene to stop them (Burke, 2005). The authority of the police to use force represents one of the most misunderstood powers granted to representatives of government. Use of force from a law enforcement perspective is using any means necessary to bring a volatile situation to a more manageable and/or resolved state. Adler (2007) found as leading police historians have demonstrated, early law enforcers worked in a hostile environment. Established during an era of soaring violence, when riots were commonplace and when social divisions cleaved cities into competing neighborhoods, American policemen, in Chicago and elsewhere, faced a daunting task. They were expected to maintain order, yet they lacked legitimacy and remained shackled to a partisan, often corrupt, institutional structure in which they were encouraged to use their influence and muscle for overtly political tasks, such as safeguarding their patrons and quelling labor unrest. All the while, American law enforcers battled to command respect and to control the streets. Types of Force The officer has a range of force options from which to choose. For instance, police officers are authorized to use both psychological and physical force to apprehend criminals and solve crimes. Sometimes, the mere presence of the police officer is enough control. At other times, verbal commands are needed. The compliance hold (physical force) is the next stage of control, followed by the use of non-lethal weapons such as the baton or chemical spray. Lastly, a police officer may resort to the use of deadly force, which by all means should try to be avoided unless deemed necessary (Douthit, 1975). It is widely regarded that the police in any given society have a difficult job to fulfill. Dealing with criminals and placing themselves in harms way on a day to day basis is definitely an admirable calling. Although seen as difficult, there is an underlying sentiment in the general public that the job of law enforcement officers is relatively straightforward. Police are faced with tough moral decisions daily. They are to decide when and how to act when presented with violations of the law. They are given the use of force as a means of crime prevention but often times the very usage of this force is questioned and sometimes, deemed unnecessary or excessive (Engel,1997). When the use of force exceeds that which is necessary to accomplish their lawful purpose, or when their purpose is not lawful apprehension or self-defense but, rather personal retaliation, it is defined as excessive use of force and is unethical and illegal (Pollock, 2010). The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in Data Collection on Police Use of Force, states that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the legal test of excessive forceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦is whether the police officer reasonably believed that such force was necessary to accomplish a legitimate police purposeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ However, there are no universally accepted definitions of reasonable and necessary because the terms are subjective. A court in one jurisdiction may define reasonable or necessary differently than a court in a second jurisdiction. More to the point is an understanding of the improper use of force, which can be divided into two categories: unnecessary and excessive. The unnecessary use of force would be the application of force where there is no justification for its use, while an excessive use of force would be the application of more force than required where use of force is necessary (U.S. Dept of Justice, 2008). An excessive amount of force can range from a severe man handling during arrest that seems or is unnecessary to excessive use of non-lethal force. The use of non-lethal force can sometimes be considered excessive, when the uses of chemical spray, bean bag guns, or tasers, are over used to resolve a problem (McDonald,2003). However, since they are non-lethal they can be seen as reasonable use of force. Therefore, the amount of force a policeman uses does not solely depend on himself but his or her discretion. Adams (1995), states that defining excessive force in order to understand and control is not a simple matter. Every situation that possibly involves the use of force is unique. Situations may be similar or seem to mirror one another but no situation is the same. By situations varying from the differences in people, regions, beliefs, and backgrounds to tailor a particular definition, or create certain guidelines for the use of force is difficult. The dilemma, according to Rahtz (2 003), is the lack of a clear agreement on what constitutes legitimate use of force. The public, as well as the police, understand that in some situations, force is not only necessary and unavoidable, but is required, if serious injury, death or destruction of property is to be avoided (Buker,2007). However, police officers must learn to use force lawfully. You cannot use lethal force at will or use force when it is not permissible. The idea and ability of managing force by police officers is directly related to establishing responsibility and accountability to encourage the use of reasonable force (Ng, 2009). Some people believe police should not have the power to use force, no matter what the situation. They believe everything can be solved along peaceful terms in which no one can be injured or killed (Ng, 2009). Police are allowed to use force during the course of their daily activities. Force can be used to make arrests, maintain order, or keep the peace. The important thing is that the police officer is able to gain control of the situation. How the officer gains control is left up to his or her judgment: In other words, an officer most often attempts to take control of a confrontation by defining the situation (Alpert, Smith, 1994). Causes A major cause of overuse of force, possibly leading to police brutality is the belief that police officers are soldiers in a war on crime. The war mentality says it is okay to do certain things that would not be allowed under normal conditions. Police adopt this mentality because of citizens, whose fear of crime has reached an all-time high, and because of politicians, who publicize the notion that tough cops prevent crime (Albert, Smith, 1994). Harmon (2008), indicates Haduring an arrest, an officer might give verbal commands to a suspect to stop, to keep his hands visible, to turn around and place his hands against the wall, to submit to a pat-down, to put his hands behind his back for handcuffing, to come along to the car, to get in, to get booked at the station. Most suspects are compliant and require no more than a guiding arm, but those who refuse or resist, and occasionally those who do not, may provoke a forcible response. Subjects of police uses of force often respond with a llegations of law enforcement brutality. Sometimes these allegations are baseless, a product of misunderstanding what might justify lawful force or of false accusation (Matthew, 2006). Other times they represent a just demand for recognition and redress for damaged bodies and spirits. Clearly, when the law confronts claims under these statutes that an officer used too much force during an arrest, the central question for federal liability is what constitutes constitutionally excessive force under the Eighth Amendment; the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution enforce cruel and unusual punishment (Matthew, 2006). In our society, police are in a very precarious situation when it comes to the amount of force they can apply when dealing with a civilian suspect. Whether it be physical force, persuasion, or coercion; they must use discretion when deciding what course of action best suits the situation (Douthit, 1975). Discretion is the authority to make decisions without reference to specific rules or facts, using instead ones own judgment; allows for individualization and informality in the administration of justice (Buker, 2005). This gives the police leeway as to when force is necessary and when it is not, within certain guidelines. For instance, a policeman cannot beat up a man for robbing a store. But, if the robber battered someone in the process of the robbery the policeman could. He could do this because there was a clear threat of danger to himself or to another officer or human being. Police must take the precise course of action to fit the time, because if they are too lenient or to for ceful, even when dealing with the pettiest things, they can be chastised by superiors and the public. The force the police use should not exceed the threat of force that could be applied on them by someone else. As one can see in the many case histories the excessive use of force is very rarely punished on legal terms (Matthew, 2006). The police nearly always get exonerated from the charged placed on them, even though substantial evidence may be in the prosecutions favor. Why is this? Being that the police enforce the law, they become analogous with the law (Adams, 1995). When officers are placed in situations where excessive force can be used, they use this knowledge of past precedent to get away with their excessive aggression. The 1991 beating of California motorist Rodney King will have an impact on law enforcement for years to come. The videotape of the horrifying beating, broadcast nationwide, resulted in public outrage over police brutality. The broadcasting showed three Los Angeles police officers beating with metal batons, kicking and stomping on a seemingly defenseless African American male as their supervisor watched (Gray, 2006). Regardless of the videotape, a jury in Simi Valley concluded that the evidence was not adequate to convict these officers. Everyone seemed to believe that the police used excessive force in arresting King. This case caused a special commission to investigate whether brutality was widespread within the police department. Police departments across the country likewise reviewed their own policies on excessive force. Despite these efforts, citizen complaints about police brutality have increased since the Rodney King beating. Where an officers initial use of force is provoked and lawful, the line between a legal arrest and an unlawful deprivation of civil rights within the aggravated assault guidelines is relatively thin. The line between reasonable force and a criminal excessive force beating is thin indeed. There is no middle ground, no buffer zone. Its either reasonable or criminal. One extra baton strike, shove or control holds can make the difference between an officer doing his job and being sent to prison (Johnson, 2007). Ways to Reduce Use of Force In order to reduce the improper and excessive use of force, the law must be enforced in its totality. Police must not be able to get away with the use of excessive force on undeserving offenders. Police who commit this crime should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. They should be made as examples, so this crime does not happen in the future (Alpert, Smith, 1994). It is not a question of should or whether, but when and how much. Guidelines define when deadly force should be used: The use of such force is prescribed by state and federal statutes. In an effort to curb the discretionary power used by police, there is a set of written procedures (Burns, Crawford, 1998). Providing a framework for police to follow is one method employed to try and counteract individual decision making by trying to prevent officers from deviating from procedure. Another method used to control police more thoroughly is the creation of watchdog units within the department. Often times, this comes in the form of an internal affairs office. This is a department within a police department which is strictly in existence to ensure that police are acting responsibly and also to investigate any allegations against officers that may arise. The Continuum Scale is believed to be one of the most efficient sources used to ensure the appropriate amount of force is used. A use of force continuum is a standard that provides law enforcement officials security guards with guidelines as to how much force may be used against a resisting subject in a given situation. In certain ways it is similar to the military rules of engagement. It was designed as a general guide to using force in a confrontation or arrest situation and to make sure police officers use the appropriate level of force necessary in the performance of their duties (Burns, Crawford, 2009). The scale will assist officers in applying the law and departmental policy in use of force situations, documenting the use of force, and presenting testimony in a court proceeding. The purpose of these models is to clarify, both for officers and citizens, the complex subject of use of force by law officers. Implementation With pertinent criticisms of the use of force by law enforcement, there has been a development of a Police Training Model to assist with attempting to reduce the use of force by police officers. For instance, as of 1999, the COPS Office provided funding to PERF and the Reno (Nevada) Police Department to develop an alternative national model for training new officers that would incorporate community policing and problem-based learning techniques. The resulting Police Training Officer (PTO) Program addresses the traditional duties of policing in the context of specific neighborhood problems and includes several segments on the use of force. The PTO Program is an alternative to the 30-year-old San Jose Field Training Officer (FTO) Program. Many agencies are using the outlines of the PTO Program to develop their own in-house programs adapted to their particular needs (US. Dept of Justice, 2008). Methodology The literature is in general agreement that police are in a very precarious situation when it comes to the amount of force they can apply when dealing with a civilian suspect. There is no clear definition of use of force because the terms are subjective. The methodology used in this research was a qualitative approach. Many early studies utilized official report statistics to measure the outcome of the variables use of force and excessive use of force. Contacts between Police and the Public, a 1999 BJS report, estimated that less than half of 1 percent of an estimated 44 million people who had face-to-face contact with a police officer were threatened with or actually experienced force. Other studies report similar statistics. It is these few situations, however, that attract public attention. Robert K. Olsen, former Minneapolis Police Chief and Past President, Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), early in 2004 called the use of force the single most volatile issue facing police departments. He noted that just one use of force incident can dramatically alter the stability of a police department and its relationship with a community (U. S. Dept of Justice, 2008). Also, according to International Association of Chiefs of Police (2001), one of the most publicly debated aspects of police use of excessive force during the last year, is the racial characteristic of participants in use of force encounters. There were 8,148 reported incidents of police use of force in which the contributors (police departments) included racial descriptions for officers and suspects. Of this total, 39% involved white officers using force on white subjects, 44% involved white officers using force on African American subjects, 7% involved African American officers using force on African American subjects and 3.4% involved African American officers using force on white subjects. Overall, police department policies can have a significant impact on how force is used in street-level encounters, says a 2003 study by the Community Relations Services of the U.S. Department of Justice, Principles of Good Policing: Avoiding Violence Between Police and Citizens. The BJS Data Collection statistics reported, stresses the need for police executives to improve training of recruits and police officers on the use of force and the techniques for minimizing its application. It also so stresses the need to reduce the negative perception of police officers and the use of force within the publics opinion (U.S. Dept of Justice, 2008). Limitations Several key points could have been operationalized differently. For instance, every day, law enforcement officers face danger while carrying out their responsibilities. When dealing with a dangerous or unpredictable situation, police officers usually have very little time to assess it and determine the proper response. It is evident that the proper training as well as other guidelines can enable the officer to react properly to the threat or possible threat and respond with the appropriate tactics to address the situation, possibly including some level of force, if necessary, given the circumstances (U.S. Dept of Justice, 2008). The need for improved data collection systems can also be justified by considering the legal liabilities that law enforcement agencies have with their use of force, from both lethal and less-than-lethal weapons. The research conducted over the last 30 years on police use of force consistently calls for improved data collection at the local and national level. Conclusion In short, the purpose of this study was to determine the meaning of use of force, who can use force when and how much. The term of use of force describes a right of an individual or authority to settle conflicts or prevent certain actions by applying measures to either: dissuade another party from a particular course of action, or physically intervene to stop them (Buker, 2005). A major cause for police use of force is the belief that police officers are solders in a war on crime. The continuum scale is one of the most effective sources use to ensure the appropriate amount of force is being used. All in all, one may view the use of force as a glass half empty, and some view the glass half full, which simply states it all depends on how you look at the situation. Works Cited Adams, K. (1995). Measuring the prevalence of police abuse of force. In W.A. Geller and H. Toch (Eds.), And Justice for All: Understanding and Controlling Police Abuse of Force. Washington, DC: Police Executive Research Forum. Adler, J. (2007). Shoot to Kill: The Use of Deadly Force by the Chicago Police, 1875-1920. 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