Refugees may not like criminal justice professionals because they are discriminated against
because they are refugees. Many refugees come from countries that face persecution or
discrimination, which can bring a lack of trust in officials. This can extend to law enforcement
and other criminal justice professionals, who are seen as state ambassadors. People of color
generally have less confidence in the criminal justice system. This may be due to a history of
systemic racism and discrimination in the system, including racism, disproportionate
punishment, and police brutality. For many people of color, the criminal justice system is
respected as an instrument of oppression rather than a means of administering justice. Native
Americans have generally had negative experiences with law enforcement. Many Native
Americans experienced police brutality, racism, and other forms of discrimination from law
enforcement. There have also been numerous cases of missing and murdered Native American
women and girls, many of which have gone unsolved.
Language barriers are among the most common cultural misunderstandings between criminal
justice professionals and civilians. In many cases, law enforcement officers and legal
professionals may need to be more fluent in the language spoken by the individual they are
interacting with, which can lead to miscommunication and mistrust. This can be especially
problematic in situations such as arrests, where individuals may not fully understand their rights
or charges. Additionally, misunderstandings can occur in court proceedings when a witness or
defendant must give testimony in a language they are not proficient in. Religion and beliefs can
also lead to cultural misunderstandings in the criminal justice system. For example, certain
customs or practices may be considered sacred or essential in some cultures. If criminal justice
professionals do not respect or understand these practices, it can lead to conflict and mistrust.
Also, religious or cultural dress can sometimes be misunderstood or seen as suspicious, leading
to profiling and discrimination. Illiteracy is another factor that can contribute to cultural
misunderstandings. Many individuals who interact with the criminal justice system may have
limited literacy skills, making it difficult to understand legal documents and other important
information. This can lead to misunderstandings about the legal process, which can have severe
consequences for the individual. Finally, deafness can also contribute to cultural
misunderstandings. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may have difficulty
communicating with criminal justice professionals who do not know sign language. This can
lead to misconceptions about the situation and make it difficult for individuals to understand
their rights and the legal process.
Criminal justice professionals must thoroughly understand the communities they serve, including
their culture, traditions, beliefs, and values. These skills are essential to enhance cultural
sensitivity because they enable staff to recognize and address the needs and concerns of
individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Public understanding includes effective
communication, active listening, and empathy. Criminal justice professionals must be willing to
listen to people's concerns and respond appropriately, regardless of their culture. Criminal justice
professionals should receive regular interdisciplinary training to enhance their knowledge and