Criminal justice Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Criminal justice - Research Paper Example It necessitates the placement of new cultural values that tend to focus on innovation and empowerment. Though much attention had been paid to the task of identifying the requisite changes, very little effort has been put into thinking as to how to lead these transformations. Thus, transformational leadership is of much relevance in the management of existing public safety environments. Transformational/Pseudo-Transformational Leadership It is important to understand the relevance of transformational leadership in the public safety environment, as the much needed changes can only be brought about by leaders who have a clear sense of direction, and a compelling vision as to what the system expects from the much coveted transformation and change (Rickards, 2005, p. 81). Everybody expects the things to change. Yet, there are only a few leaders who have the ability to convince and convey to the public safety personnel as to how do they stand to gain by extending meaningful contributions ( Rickards, 2005, p. 81). It is a fact supported by commonsensical observation that most of the public safety agencies today are overburdened, resource deficient and to some extent de-motivated. In that context a transformational approach to leadership is one that supports novel approaches centered on innovation and change. People employed in public safety settings do hesitate to embrace change because either they feel that it may not be appreciated by their superiors or are simply oblivious of the steps that usher in change. Thus a leader should not only be one who has a vision, but the one who is also able to translate that vision into pragmatic and realistic strategies that could easily be embraced and followed by others. A transformational leader guides by example (Rickards, 2005, p. 82). A transformational leader takes the initiative to embrace change, to bring change. Public safety settings are marked by serious and real life situations and challenges that can simply not be deal t through hollow lip service. Hence, a transformational leader is one who is not only able to establish the right degree of trust in the organizational framework, but also has the infectious humor and optimism that can generate confidence in the times marked by crisis and problems (Rickards, 2005, 82). Central to transformational leadership in any organizational environment is the ability to formulate, organize and communicate a vision. Yet, the fact that is mostly overlooked in this aspect of transformational leadership is that it is also endowed with the potential and opportunities to resort to unethical behavior and misconduct (Parry & Proctor-Thomson, 2002, p. 78). The problem with the contemporary public safety organizations is not that they lack transformational leadership, but rather the fact that the harbingers of this vision are mostly inflexible and harbor an absolutist approach towards things. The vision of this nature though may be effective in the short run, yet it by i ts very nature lacks consideration and sensitivity for many important things, and is hence less effective at promoting ethical conduct within organizations, thereby negatively impacting the levels of trust (Parry & Proctor-Thomson, 2002, p. 78). If a transformational leader turns egoistic in one’s aspirations, one may direct the organizational resources and efforts towards goals that may be deemed to be

Emergence of HIV and Drug Policy Ireland and Europe Essay

Emergence of HIV and Drug Policy Ireland and Europe - Essay Example In the year 2009, the number of new HIV positive cases was 395. Along with that, the total number of persons who have tested positive for HIV, in Ireland, stood at 5,637. It is also being estimated that, in that very year (2009), the total amount spent in the region (Ireland) spent towards HIV and several other communicable ailments was a staggering â‚ ¬114 million. This is way higher than the funds that have been allotted towards the same purpose, in countries such as Japan and Italy. (1) In the year 2009, there were two deaths that are directly attributable to HIV, and along with this, the total number of people who have died as result of AIDS, in Ireland, increased to 414. (1) At this juncture, a vital fact warrants special mention. Prior to the year 1985, HIV was not considered as that serious an ailment, by the Irish people. But in that year something happened, bringing about a drastic transformation in the manner in which the populace of Ireland viewed HIV. It was in the Oct ober of 1985 that the immensely popular actor, Rock Hudson, succumbed to HIV. That in fact was the first instance of Ireland where, the life of a celebrity was cut short by this deadly condition. It was only since then that the country’s people started to comprehend the seriousness of AIDS. For about the past two decades, the rise in incidence of HIV has tremendously influenced the drug policy of Ireland, as is the case with many other zones of the globe. The drug policy is based on the key objective of successfully combating the menace of wrong use of drugs. This in fact is amongst the primary causes of HIV in the country. The drug policy is being designed so as to be conducive for bringing out strategies that encourage community participation. Also, the policy strives to educate the citizens about the manner in which the risks of contracting HIV can be significantly minimized. (2) The aforesaid strategies are also aimed at enabling coordination amongst various health agenci es that are toiling in the realm. The drug policy was successful in identifying some zones of Ireland where, the residents are with limited economic strength. It was seen that, in these locations, the menace of drug abuse is rampant, and this invariably has a higher risk of HIV, as its inevitable consequence. The drug policy aims to form specialized task forces for implementing the strategies, in these zones. As a matter of fact, some sections of the Irish Society strongly opine that, a drug policy would be displaying comprehensive success, only if it is developed in such a way that it can easily be linked with other policies of the government, in the avenue of housing, employment and education, to cite a few. (2) It was felt that if the drug policy, instead of getting linked with all the above-mentioned policies, concentrates solely on altering the behavioral patterns of specified persons, key issues such as poverty and unemployment, etc, cannot be successfully addressed. In fact, it was also noted that the policy is now adopting a holistic approach for addressing the all-important issues. (2) Role of National Aids Strategy Committee Various NGOs that were also inclusive of drug agencies first started to work in the avenue of HIV, when people utilizing their services became HIV positive. These NGOs have meets at specified