Arrests vs. Stops (Response) - Assignment Example

Arrests versus Stops Number Far-reaching Impacts of Arrests The discussion suggests a stop is less invasive than an arrest due to the individualized and more focused interrogation processes involved in the latter process. For instance, a minor traffic violation often attracts a stop; the checking of the driver’s license and vehicle documents followed by imposing of a commensurate fine. Such stops are not likely to have lasting effects on the suspect’s individual life because they leave intact, almost all individual rights of the suspects.

By contrast, arrests for serious traffic offenses, such as drunk driving are more invasive because the driver would be denied his or her right to freedom of movement, taken to court, and fined, leaving their individual life more disrupted. The discussion draws several parallels from the findings of Fields and Emshwiller (2014) in relation to the more far-reaching effects of arrests. However, unlike the discussion, Fields and Emshwiller have backed up their findings with more reliable facts and figures relating to the expected education achievement and the economic status of the suspects or convicts at 25 years of age.

For instance, according to Fields and Emshwiller (2014), 21% of individuals arrested by 23 will own a home; 15% of victims of arrests who are acquitted by courts will own a home; and 10% of victims of arrest and conviction will own a home at 25. The researchers provide accurate figures suggesting that arrests and subsequent conviction have lasting, negative effects on the victims. However, the research falls short of exploring other equally important contributing social factors affecting education, future employment and income among adolescents.

These factors include; family income, race, ethnicity and parenting. Generally, better family income among people of color, effective parenting and white race are factors which are usually associated with better social and economic prospects of adolescents in adulthood. ReferenceFields, G., & Emshwiller, J.R., (2014). As Arrest Records Rise, Americans Find Consequences Can Last a Lifetime. Retrieved from http://www.wsj.com/articles/as-arrest-records-rise- americans-find-consequences-can-last-a-lifetime-1408415402