Which of the following represents a stakeholder in the Criminal Justice System?

In the context of the Criminal Justice System, stakeholders refer to individuals or groups that have an interest or investment in the processes, outcomes, or functioning of that system. Law enforcement is a key stakeholder as they are responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and managing crime. Their role involves investigating crimes, apprehending offenders, and collaborating with other entities within the justice system, such as the courts and corrections.

While criminals, the general public, and the media are certainly part of the broader context, law enforcement directly participates in the execution of criminal justice policies and practices, making them a critical stakeholder. The general public has an interest in the effectiveness and fairness of the system, criminals affect outcomes but are more often the subjects of the system's processes, and media play a role in informing the public and shaping perceptions, but they do not directly engage in law enforcement actions. Thus, the central role of law enforcement in operationalizing the criminal justice framework solidifies their position as a primary stakeholder.