What does the term "fragmented system" in criminal justice imply?

The term "fragmented system" in criminal justice implies a system characterized by many independent parts that do not necessarily operate in unison and rely heavily on the discretion of individuals within those parts. This fragmentation reflects the diverse role of various agencies, such as police, courts, and correctional facilities, which may have different policies, procedures, and priorities. Their independence leads to a lack of cohesion and consistency across the system, with each agency making decisions based on its own guidelines and the discretion of the personnel involved.

In contrast, an integrated approach would suggest a cohesive and coordinated system where all parts work together harmoniously. A centralized governing body would indicate a top-down approach to crime policies, which is not indicative of a fragmented system. Lastly, uniform law application across all jurisdictions would imply a level of consistency that is typically absent in a fragmented criminal justice system, where local variations and individual discretion often lead to disparate outcomes.