Which actions illustrate external power in criminal justice?

• A. Budget approval, policy drafting
• B. Arrest, Detention, Traffic control
• C. Verbal praise, team-building, mentoring
• D. Training, counseling

Answer: (B)

External power in criminal justice is the authority to enforce laws and compel behavior, often through actions that affect someone’s freedom or movement. Arrest and detention embody this power because they involve legally depriving a person of liberty and holding them under the authority of the justice system. Traffic control is another clear example, as it involves enforcing road laws and directing or restricting the public’s movement to maintain safety and order. The other options reflect internal agency functions or developmental activities—budget approval and policy drafting shape rules and resources, while verbal praise, team-building, mentoring, training, and counseling focus on leadership and staff development rather than direct enforcement of law. That combination of direct enforcement and coercive authority is what makes these actions the best illustration of external power.