CRJ-285: Topics in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement

School
Liberal Arts
Division
Social Sciences
Department
Criminal Justice
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Criminal Justice
Course Number
285
Course Title
Topics in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Completion of CRJ-131 with a grade of C or better, and completion of one 3-credit hour class in Criminal Justice with a grade of C or better
Catalog Course Description

An exit course covering a series of critical issues facing law enforcement personnel. Examines the diverse roles of the public police and how to achieve effective community policing.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Core Course Topics
  1. The evolution of community policing
  2. Understanding mission and culture
  3. Understanding and involving the community
  4. Problem solving: proactive policing
  5. Implementing community policing
  6. Communicating with a diverse population
  7. The challenge of gangs
  8. Forming partnerships with the media
  9. Building partnerships in the community
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. The Evolution of Community Policing
    • Analyze the Community Policing Philosophy*
    • Explain the differences between the 3 areas of policing
  2. Understanding Mission and Culture
    • Distinguish between community, human, and police relations.
  3. Understanding and Involving Community
    • Analyze the “broken window” phenomenon*
    • Explain the “bowling alone” phenomenon
    • Distinguish between formal and informal power structures in a community.
  4. Problem Solving
    • Proactive Policing.
    • Distinguish between “effective” and “efficient” policing.
  5. Implementing Community Policing
    • Define vision and mission statements.
    • Develop a vision and mission statement for a police department*
    • Develop a police response strategy to reduce crime in a community.*
  6. Communicating with a diverse population
    • Explain the contexts in which “culture” and “ethnocentrism” are relevant in law enforcement
    • Apply the concepts of prejudice and stereotyping to everyday police work*
    • Distinguish between the two critical barriers of communication in a diverse society.
  7. The Challenge of Gangs
    • Describe a youth gang
    • Describe the demographics of a typical gang member
  8. Forming partnerships with the media
    • Identify the common goal of the police and the media
    • Describe how police officers can improve relations with the media
  9. Building partnerships in the Community
    • Describe the 4 dimensions of trust.
    • Identify what must be recognized when forming partnerships.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

There will be two methods to assess the course objectives of this class:

  1. Two written multiple choice exams.
  2. A 5-6 page written, critical thinking scenario-based assignment.

Outcomes

General Education Categories
  • Social Sciences
MTA Categories
  • Category 4: Social Sciences
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Effective Term
Fall 2022