Criminal Justice 235
POLICE & SOCIETY
CRJU 235. Police & Society
Prerequisite: CRJU 100
Survey of the psychological, sociological and philosophical role of the police as it relates to such topics as social conflict, criminal behavior, police brutality, police corruption, and stress.
I.Introduction.
Why study the police?
II.History of law enforcement.
III.Police studies and
development.
IV.Sociological factors
affecting policing.
V.Law and the Police.
VI.Theories of crime and punishment.
VII.Elements of a crime.
VIII.Role of the police.
IX.Image of the police.
X.Organization and management.
XI.Role of the dispatcher.
XII.Theoretical and practical
approaches to patrol.
XIII.Role of the investigator.
XIV.Specific Issues in Policing
a) Traffic enforcement
b) Social conflict and disputes
c) Juvenile delinquency
d) Police discretion v. discrimination
e) Police-Community relations
f)Police corruption
g) Role of Internal Affairs
XV.Fourth Amendment issues.
XVI.The police personality: A
psychological perspective
XVII.Police stress and management.
XVIII.Future of policing.
The basic format of this course is discussion and lecture, however students will participate in group activity projects, research, and role playing.
The student will be able to:
a.demonstrate a basic understanding of the role of the police as it relates to social and psychological factors
b.compare and conflict theoretical approaches of policing
c.develop an appreciation for issues concerning police-citizen contact
d.demonstrate the ability to communicate orally via classroom participation/discussion
e.demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate ideas and thoughts through writing.
1.Oral Skills
a) Student discussion
b) Role playing
2. Writing Skills
a) Research paper
b) Essay exams
3. Knowledge Assessment
a) Written examinations
b) Critical analysis and classroom participation
c) Group projects
N/A
DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
September 2001, Reviewed by Dr. Isaac Van Patten, Department Chair