Police Systems and Practices Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

CRIJ-2328-001 Police Systems and Practices

Prerequisites

Course Description

This course examines the establishment, role and function of police in a democratic society. It will focus on types of police agencies and their organizational structure, police-community interaction, police ethics and use of authority.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Walker, Samuel and Katz, Charles M. The Police in America, an Introduction, 8^th Edition. (2013), ISBN# 978-0-07-802654-6

Supplies

Four (4) Scantrons with essay space booklets are required for exams. Students may either use a pencil or pen to complete the essay assignment, but a pencil must be used on the Scantron portion. Five (5) Scantrons are required for quizzes.

Student Performance

Student Performance / Learning Objectives 1. Describe the types of police agencies and explain the role of police in America within the context of a democratic society. 2. Describe means and methods utilized to ensure police accountability. 3. Explain the historical development of policing. 4. Describe the selection process for police officers. 5. Compare and contrast organizational structures, policies, strategies and tactics employed to ensure police effectiveness, efficiency, and equity.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Behavioral Expectations (Rules of the Classroom)

1.       Be in class on time, stay until the class is over.

2.       All cell phones, or other electronic communications devices, except laptops used solely for class note taking/presentations, are to be turned off.

4.       Sleeping in class is unacceptable and will result in loss of participation points.

5.       Come to class prepared.

6.       Common respect and courtesy toward the instructor and fellow students is required. You are not required to agree with the ideas or opinions of others but you are required to show respect to any person voicing them.

7.       Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero, removal from class and referral to the college administration.

8.       Most importantly, come prepared to ask questions and offer ideas.

9.       Any problems with the material or class should be brought to the instructor’s attention as soon as possible

Grading Criteria

Each student will be required to take three (3) major exams and a mandatory comprehensive final during the semester.   The exam will consist of 50 True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions. In addition to the True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions, there will be an essay/short answer section.  The final exam will be comprehensive. The exam will consist of 100 True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions. There will be no essay/short answer section on the final exam. Homework: All About Me Paper: Each student will turn in a 1-2 page paper giving a brief overview of their life and what they hope to accomplish with their degree. The paper is due September 2, 2014. See attached guidelines for paper requirements. Each student will turn in 2 homework assignments throughout the semester. Each homework assignment is due at the beginning of class. You must be in class to turn in your homework. I will not accept homework via email unless I have approved before the day the homework is due. Quizzes: Each student is responsible for reading and keeping up with the material. To ensure students are reading, 5 quizzes will be given at random during the semester.  Participation: Each student will be required to actively engage in the weekly discussions. You must be present and prepared to actively participate in class discussions. Grading Scheme: Exams                         40% Homework                    30% Quizzes                       10% Participation                 20% Total:                           100% A = 100%-90% B = 89%-80% C = 79%-70% D = 69%-60% F = 59% and below Makeup Policy: NO EXAMS or QUIZZES CAN BE MADE UP or RE-TAKEN. If an exam is missed, the grade will be replaced with the score you make on the final exam. This policy applies to one exam only. If you miss more than one exam, a grade of zero will be averaged for the other missed exams. If you do not miss any exam during the semester, the grade on the mandatory final exam, will replace the lowest major exam grade.

Attendance

Attendance and participation are required. A student is allowed one absence. Each additional absence will result in 5 points being taken off of the participation grade.

If you arrive to class late, it is your responsibility to make sure I’ve marked you present, otherwise the absence will stand. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Homework Assignments

September 2, 2014 – Due at the Beginning of Class

Purpose- To introduce yourself to the instructor.

Topics-

The paper needs to include information about your background, experiences, career goals, and anything in your life that may affect your performance in this class. 

Length –

• Minimum 1 Page
• Maximum 2 Pages

Specifics –

• Typed

• APA format

• Times New Roman and 12 pt. font
• 1 inch margins
• Double-spaced
• Name at top of every paper in the header

Grading –
• Organization – 5%
• Following the assignment – 5%
• TOTAL = 10%

 

October 23, 2014 – Due at the Beginning of Class
Read and answer Question 3 on Page 231 of the textbook. Make sure your answers are researched, and answer questions with facts. Site your sources where applicable.

November 20, 2014 – Due at the Beginning of Class

Read and answer Question 1-5 on Page 455 of the textbook. Make sure your answers are researched, and answer questions with facts. Site your sources where applicable.

Please Use the following format for every homework assignment:
Specifics –
• Homework must be printed & turned in at the beginning of class.
• Typed

• 12 pt. font
• 1 inch margins
• Double-spaced
• Name at top of every paper in the header
 

Bibliography –  APA Format (https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/)