Police Systems and Practices Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

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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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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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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Occupational License Disclaimer

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).

Supplies

N/A

Student Performance

\ Student Performance / Learning Objectives

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\ 1.       Discuss the changing concepts of policing.

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\ 2.       Evaluate the various types of patrol practices and functions.

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\ 3.       Comprehend the importance of police/community relations and be able to evaluate the effectiveness of various models.

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\ 4.       Identify what is police corruption, the problems associated with that conduct and examine possible solutions.

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)

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

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

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\ 3.       All students utilizing tap tops must sit on the front row and are subject to viewing by the instructor.

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\ 4.       Sleeping in class is unacceptable and will result in a rude awaking as well as loss of participation points.

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\ 5.       Come to class prepared.

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\ 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.

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\ 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.

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

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

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria

Homework Assignments: Homework assignments will be given at various times during the semester.  All instructions for assignments, including the due date, will be discussed in class at the time the assignment is given. Homework assignments may be returned by electronic means, but will not be accepted later than 9:00 p.m. on the due date. The student is solely responsible for the successful transmission and receipt of the assignments.

Late assignments will NOT be accepted.  If you fail to turn your assignment in on the specified date, you will receive a grade of zero.

All homework assignments will be averaged together for a cumulative grade that will comprise thirty percent (30%) of your final grade for the course.

Chapter Exams:  There will be four chapter exams.  They will cover assigned reading, lectures, guest speakers, discussions and videos for the specified time period.  The exam dates are listed on the class calendar.

All make-up exams will be given on April 23, 2015, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  If an exam has to be made up, the maximum grade you will be eligible to make is an 85.

Chapter exam grades will be averaged together for a cumulative exam average that will comprise thirty percent (30%) of your final grade for the course.

Participation/Attendance: Attendance will be taken each class period.  An attendance grade will be given based on the corresponding number of absences:

Perfect Attendance:       A+          (100)

1 absence:                          A             (95)

2 absences:                        B             (85)

3 absences:                        C             (75)

4 absences                          D             (65)

5 absences                          F              for the course.

There will be no excused absences. If you arrive to class late, it is your responsibility to make sure I’ve marked you present, otherwise the absence will stand.

While attendance is mandatory, participation is also required.  You should come prepared to participate in class discussions and role playing. Lack of participation or obvious lack of preparation will drop your attendance grade by fifteen (15) points.

 

Attendance/Participation will comprise twenty percent (15%) of your total grade for the course. Participation will be grade on your willingness to engage in class discussions, demonstration that you have read the material and apply it to your comments, arguments in class, and your ability to respond to questions posed by me in class.

Final Exam:  The final exam will be an essay / project that you will have two weeks to complete.  It will be a comprehensive and will comprise twenty percent (25%) of your total grade for the course.

Grading Scale

A (100-90)           B (89-80)              C (79-70)              D (69-60)              F (59-0)

Make-up Policy

See Grading Criteria section of this syllabus.

Required Exams

See Grading Criteria section of this syllabus.

Final Exam

See Grading Criteria section of this syllabus.

 

Attendance

\ The student is responsible for attendance. Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  While the text and associated written material will provide essential information for successful test performance, the majority of the material on the tests will come during classroom lectures / discussions.  If conflicts of schedule, lack of interest in the class or other issues arise, it is the student’s responsibility to drop the course or withdraw from the college. Your instructor cannot do this for you.  Failure to drop the course within the time frames established by the college will result in the student receiving a failing performance grade.

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\ Students with five (5) or more absences will automatically receive a grade of “F” for the course, regardless of the grade average at the time of the fifth absence.

Calendar

Additional Information

Contact Information

West Campus, Building C, Room 103

Work: (806) 379-2325.  Cell: 584-4522.

richardmartindale@co.potter.tx.us

 

Class Meeting Location: West Campus, Building C, Room 103

** In instances when classes are cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, students should check their e-mail on MyAC for class information.