Police Systems and Practices Syllabus for 2015-2016
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Office Location

First Responders Academy Bldg.

3701 Plains Blvd, Office #1029

Office Hours

 

Email / Blackboard Messaging
The best way to contact me is through email using your Amarillo College (AC) email account. You may also send a message through the Blackboard messaging feature located within each course. If you choose to message me through Blackboard, please be sure to check the box at the bottom of the message so that it is also sent to my email.

Phone Contact
The second best way to reach me is by calling or texting my cell phone at 806-341-9718. If you leave a voicemail or text message, please include your name, the course you are enrolled in, and the section number so that I can be prepared when returning your call. Please note that if you have a concern or are dissatisfied with something related to the course or instruction, you should speak with me in person so that we can discuss the matter appropriately.

 

Communication Policy

I am committed to supporting your success in this course and am available to assist you throughout the semester. During the summer term, I do not maintain regular weekly office hours. However, students are encouraged to contact me whenever they need assistance.

Meetings by Appointment

Students may schedule an appointment to meet with me either:

  • In person at my office
  • Virtually through Google Meet, FaceTime, or another approved platform

Appointments can be arranged at a mutually convenient time by contacting me through email or Blackboard messages.

While I do occasionally check messages outside of normal business hours, responses may not be immediate. I make every effort to respond to emails and Blackboard messages within 24–48 hours during the workweek. Messages sent during evenings, weekends, or holidays may require additional response time.

If you would like to meet individually to discuss course content, assignments, grades, or any concerns, please contact me to schedule an appointment.

Please note: Emails, messages, and texts sent after 6:00 PM or on weekends may not be answered until the next business day, although I occasionally check messages outside of these hours.

Response Time

You can generally expect a response to course emails or messages within 24 hours during the week. If you do not hear back within a reasonable time, please feel free to follow up.

Course Communication

The primary methods of communication for this course will be:

Blackboard Announcements – Posted in the course and sent to your AC email
Blackboard Messages / Email – Used for individual communication

Students should check announcements, Blackboard messages, and email at least every other day to stay informed about course updates and deadlines.

Additional Resources for Assistance

If you are unable to contact me directly, the following resources are available:

Criminal Justice Department Offices
First Responders Academy – Office #1007
Phone: (806) 457-4450

ASK AC Helpline
Phone: (806) 371-5000
Email: askac@actx.edu

CTL Student & Faculty Help Center
Phone: (806) 371-5992
Washington Street Campus – WARE Building

AC Connect Student Resources
https://www.actx.edu/student-resources

Online Professionalism & Digital Conduct

I. The Virtual Classroom

In this online course, AC Connect, discussion boards, and college email are official campus locations. All interactions must remain professional, respectful, and courteous. Per the Amarillo College Student Handbook, conduct policies apply to students "whether the activity takes place on or off campus," including all digital communications.

II. Prohibited Behavior

In accordance with Amarillo College Student Rights and Responsibilities, any communication that is condescending, rude, disrespectful, hateful, or unprofessional will not be tolerated. Per the Student Handbook, "Unacceptable Conduct" is defined as any behavior "contrary to the best interest of the faculty or staff or the teaching/learning process." Specific prohibited behaviors include:

  • Aggressive Tone/Messaging: Using all-caps (shouting), demanding immediate responses, or "spamming" the instructor with multiple messages before the response window has passed.

  • Personal Attacks: Using profanity, slurs, or insulting the character/intelligence of the instructor or peers. (Handbook Ref: Disorderly Conduct / Abusive & Profane Language).

  • Grade Intimidation: Threatening an instructor’s job, reputation, or professional status due to grade dissatisfaction. (Handbook Ref: Behavior Targeting Others / Harassment of Employees).

  • Condescending Language: Belittling the instructor’s expertise, authority, or the validity of the course material.

III. Communication Boundaries & Netiquette

  • Response Window: I respond to professional inquiries within [Insert Hours, e.g., 24-48] hours during business days. Please plan your questions accordingly.

  • The "Cooling Off" Rule: If you are frustrated with a grade or policy, it is recommended that you wait 24 hours before sending an email. This ensures your communication remains professional and outcome-oriented.

  • Permanence of Record: Remember that all digital communication is archived. Hateful or threatening messages serve as permanent evidence in disciplinary proceedings.

IV. Repercussions

Failure to adhere to these standards is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will result in the following actions:

  1. Mandatory Revision: A formal request to rewrite and resend the communication using professional language before the matter is addressed.

  2. Loss of Points: Deduction of participation points for conduct occurring in public forums (discussion boards).

  3. Administrative Referral: Serious or repeated incidents (including harassment or threats) will be referred to the Dean of Students for formal disciplinary action.

  4. Administrative Withdrawal: Per College policy, abusive digital behavior toward faculty may result in permanent dismissal from the course.

V. Professionalism Modeling Guide

Unprofessional (Policy Violation)

Professional (Acceptable Standard)

"You need to change my grade now because this is unfair and I'm going to talk to your boss."

"I would like to schedule a time to discuss the feedback on my recent assignment to better understand my grade."

"I've emailed you twice in the last hour. Why aren't you answering? I need this fixed NOW."

"I am following up on my previous email regarding the quiz; I look forward to your guidance when you are available."

"I don't know why you're making us do this; it's a waste of time."

"I am having trouble seeing the connection between this assignment and the course goals; could you clarify the objective?"

Email Subject: "EXCUSE ME???"

Email Subject: "Question: [Course Name] - Assignment Due Friday"

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.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

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

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

An Introduction to Policing, John S. Dempsey and Linda S. Forst 7th Edition, ISBN# 978-1-133-59470-3

Supplies

Ten (10) 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 

 

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

There are certain requirements that will be necessary for the successful completion of this class.  The requirements are mandatory and are explained fully in this syllabus.

  1. Quizzes are given after every chapter
  2. Read the chapters; take good notes
  3. Be on time. If you need to leave early, sit in the back of the classroom.

You are responsible for keeping up with the assigned readings and being prepared for class discussions. The textbook readings are intended to provide background information to my lecture.  Because we will be having class discussions when I am lecturing, it is of utmost importance that you read the assigned reading for that particular lecture in the textbook. If for some reason, due to the class discussion, I am unable to lecture on a particular topic in the book you are still responsible for knowing that particular section of the assigned reading. So, please be aware that you will be tested on what the book covers as well as my lectures.  The readings will be from the textbook listed above, as well as any other material that I may handout during the semester. Bring you textbook to every lecture.  In order to be successful in this class you will need to devote equal study time to course lecture as well as the readings; therefore, class participation is expected.

PLEASE BE IN CLASS ON TIME! Class starts at 10:30 a.m. Repeated tardiness, cell phones making any type of noise at all, sleeping, talking, reading unrelated class material, distracting behavior, will not be tolerated and I will ask you to leave the classroom if you are engaging in this type of behavior.  DO NOT TEXT MESSAGE IN CLASS

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria

Exams:
Each student will be required to take a midterm exam and a mandatory comprehensive final during the semester.  
The midterm exam will consist of True/False, multiple choice and/or matching questions, and/or essay/short answer.  
The final exam will be comprehensive. The exam will consist of True/False and multiple choice. 

Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom once testing has begun.  If the student leaves the room, then their test will be taken up and graded based on the questions they have answered up to that point.

Participation:

  • Attendance
  • Additional assignments: ex. Worksheets, short papers, etc…
  • Each student will be required to actively engage in the weekly discussions.  You must be present and prepared to actively participate in class discussions.
  • Each student will be required to participate in three (3) ride along’s. One will be with APD or CPD, one will be RCSO or PCSO, and one will be with TDPS.  

Quizzes:

There will be 10 chapter quizzes given throughout the year. You must be present at the beginning of class when the quiz is handed out, if you come into class after the quiz is handed out you will not be permitted to take the quiz.

Grading Scheme:
Exam’s                           40%
Participation                  25%
Quizzes                          35%
Total                              100%

A = 100%-89.5%

B = 89.4%-79.5%
C = 79.4%-69.5%
D = 69.4%-59.5%

F = 59.4% and below
 

Makeup Policy:
NO EXAMS or QUIZZES CAN BE MADE UP or RE-TAKEN

Extra Credit: All extra credit is due Monday May 2, 2016, NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Students have the opportunity to participate in two (2) extra credit assignments for a total of 15 points added to your final exam. Student’s participation is optional. Students are encouraged to complete the extra credit assignment to mitigate against lost points.

  1. This assignment is worth a total of 5 points. Students may choose to keep a homework notebook. At the end of each chapter I will provide a homework assignment. If you choose to participate in this assignment, you must complete every chapter homework assignment to receive credit. I will not provide copies of homework that you miss because you did not attend class.  Each assignment will need to be typed and placed into a binder. You will turn in the binder on the day extra credit is due.
  2. This assignment is worth a total of 10 points.  Students may choose to read the book, The Price They Pay; written by Karen Solomon and Jeffrey M. McGill.  After reading the book, you will write a 3-5 page paper summarizing what the book is about. In addition you will include one character from the book, summarize their experience and explain why this particular character stood out to you.

DO NOT CONTACT ME AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER REGARDING EXTRA CREDIT, THESE ARE YOUR OPTIONS FOR EXTRA CREDIT.

Attendance

Attendance and participation are required.  A roll sheet will be handed out at the beginning of class, you will sign acknowledging you are present.  If you come in after the sign in sheet has been passed around, you will not be allowed to sign in and will be counted absent for that day.  A student is allowed (2) two absences. Each additional absence will result in 5 points being taken off of the participation grade. In addition, students who regularly attend class and frequently contribute to class discussions may receive an additional point or two if they are on the border of receiving a higher grade at the end of the term.

It is the student’s responsibility to drop a course or withdraw from the college. Failure to drop the course within a timely manner will result in the student receiving a performance grade, usually an “F”. The last day to drop is April 21, 2016, you must have my permission to drop.  You need to send me an email requesting to drop the class and the reason behind it.

Calendar

Calendar- This schedule is subject to change by the instructor at any time

 

Introduction, class overview ; read chapter 1;  

Documentary

ï‚§    Power point notes

ï‚§    Chapter 1

ï‚§    Construct a timeline of evolution of policing

 

ï‚§    Documentary on The History of Policing  

 

Police History- Chapter 1

ï‚§    Power point notes

ï‚§    Chapter 2

 

ï‚§    Lecture- Evolution of policing, the political era, the professional era,  

       new directions in police administration, the police crisis of the 1960’s,

       and new developments in policing.

 

 

Topic: Organizing Public Security in the United States- Chapter 2

ï‚§    Power point Notes

ï‚§    Chapter 3

ï‚§    Pick any police department in the United States and construct a graphic organizer of the organization of that police department (I do not recommend NYPD because of its size).  Below is an example

 

ï‚§   Chapter 1 quiz   

ï‚§   Lecture- Local law enforcement agencies, state law enforcement

      agencies, and federal law enforcement agencies. 

 

Topic: Organizing the Police Department - Chapter 3

ï‚§      Power point notes

ï‚§      Chapter 4

 

ï‚§     Chapter 2 quiz 

ï‚§     Lecture- Organizing the department, alternative organizational models 

        and structures

 

Topic: Becoming a Police Officer- Chapter 4

ï‚§     Power Point Notes

ï‚§     Chapter 5

ï‚§      Watch the following videos in order

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epfXeDxftQA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqBqg43WN34

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw0EMLM1XRI

 

ï‚§     Chapter 3 quiz 

ï‚§     Lecture- The standard police selection, the recruitment process, the

        selection process, and the police training process,

ï‚§     Documentary on a police academy

ï‚§     Guest speaker

Topic: The Police Role and Police Discretion- Chapter 5

ï‚§      Power Point Notes

ï‚§      Chapter 6

 

ï‚§      Chapter 4 quiz 

ï‚§      Lecture- Police discretion, police discretion involving shootings and

         deadly use of force.

ï‚§      Discussion in regards to the  shooting Tamir Rice

Topic: Police Culture, Personality, and Police Stress- Chapter 6

ï‚§      Power Points Notes

ï‚§      Read chapter 7

ï‚§      Study for Midterm (use previous quizzes as study guide)

 

ï‚§      Chapter  5 quiz

ï‚§      Lecture- Police subculture, police personality, police stress, and police

         suicide

ï‚§      Documentary Behind the Badge

 

 Topic:  Midterm

              Minorities in Policing- Chapter 7

 

 

ï‚§       Midterm- Thursday March 10th - Chapters 1-6

ï‚§       Lecture- Discrimination in Policing, Minorities in policing today,

          problems for minorities in policing, and why minorities are vital in

          policing.  

 

SPRING BREAK

ï‚§     Power Point notes

ï‚§     Chapter 8

 

 

Topic: Police Ethics and Police deviance- Chapter 8

ï‚§        Power Point notes

ï‚§        Chapter 9

ï‚§        Write down five (5) questions for next week’s guest speakers.

ï‚§        Chapter 6/7 quiz

ï‚§        Movie- Plan to stay until 12:30 pm on Tuesday March 22nd  

ï‚§        Lecture- Ethics in policing, police corruption, other police

           misconduct, police civil and criminal liability.  

Topic: Patrol Operations- Chapter 9

ï‚§        Power Point notes

ï‚§        Chapter 10

ï‚§        Write down five (5) questions for next week’s guest speakers.

ï‚§        Chapter 8 quiz

ï‚§        Guest speakers from local police department and TDPS

ï‚§        Lecture- Defining homicide and exploring the different types of

           homicide

 

Topic: Continue Chapter 9- Other Police Operational Units; SWAT and K-9 Units

ï‚§        Power Point notes

ï‚§        Chapter 10        

ï‚§        Write down five (5) questions for next week’s guest speaker.

ï‚§         Lecture- what are SWAT and K-9 Units    

ï‚§         Guest speaker- SWAT team

ï‚§         Guest Speaker- K-9 unit member (dog included)     

 

YOU MAY WANT TO PLAN ON STAYING LATE THIS DAY

Topic: Investigations- Chapter 10

 

ï‚§        Power Point notes

ï‚§        Chapter 12  

 

ï‚§        Guest speaker from local investigation unit 

ï‚§        Chapter 9 quiz

ï‚§        Lecture- Detective operations, crime analysis and information

           management, proactive tactics, entrapment     

 

Topic: Community Policing: The Debate Continues- Chapter 12

ï‚§        Power Point notes

ï‚§        Chapter 13

ï‚§       Answer the following questions, bring them to class next week.  Do

          not use the internet or friends, answer them based off your knowledge.

  1. If asked by a police officer, do you have to present identification?
  2. If a police officer stops you for a traffic violation, and they ask you to exit the car do you have to?
  3. During a traffic stop, do you have to answer any question a police officer may ask you (i.e. do you know how fast you were going)
  4. Does a police officer have to read you your Miranda rights upon arresting you?

ï‚§        Lecture- What is community policing and is it appropriate today?

ï‚§        Chapter 10 quiz

Topic:   Police and the Law- Chapter 13

ï‚§        Power Point notes

ï‚§        Review for Final Exam (use you chapter quizzes and assignments as

           reviews)

 

ï‚§        Class Discussion- Cop Blockers

ï‚§        Chapter 12 quiz

ï‚§        lecture- The police and the U.S. Constitution, the police and arrest,

            the police and search and seizure, the warrant requirements and the

           search warrant, the police and custodial interrogation

ï‚§           

Topic:  Final Exam Review

 Ã¯â€šÂ§         Review for final exam 05/03/16

 Ã¯â€šÂ§         Study day 05/05/16

 

Topic:  Final Exam  

Additional Information

ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED, HANDWRITTEN WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

APA style

Format:

  • Use 8.5” x 11” paper
  • Type double-spaced with 1” margins on all edges.
  • Page number should be in the top right corner.
  • Indent each new paragraph
  • Use Times Roman 12 pt. font.

 

Every assignment you turn in must have the following cover page attached. If the cover page is missing 10 points will be deducted from your grade.

 

Title of paper

Your name

Introduction to Criminal Justice

Instructor Haskins

 The Price they Pay Paper guidelines

Purpose- To summarize the book and explain why a particular character in the book stood out to you.

Length –
• Minimum 3 Pages
• Maximum 5 Pages

 

  • Check Blackboard DAILY
  • Examples of previous students work will be available for you to view. This will give you examples to reference.
  • Outlines of my Power Point presentations will be made available. However, having access to them is not intended to replace attending class.
  • Students will be responsible for printing off any material that is posted to Blackboard.

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM