I do not have an office at Amarillo College.
The primary method of communication with me will be through course announcements/email. All course announcements will be posted under the Announcements link on the homepage of the course in Blackboard with a concurrent email sent to the class. These emails and any other emails from me will go directly to your AC Gmail account.
Make sure to check your announcements/emails at least every other day to ensure you do not miss important information.
Communicating with your instructor is an important part of the learning process. If you have any questions or experience any problems regarding your class, contact me as soon as possible.
EMAIL ME: The best way to contact me is by emailing me at e0117083@actx.edu Please Do Not email me from your phone or other private devices as they do not tell me who you are and may get lost or not get answered. I will respond through the AC Email function which will go to your student email account.
I check my email daily. However, there may be times when it will take me some time to respond. You can expect an email reply within 24 hours from the time you email me.
PHONE CONTACT: The second-best way to contact me is to call me/text me on my cell phone at (806) 678-3970. You may call/text me on weekdays and weekends, but please do not call/text me after 8:00 pm at night. I work full time and oversee over 170 people, so I get A LOT of emails and phone calls. I will respond when I am able. If you text me, please tell me your name and that you are in my Intro to Policing class. If you call me, you must leave a message for me to call you back. When you leave a message, please include your name and that you are in my Intro to Policing class, so I can be prepared to talk with you when I call you back.
A Word About Expected Courtesies in Your Course Communications Students should make themselves knowledgeable regarding appropriate “netiquette” practices. There are several internet resources that explain netiquette. One such source is located at the following link:
Students will always communicate with their instructor professionally and courteously. Discourteous, rude, and/or aggressive emails, text messages, or phone conversations will not be tolerated. If you have questions regarding the course, you should contact me first.
Students, other Amarillo College staff or faculty are not responsible for determining my course policies.
If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.
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
Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
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 .
CRIJ-1301-004 Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course provides a historical and philosophical overview of the American criminal justice system, including the nature, extent and impact of crime; criminal law; and justice agencies and processes.
Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website
Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:
Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:
Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me
You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
Online Course
Introduction to Criminal Justice: Practice and Process – 5th Edition
Authors: Kenneth J. Peak & Tamara D. Madensen-Herold
Publisher: Sage Publications, 2023
ISBN: 9781071848944
All students enrolling in this class must have access to a working computer, active and functioning internet service, some type of word processing program, Adobe Acrobat Reader and exhibit computer competency.
Adobe Acrobat Reader may be downloaded FREE from https://get.adobe.com/reader/.
Assistance with Computer Access
If you don’t have a computer, you may access the computers at the AC Library on the 4th floor of the WARE Building. Click on the link to access phone numbers, hours of operation and locations for all Amarillo College libraries and computing centers: https://www.actx.edu/library/.
The Amarillo College Bookstore has a laptop rental program. Contact them to find out more information about the requirements and terms of the program.
Amarillo College Writer’s Corner
The Writer’s Corner is an excellent resource available to you for assistance in the writing needs of the course. You can access additional information at https://www.actx.edu/english/writerscorner.
EMAIL ADDRESS: writerscorner@actx.edu Phone: 345-5580 LOCATION: Ordway Hall, Room 102
Fall & Spring Semesters
Monday – Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Summer Sessions
Monday - Thursday
8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Student performance addresses the knowledge/skills a student should possess upon completion of this course with a 70% or above cumulative course average. To that end, there are general course learning objectives (listed below) and more specific module learning objectives for this course. The module learning objectives will be listed within the relevant module content.
General Course Learning Objectives for Introduction to Criminal Justice
Describe the history and philosophy of the American criminal justice system.
Explain the nature and extent of crime in America.
Analyze the impact and consequences of crime.
Evaluate the development, concepts, and functions of law in the criminal justice system.
Describe the structure of contemporary federal, state, and local justice agencies and processes.
This course will be guided by meeting both the general course learning objectives and the module learning objectives. At the end of the semester, students are expected to have a working knowledge of the criminal justice system in America and its operations therein.
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".
Students should approach the course with a mindset where they’re ready to learn. Students also need to be cognizant of the fact this is an online class and that it is the student’s responsibility to check on due dates for assignments, exams, discussion boards, etc.
The workload for this course will require due diligence and integrity on students' part. Students are individually responsible for ensuring they understand all requirements of the course, have access to necessary supplies and complete assignments accordingly.
Log into the class on a regular basis (at least 3-4 times per week) to check for class announcements/emails and ensure understanding of all applicable requirements.
Respond to requests from your professor in a timely manner.
Complete all readings and course preparation as assigned. This is imperative for successful completion of the course. I have found that students who do well in my classes generally ascribe to the following practices:
Check Blackboard often for announcements and up-coming assignments and quizzes.
Have a consistent plan or approach for completing their reading/preparation and assignments for the course.
Highlight the textbook or take notes as they complete reading assignments to help prepare for written assignments, quizzes and/or exams.
Reach out to me in a timely fashion with regards to questions or problems with the class.
Complete all assignments in a timely manner and be cognizant of all relevant due dates.
Discussion Boards
Effective learning can only occur in a safe space where students and the professor are open to the views of people different from themselves. In this time we share together over the semester, please honor the uniqueness of your fellow classmates and appreciate the opportunity we have to learn from one another.
At times the discussion board topics will address sensitive and uncomfortable subjects and students must remember to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner. All students are entitled to their opinions and certainly aren’t required to agree with another student’s opinion. However, disagreements can be cited in an appropriate, respectful and considerate manner.
Snipes, demeaning comments, personal attacks, inappropriate language or racial slurs will in no way, shape or form be tolerated during discussions, within written course work or email content.
Only those individuals who are registered in the course are allowed to make posts on the discussion boards or send email within the course. Moreover, only the student registered for the course should prepare the assignments and participate in the course.
If you have cause to be concerned or offended by any of the topics covered in this course or something another student posts on the discussion board, you should contact your professor immediately. All material, both required and supplemental, is directly tied to facilitating in the learning process and assisting students in better meeting the learning objectives of the course.
Scholastic Integrity
Scholastic honesty is not only assumed, but required of all students in all coursework and exams as they relate to this course. This professor maintains a zero-tolerance policy with regards to scholastic dishonesty. Occurrences of scholastic dishonesty will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and will result in a grade of zero for the applicable assignment and/or removal from the course. Scholastic dishonesty is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as “…shall include, but not be limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.” Determinations of scholastic dishonesty may be substantiated if a student engages in any of the following behaviors:
-Function as a substitute for another student in any assignment or exam, or utilizes a substitute in any assignment or exam
-Utilizes the assistance of others, including other students, or engages in “collusion” in relation to any assignment or exam to the extent the work is not characteristic of the student's capabilities. Collusion is defined in the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct as: “… the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Students are not to work together on assignments or exams unless otherwise directed.
-Affords excessive assistance to another student in relation to any assignment or exam, including the unauthorized use of camera phones, text messages, photocopies, notes or other means to copy or photograph materials used or intended for academic submission.
-Commits plagiarism; refer to the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct which defines plagiarism as: “…the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.”
-Uses information and/or materials from the Internet or any other source without citing full and applicable credit
-Knowingly permits his or her work to be submitted by another student in connection with any assignment or exam
-Claims credit for or submits work done by another student
-Falsifies or misrepresents hours or activities in relationship to a service project (if applicable)
-Falsifies required documentation required for a service project (if applicable)
Communicating With Your Professor and Classmates
Students should make themselves knowledgeable regarding appropriate ‘netiquette’ practices. There are several internet resources explaining the facets of netiquette. One good source is located at: http://learning.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=4.
Students will communicate with their professor in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Discourteous, rude and/or aggressive emails, text messages or phone conversations will not be tolerated.
When you have questions regarding the course, you should contact your professor FIRST. Students or other Amarillo College staff or faculty are not responsible for making determinations regarding my course policies.
In the event you have a complaint or issue regarding this course you should contact me first and if the situation cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator - Academic Program, Criminal Justice Department at (806) 354-6081.
Students' grades for this course will be comprised of the following percentages and types of assignments:
Coursework [30%] There are a variety of assignments in this category related to content vocabulary, assigned course readings and/or written assignments.
Discussion Assignments [25%] There will be several discussion assignments in which the student will be required to publish a discussion post based on an assigned discussion prompt and then respond to at least five (5) of his or her classmates' postings.
Exams [35%] The mid-term exam is included in Module 4, contains 100 multiple-choice and true-false questions, and addresses all material covered to date (through Module 4). The final exam is included in Module 8, contains 200 multiple-choice and true-false questions, and is comprehensive in nature (covering all material from the entire semester).
Common Assessment [10%] This is a written assignment that provides students with an opportunity to actively incorporate and apply what they’ve learned throughout the semester and serves as a culminating academic experience.
See the Common Assessment link on the course site in Blackboard for all information, requirements and instructions pertaining to this assignment.
Assignment Deadlines
It’s imperative for students in an academic setting to learn how to manage their course workload, assignments and time for future success in a real-world environment. Due dates for the entire semester will be listed on the course calendar from the first day of class. I reserve the right to make determinations regarding acceptance of late assignments on a case-by-case basis.
Unless otherwise noted, all assignments, quizzes and exams will be due no later than 11:59 p.m. on the specified date, as referenced on the calendar.
If there is a valid emergency or circumstance beyond your control, you may contact me prior to the due date of the assignment(s) to discuss your options and any potential late penalties that may be applied.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have access to a working computer and functioning internet service to access the course and submit your assignments. DO NOT wait until the last minute to complete your assignments. Forgetting to do an assignment or having an internet malfunction at the last minute are NOT sufficient excuses for submitting an assignment late. Please understand this policy is present and adhered to in the interest of fairness to all students in the class.
Grading of Assignments
You can access your grades at any time by clicking on the Grades link under the course menu on the left sidebar of the course site.
Homework and discussion assignment grades will be available as soon as possible. Grades will be based on format, the student’s compliance with all assignment requirements, accurateness and comprehensiveness of answers. A rubric will be provided for all written assignments. The time frame for the posting of grades is tentative. There will be occasions when it will take longer to post the grades.
Understand minimal work will receive a minimal grade. Don’t assume just because you completed the minimum requirements for the assignment you will receive a perfect score. General feedback will be given on the first assignments. However, due to the number of students and workload, feedback on subsequent assignments will be limited to citing incorrect answers, etc. or explaining why a grade is extremely low (below 70).
You can always check your current class average so you know where you stand. If you have any questions regarding your grades, you are encouraged to contact your professor.
Grading Schema
|
Letter Grade |
Corresponding Numerical Value |
|
A |
90-100 |
|
B |
80-89 |
|
C |
70-79 |
|
D |
60-69 |
|
F |
59 and below
|
REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS NECESSARY FOR SATISFACTORY ACHIEVEMENT IN THIS CLASS. THEREFORE, IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ATTEND CLASS, EVEN IN AN ONLINE SETTING.
This course is divided into eight (8) weeks, with a corresponding checklist for each week containing all required preparation, required reading and assignments to be completed.
As your instructor, I reserve the right to make changes to the course schedule when deemed appropriate and/or necessary. Any and all changes made will be clearly communicated in a timely fashion. Below is a basic outline of the course and the topics/chapters covered therein. The course calendar provided on the class site contains more detailed information and includes due dates for all assignments.
Week 1
Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Criminal Justice: Essential Themes and Practices
Chapter 2: Foundations of Law and Crime: Nature, Elements, and Measurement
Week 2
Chapter 3: Theories of Criminality and Crime
Chapter 4: Ethical Essentials: Doing Right When No One Is Watching
Week 3
Chapter 5: Police Organization: Structure and Functions
Chapter 6: Police at Work: Patrolling and Investigating
Week 4
Chapter 7: Policing Methods and Challenges: Issues of Force, Liability, and Technologies
Chapter 8: Expounding the Constitution: Laws of Arrest, Search, and Seizure
Midterm Exam
Week 5
Chapter 9: Court Organization: Structure, Functions, and the Trial Process
Chapter 10: The Bench and the Bar: Those Who Judge, Prosecute, and Defend
Chapter 11: Court Methods and Challenges: Sentencing and Punishment
Week 6
Chapter 12: Prisons and Jails: Structure and Function
Chapter 13: The Inmates’ World: The “Keepers” and the “Kept”
Chapter 14: Corrections in the Community: Probation, Parole, and Other Alternatives to Incarceration
Week 7
Chapter 15: Juvenile Justice: Philosophy, Law, and Practices
Chapter 16: On the Crime Policy and Prevention Agenda: Drug Abuse, Sex Trafficking, Terrorism, and Immigration
Week 8
Final Exam
CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES
Tutoring/Assistance with Course
The Criminal Justice Department at Amarillo College endeavors to support each student’s goals for success by providing additional academic support services to those in need. If your cumulative grade average for this course falls below a 70, you will be strongly encouraged to access tutoring and other academic resources the instructor feels is appropriate.
Any student needing assistance with any aspect of the course content should contact their instructor to schedule a tutoring session. Tutoring sessions are offered at no charge and can be conducted on campus or via telephone. Arrangements can be made to schedule a time that is convenient for the student.
Student Academic Help/ Student Resources
There are a variety of resources available to help students with issues they may be experiencing throughout the semester. You are encouraged to contact your instructor with any questions or problems you might have while taking the course. In addition, you may access many of the various student resources at: https://www.actx.edu/student-resources.
Reproduction of Course Materials
Students are prohibited from reproducing any portion of this class without written permission from the instructor of record or authorization through Disability Services. This includes, but is not limited to, lecture notes, class discussion boards or any other class materials. For purposes of the policy herein, “reproducing” applies to photographic reproduction, audio, video, or any other type of reproduction of course materials.
Students who create and/or share an unauthorized reproduction of course materials via any means, including social media, are violating an instructor's intellectual property rights and could potentially be subjected to disciplinary actions under the Amarillo College Student Code of Conduct. Additionally, should any reproduction be shown of proprietary materials, the student who created or shared the unauthorized reproduction may also be subject to copyright laws.
This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director.
Extra-Credit Opportunities
Determinations regarding whether or not extra-credit opportunities will be afforded to students is at the discretion of the instructor. In the event an option for extra-credit is offered by the instructor, comprehensive guidelines and information will be provided to the student. Students are not required to participate in extra-credit opportunities.
This policy has been adopted by all instructors in the Criminal Justice Department. Questions or concerns should be directed to Sarah Uselding, Program Coordinator and/or Eric Wallace, Director.
Student Complaints or Issues
A complaint is an allegation of improper, unfair, arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by college personnel. Students should attempt to resolve concerns informally with the instructor before filing a formal complaint. Any student or group of students may file a complaint concerning any campus issue. The Amarillo College Student Complaint Policy is described in detail in the Student Rights and Responsibilities document.
If you have a complaint regarding the instructor or some aspect of the course, you should first contact your instructor immediately in person or via email and attempt to resolve the situation. If the situation can’t be resolved to your satisfaction, you should then contact Sarah Uselding, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator at (806) 290-2727 or Eric Wallace, Director of Criminal Justice Programs, at (806) 354-6081.
10/21/23 12:13 PM
10/21/23 12:36 PM