University Of Great Falls
Spring semester 2008
COURSE NUMBER & TITLE: CRJ 161 – Introduction to Law Enforcement, 3 credits, (prerequisite: CRJ 100)
COURSE DATES AND TIMES: Tuesday; 10:00-10:50 PM; Telecom room
PROFESSOR’S NAME: Dr. Craig A. Ganster
PROFESSOR’S CONTACT NUMBERS:
OFFICE: Sullivan Hall, Room 201-D; Telephone: 791-5363;
CELL: 868-9835;
EMAIL: cganster01@ugf.edu
OFFICE HOURS:
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M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
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9:00-9:30 |
9:00-9:30 |
9:00-9:30 |
9:00-11:00 |
9:00-9:30 |
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11:00-Noon |
11:00-Noon |
11:00-Noon |
Noon-4:30 |
11:00-Noon |
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2:00-4:30 |
2:00-4:30 |
2:00-4:30 |
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2:00-4:30 |
and by appointment.
REQUIRED READINGS: Dempsey, J. & Forst, L., An Introduction to Policing, 4th Ed., Thomson/Wadsworth Publishing Company, Belmont, CA.
Chapters 1 through 14. Each student will be responsible for reading the assigned chapter(s) prior to each class date and be prepared to discuss the material. The obtaining of incentive points will be based on attendance; class participation and student discussions based on the assigned readings.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will explore the historical development of law enforcement agencies, focusing on the British and American systems. Application procedures and pre-hiring criteria, examinations, physical and psychological testing, background investigations, mandatory police training, field training programs and in-service training will be detailed, as well as the role of the police, police ethics and values.
BEHAVIORAL COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. define and discuss historical perspectives as they relate to law enforcement.
2. identify local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and define their law enforcement role(s).
3. assess recruitment, selection, and training processes of law enforcement personnel.
4. identify symptoms and effects of police stress.
5. describe all facets of police operations.
6. analyze the philosophical concepts of community policing.
7. logically express viewpoints concerning police ethics, values, and minority issues.
8. translate practical uses of police technology.
The foregoing objectives will be demonstrated by:
1. Punctual, regular, and complete class attendance;
2. Reading assigned topics when scheduled and being prepared to discuss those topics;
3. Participating in class discussions;
4. Taking scheduled written examinations and obtaining a passing grade.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM PURPOSE:
1. To provide students with an understanding of the criminal justice field including, but not limited to:
a. criminal justice and juvenile justice processes (administration of justice),
b. criminology (causes of crime, offenders, and victims),
c. law enforcement (police organization & procedures, discretion, and legal constraints,
d. legal Adjudication (criminal law and procedure, civil law, evidence), and
e. corrections (incarceration, community-based corrections, and the management and treatment of offenders;
2. To educate students to be critical thinkers who can communicate their thoughts effectively and apply their knowledge in an ethical and logical manner; and
3. To prepare students for entry-level positions in the criminal justice field and/or to prepare students for graduate studies.
UGF Students engagement of THE FOUR QUESTIONS
1. What does it mean to be human? The university encourages students to
· appreciate the inherent value and interrelatedness of all God's creation
· appreciate the inherent dignity of every person
· appreciate and value cultural differences and similarities
· appreciate that community is essential to being and becoming human
· appreciate the responsibility to maintain and strengthen society by helping others and advancing justice
· appreciate the value of aesthetic and creative expression.
(The Criminal Justice Program Competency Objectives which address this question are numbers 8, 11,20,28, and 29.)
2. What does it mean to participate in intellectual inquiry? The university encourages students to
· dedicate themselves to the pursuit of truth and knowledge
· cherish the cumulative wisdom of human inquiry, past and present as a means to enrich the future
· professionally question and challenge, and remain open to being questioned and challenged, in pursuit of the common good
· think critically and creatively, analyze situations and proposals accurately; identify issues, evaluate and appreciate alternative positions.
(The Criminal Justice Program Competency Objectives which address this question are numbers 1, 2,3,4,6,7,12,17,25,26,27,30, and 31.)
3. What does it mean to "make a living" and to live as a productive human being? The university encourages students to
· communicate clearly and effectively in multiple modes of discourse
· identify problems and articulate appropriate solutions
· accept the consequences of their decisions and actions
· dedicate themselves to their field of endeavor
· possess expertise in a specific area and appreciation of other areas
· practice personal health.
(The Criminal Justice Program Competency Objectives which address this question are numbers 1, 5,6,9,10,13,14,15,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,30, and 31.)
4. What does it mean to participate in the spiritual and religious dimensions of life? The university encourages students to
· explore religious world views and value systems and their implications for living
· contemplate spirituality, the meaning of God, religion, and the gospel of Jesus Christ and their importance for living
· further God's work of reaching out to humanity
· make sound moral judgments
· appreciate the Christian and Catholic traditions
(The Criminal Justice Program Competency Objectives which address this question are numbers 8, 16, 27, and 28.)
COMPETENCY OBJECTIVES:
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice:
Students receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice should be able to:
1. Identify and define “key” terms utilized within the criminal justice discipline;
2. Describe and discuss the applicable major theories involved in the criminal justice discipline;
3. Describe and discuss the applicable historical development and evolution of the criminal justice field;
4. Interpret, appraise, and evaluate contemporary literature of the criminal justice discipline;
5. Demonstrate professional behavior by taking examinations when scheduled; e.g., turning in papers when due and regular class attendance;
6. Effectively communicate knowledge into writing by preparing reports, subject related papers and/or essay questions;
7. Effectively research issues, trends, and history of the criminal justice field/discipline.
8. Discuss and identify the different areas within civil law and procedures involved in civil law suits.
9. Effectively communicate through written and verbal presentation historical developments of the correctional system and theories behind punishment.
10. Recognize and discuss how personal and cultural differences affect behavior and communication in American society.
11. Evaluate and distinguish current social science research methodology through hypothesis development, analysis of findings, and to compare and contrast types of social research methods.
12. Apply “key” terms utilized within the criminal justice discipline and apply the research and literature of the discipline demonstrating an upper-level scholarly ability.
Students receiving a Minor in Criminal Justice should be able to:
1. Identify and define “key” terms of the criminal justice discipline;
2. Describe and discuss the applicable major theories involved in the criminal justice discipline;
3. Describe and discuss the applicable historical development and evolution of the criminal justice field;
4. Interpret, appraise, and evaluate the literature of the criminal justice discipline;
5. Demonstrate an ability to fulfill the course requirements in a timely manner;
6. Effectively communicate knowledge into writing by preparing reports, subject related papers and/or essay questions;
7. Effectively research issues, trends, (both contemporary and historically) of the criminal justice field/discipline.
8. Recognize ethical dilemmas within the criminal justice system and be able to interpret what would be the proper course(s) of action.
Students receiving an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice should be able to:
1. Identify and define “key” terms of the criminal justice discipline;
2. Describe and discuss the applicable major theories involved in the criminal justice discipline;
3. Describe and discuss the applicable historical development and evolution of the criminal justice field;
4. Interpret, appraise, and evaluate the literature of the criminal justice discipline;
5. Demonstrate an ability to fulfill the course requirements in a timely manner;
6. Effectively communicate their knowledge writing by preparing reports, subject related papers and/or essay questions;
7. Effectively research issues, trends, and history of the criminal justice field/discipline.
8. Recognize ethical dilemmas within the criminal justice system and be able to interpret what would be the proper course(s) of action.
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Law Enforcement:
Upon graduation, students receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement should:
1. Have the same competencies as someone graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, in addition to the following abilities in regard to the field of Law Enforcement:
a. Evaluate and question police officer discretion and ethical practices in the field.
b. Infer and analyze personal and societal values as they pertain to law enforcement officers.
c. Independently assess the diverse aspects of police patrol operations.
d. Analyze and demonstrate effective interview and interrogation techniques.
e. Apply observational skills and draw reasonable inferences from those observations as they relate in determining truth versus deception.
f. Summarize, compare and contrast problem-solving techniques utilized in contemporary community policing.
g. Identify community issues (e.g., crime and quality of life) and strategies used by police departments to address them.
h. Formulate investigative strategies employed in the criminal investigation process.
i. Perceive and make relationships in determining the identification and appropriate physical evidence collection, and crime scene processing in a criminal investigation.
j. Analyze structure and organization of management styles within law enforcement agencies.
k. Identify ones own managerial strengths and weaknesses as they apply to law enforcement supervision.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Your first responsibility is to scholarship. The grade you receive will be the result of your efforts, not a gift from the instructor.
You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the entire semester. From the beginning, you should plan for a steady, organized, and continuous effort which in the long run will prove more effective for your final grade than a last minute “crash-cram” policy. Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grades. Such factors as class participation, initiative, and attendance will be considered in grade computation.
Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade since both the material assigned and discussed will be the basis for examination material. Regular attendance is mandatory for the same reason.
You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook to class. Keep up to date and well informed on assignments, especially after a period of excused absence.
RUBRICS OF EVALUATION/GRADING
EXAMINATIONS: (Total 90%)
Two examinations will be given (Mid-term and final).
Mid-term exam date: To be announced
Final exam date: Tue., 29 April 2008; 10:00
The examinations may contain a combination of multiple choice, matching, short answer, and essay questions.
INCENTIVE POINTS: (Total 10%)
Incentive points can be earned by actively participating in class discussions, and demonstrating a positive attitude toward work assignments. Unexcused absences will result in a reduction of 5 incentive points for each day missed. Excused absences are absences wherein the student will notify me no later than one hour prior to a missed class and an explanation provided as to the validity of said absence. No incentive points will be deducted or awarded under this category.
Examination and point value:
Exam 1 (Mid-term)...................450 points (45%)
Exam 2 (Final)..........................450 points (45%)
Incentive points........................100 points (10%)
TOTAL 1,000 points
Point to grade ratio:
900 to 1000 -- A -- Superior
800 to 899 -- B -- Above Average
700 to 799 -- C -- Average
600 to 699 -- D -- Below Average
Below 600 -- F -- Failure
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY:
I believe students learn through reading and viewing required material, active participation in classroom discussions, and taking detailed notes. Therefore, my classes include, and are structured toward lectures, videos, and class discussions.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
Textbook
Course video media (VHS or DVD lectures)
PROCTORING (Non-local distance students only):
It is each student’s responsibility to obtain a responsible proctor for administering and monitoring mid-term and final examinations. The appropriate proctoring forms are available to you through UGF’s web site (On-line forms) at which time you will have your proctor complete the form and return it to me. It is imperative that your proctor take the initiative to return to me the forms and exams in a timely fashion so that final grades may be posted in accordance with university guidelines.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Should any student require special accommodations relating to a physical handicap, appropriate provisions will be made available. Students requiring TRIO accommodations must coordinate with the TRIO academic counselor prior to or immediately following the first day of class.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT:
Academic conduct will be in accordance with and governed by the University policy enumerated in the University of Great Falls 2007-2009 Catalog. Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any student found cheating on examinations or submitting the work of other persons representing the work to be that of the student submitting same will result in the student receiving a failing grade for the course. If requested by the professor, the student will produce his/her reference materials for any cited work included in the research paper.
SYLLABUS:
I reserve the right to change the syllabus throughout the semester if it is needed. If changes are made, fair notice will be given to the student to minimize any inconvenience.