CRJ 167 - Syllabus Police & Society Fall 1998 California State University, Sacramento   Course Description Instructor Course Expectations Evaluation of Student Learning and Participation Grading Required Texts Course Description An examination of the interrelationships of police and society. The course will include both an objective and subjective look at both. The purpose is to help develop and defend an understanding and approach to society and the law enforcement services that stand between order and chaos. The class will also look at the balance points that liberty and freedom might fall on a continuum with no restrictions with social anarchy on one end and complete social proscription on the other. Students will review the origins, philosophy, objectives, and priorities of the police service in the United States (and to some extent beyond). We will look at how social, technological, economic, environmental and political trends and events impact the relationship between the police and the society they serve. Leadership themes will be embedded throughout the course. The once-a-week schedule for the class allows opportunity for ample class participation. Reading of the text assignments before the class is required. These readings present ethical and practical issues that confront police. They include such issues as police use of discretion, police roles, police and minority groups, police and protest groups, police and brutality, and police ethics. Note: The schedule and course syllabus is subject to changes and modifications as the course unfolds. Reading assignments from the texts may be supplemented or changed. I will invite several guest lecturers to make class presentations, and their availability will have an impact on the schedule. Participation will include appropriate contributions to class discussion as well as presentations of test responses and selected essays. Instructor Norman C. Boehm, Ph.D., served in a variety of executive positions in California. These include being City Manager for two California cities and 18 years as Executive Director of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Research Projects/Interests: Police Corps Program; Effectiveness of the Criminal Justice Systems; Standards and Training for Peace Officers; Use of Technology in Training and Operations of Law Enforcement; the Effect of Society Norms and Mores on the Need for Law Enforcement Services; Leadership Development. Further instructor information is located at the (INTERNET). Name: Norman C. Boehm, Ph.D. Title: Lecturer Office: 217 Alpine Hall Office Hours: Tuesday 9 -10 a.m. E-mail Address: boehm@csus.edu Telephone: (916) 278-5059 FAX: School - (916) 278-7692 Mailing Address: 6000 J Street Division of Criminal Justice Sacramento, CA 95819-6085 Course Expectations At the conclusion of the course, each student will know the key elements of the complex mix of peace officers in society. Each is expected to carry away from the course knowledge of the social, political, and economic influences at work in today's complex social and legal environment. They will more specifically know of the challenges, issues and paradoxes facing law enforcement and its officers. Students will be expected to think clearly and deeply about the issues and influences discussed in class and set forth in the readings. They will be able to link their thoughts to specific ideas that stand the light and heat of analysis and dialogue. Students will be capable of articulating their own thoughts and feelings on the topics included in this class both verbally and in writing. They will be articulate in influencing the thinking of others by presenting cogent arguments in inviting, thoughtful ways. Students will also be able to better present themselves in their chosen fields of professional endeavor. Though difficult to measure, the nature of this class is to increase each student's capacity for positive right-thinking influence and leadership. (Why else would one be doing this?) Evaluation of Student Learning and Participation The following criteria will be used to evaluation student participation and learning. They include a combination of attendance and participation along with quizzes and examinations. The dates for examinations and the essay are due on the dates indicated. Assignment Points Due Date Quizzes will be given covering text readings for certain classes and classroom instruction. 10 As given First Midterm Examination 20 12 Oct Essay on a theme of your choosing, though the title and approach must be submitted in writing (one page max.) and approved by the instructor. 20 Approval of Theme by 10/19 Due - 11/9 Second Midterm Examination 20 16 Nov Student attendance and participation 10 Final Examination 20 Finals Week Grading A Outstanding achievement 931 -1000 points A- Excellent achievement 900 - 930 points B+ Achievement approaching Excellence 850 - 899 points B Very good performance that clearly exceeds course requirements. 800 - 849 points C+ Above average performance 750 - 799 points C Average performance. 700 - 749 points D Passed, but not at average achievement standards 650 - 699 points I Incomplete - consistent with university requirements Required Texts DeLattre, Edwin J. Character and Cops: Ethics in Policing. The AEI Press. Washington D.C. 1996 Perez, Douglas W. The Paradoxes of Police Work: Walking the Thin Blue Line. Copperhouse Publishing Company, Incline Village, Nevada 89451, 1997 CALENDAR / INSTRUCTOR DEPARTMENT / COLLEGE / CSUS Page updated: August 26, 1998