Law Enforcement and the Community

Spring 2009

Instructor: L. Dwayne Hobbs, M.P.A.

E-mail: lamarhobbs@clayton.edu; dhobbs@forestparkpd.com

Phone: 404-366-7280 (office: 9 AM – 5 PM Monday through Friday)

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course, given presentations by the instructor and guest lecturers, assigned readings, participation in classroom discussion, case studies and research, the student will demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the history, organization, management function, and of community policing in America. This will be demonstrated by scoring an average of 70% on written examinations and classroom assignments and demonstrating the ability to grasp the course objectives:

To introduce students to the evolution of community policing.

To provide students to the "inside" of police agencies.

To provide students with the contextual basis for a critical understanding of getting the job done while involving the community.

To introduce students to the challenges of managing police in the future.

TEXT

Linda S. Miller and Karen Hess, "Community Policing – Partnerships for Problem Solving," Fifth Edition, Thomson-Wadsworth, Belmont California

COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS: Each student in this course is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets approved hardware and software requirements for the student’s academic program and this course. See http://itpchoice.clayton.edu  for full details of this policy. Course announcements may be mailed to students’ CCSU email accounts. This source should be checked at least weekly.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 770-961-3719, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu

PARTICIPATION: The instructor will review and expound upon the major concepts in each chapter to reinforce students’ reading and outside classroom assignments. Class participation will be through attendance, discussions, homework assignments and other presentations. Class participation is worth 100 points toward the final grade. CLASS ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED.

1. Exams: There will be two (2) examinations: a Mid-term and a Final exam. Examinations will be a combination of objective (multiple choice, fill blanks, true/false), and subjective (short answer). Each exam is worth 200 points toward the final grade. (400 points total)

2. Field Exercise

a. Each student will be required to prepare a survey of police services and solicit hard hitting information from the community about their police department. The results of the surveys will be tabulated and support the findings in a five page report. Questions. (200 points) Due April 1, 2009

b. Arrange a ride-a-long with a police officer for an entire shift. Observe the attitudes, demeanor and habits of the officer and how they interact with the community. Observe the tactics, abilities and strategies for involving the community, both formally and informally. Prepare a 3-5 page essay on the experience pointing out your observations compared to the lessons learned from the text and your outside readings. (200 points) Due: April 1, 2009

3. QUIZZES: There will be at least four (4) quizzes, make-ups will not be given unless:

a. Arrangements concerning an absence from class are made in advance, and the student can verify an emergency. (100 points total).

4. GRADING:

A= 900 to1000

B= 800 to 899

C= 700 to 799

D= 600 to 699

F= 0-599

CLASS POLICIES:

Regular class attendance is required. Students who do not attend regularly cannot expect to complete the course successfully. Absences will be excused only for serious personal situations that are verifiable and explained in writing to the instructor’s satisfaction. Unexcused absences will be deducted from your participation points.

Students are expected to be in class on time. Students who must be late shall notify the instructor in advance. Reasons for tardiness to class must be for serious personal situations that are verifiable and explained to the instructor’s satisfaction. If you must leave early, inform the instructor prior to class. Each un-excused tardiness or absence will deduct points from your participation points.

Cheating will not be tolerated. Students who cheat will receive a zero on the assignment and will be dealt with in keeping with the Student Handbook.

Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Students are expected to know and follow all relevant portions of the Student Handbook.

Do not bring children or guests to class. In accordance with college policy, eating food is not allowed in class. Soft drinks and coffee are permissible.

Make-ups will be given at the instructor’s discretion and only in cases of serious personal situations that can be verified.

This syllabus is subject to revision where necessary to meet course goals.

Students who miss class on the date they are given an assignment will receive zero points unless prior arrangements with the instructor have been made.

All assignments, which are a part of this course, must be completed for a student to pass this course.