Community Policing in Modern Society - ADJ 229 at Northern Virginia Community College
https://courses.vccs.edu/colleges/nova/courses/ADJ229-CommunityPolicinginModernSociety
Effective: 2022-01-01
Course Description
Examines the process through which community problems are identified and addressed by police departments in cooperation with the community. Considers current efforts by law enforcement officers to achieve an effective working relationship with the community.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits
The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.
General Course Purpose
ADJ 229 provides students a historical perspective on community-based involvement and relations with law enforcement. To inform and educate students on the current climate of the relationship between law enforcement and the public. To provide insight on what is necessary to enhance the trust and relationships.
Course Objectives
- The Evolution of Community Policing
- Describe the historical background of American Law Enforcement and the evolution of community policing
- Define community policing
- Describe and explain the essential elements of community policing
- The Culture of Policing
- Identify key components of the mission, vision, and subcultures within policing
- Compare and contrast the role of policing in crime fighting vs public service
- Evaluate public perceptions of effectiveness of the policing roles
- Use of Force in Policing
- Identify the use of force continuum
- Examine case studies involving use of force incidents and reflect how it impacted public perception and trust in policing
- Media portrayal of use of force incidents and its effects on the community and community policing efforts
- Problem Oriented Policing
- Define problem-oriented policing
- Evaluate and discuss the effectiveness of problem-oriented policing and the effects it has on the community/law enforcement relationship
- Identify techniques and models designed to address community problems and issues
- Engaging in Communities with a Diverse Population
- Describe and analyze how nonverbal communication impacts engagements between police and the community
- List opportunities and challenges to policing a diverse community
- Recognize how cultural differences and communication practices of diverse groups within communities should impact community policing efforts. Include perspectives such as religious groups, socioeconomic groups, persons with physical or mental disabilities, and age variations
- Describe how laws may impact different populations based on demographics, socioeconomic status, community diversity, the legally disenfranchised, ethnicity, and race
- Youth and Community Policing
- Evaluate the importance of law enforcement building a relationship with the youth in the community
- Analyze and discuss youth victimization and delinquency
- Explain the role of the family and school involvement in building the relationship between law enforcement and the youth
- Challenges of Community Policing
- List the major challenges to community policing
- Identify and analyze contemporary issues faced by law enforcement.
- Evaluate different methods or techniques used to ensure community involvement
- The Future of Community Policing
- Discuss the importance of reliable, practical, and relevant research in policing
- Analyze evidence-based practices and design solutions to meet community needs
- Discuss how innovation and technology are transforming policing
- List and explain trends in community police recruiting and training
Major Topics to be Included
- The Evolution of Community Policing
- The Culture of Policing
- Use of Force in Policing
- Problem Oriented Policing
- Engaging in Communities with a Diverse Population
- Youth and Community Policing
- Challenges of Community Policing
- The Future of Community Policing