Introduction To Police Theory And Practices –

cja214

(3 credits)

This course is an introductory overview which provides students with the opportunity to gain an understanding of policing in the United States. It surveys the basics of police functions, from individual and organizational roles to the issues faced on a daily basis. This course also examines the procedures and methods of operation of police and critical issues in law enforcement.

This undergraduate-level course is 5 weeks. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Advisor.

Topics and Objectives

Police History
- Examine the history of policing to the present day.
- Analyze the relationship between government and policing in American society.
Police Organization
- Identify the principal roles and functions of the police in America and the relationship between the police and the law.
- Identify various types of police agencies at the local, state, and federal level.
- Describe the civil service system.
- Describe the nature of patrol work.
- Identify major organizational theories associated with policing.
The Personal Side of Policing
- Identify and describe elements associated with the police recruitment and selection process.
- Examine how women and minorities can achieve equality in law enforcement.
- Describe major components of police officer training and career development programs.
- Describe the internal and external mechanisms that influence and control police discretion.
- Describe and analyze the police culture and the significance of stress in policing.
Police Operations
- Identify and describe the various functions of a police agency.
- Analyze the role and function of police in the community.
- Describe the difference between proactive and reactive patrol.
- Describe how the police protect citizens’ constitutional rights.
- Identify different types of searches and interrogation practices.
- Define probable cause.
- Describe police corruption and other police misconduct.
- Identify examples of police brutality.
Critical Issues in Policing
- Describe the use of technology in policing.
- Define less-than-lethal weapons.
- Examine the dangers of the police.
- Examine issues of homeland security and law enforcement.
- Describe the future of policing.

The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student’s choice.

Introduction To Police Theory And Practices –

cja214

Police History

Police Organization

The Personal Side of Policing

Police Operations

Critical Issues in Policing

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