PLS - Police Science

Designed to reinforce officer's knowledge and understanding of all facets of criminal justice system, sub-systems and how they interrelate (police, defense and prosecuting attorneys, courts, institutional corrections, community-based corrections, and the juvenile justice system). Emphasis on criminal justice system as a whole and necessity that its elements be integrated. Roles and interrelationships of local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies also examined.

Reviews major elements that comprise the American law enforcement system,  including historical and contemporary development of the police role in society and common roots of different components of present structure. Major social, economic and political events that contributed to formation of American criminal justice system highlighted. Eternal balancing required to assure adherence to constitutional safeguards, while maintaining social order, providing for public safety and delivering law enforcement services integrated throughout the course. Full range of rights in American criminal justice system examined, not only in broad philosophical and social context but also in terms of specific application. Contrast systems of policing in other countries with the American experience. Includes impact of case law on police policies and practices, discretion in administration of justice, due process, and contemporary influences in the justice system.

Studies police responsibility within a law enforcement agency, and between criminal justice agencies and the public, and sources of police authority, both legal and moral responsibilities examined. Emphasizes principles, values and theories which underpin and shape effective and ethical policing to promote sound decision making skills, and moral vulnerability of those who practice policing is illustrated. Examines conflicts of interest, police corruption and abuse of power, individual and organizational strategies promoting high levels of integrity and professionalism throughout police service. Provides review of applicable case law relating to police officer misconduct and resultant liability, history of civil service process, impact of labor efforts and contemporary components of police personnel systems. Officer-agency labor relations, collective bargaining, police associations and unions and relevant labor law examined.

Studies dynamics of human behavior based on analysis of biological, cultural, sociological any psychological factors. Examines socially deviant behavior, theoretical overviews and implications for social control and the nature of social policy. Provides strategies for recognition and apprehension of serial offenders. Requires students to examine the field of criminology including theory, research and findings of biological, psychological and sociological studies of criminality through research and case studies. Includes crime as a form of deviant behavior, nature and extent of crime, societal reactions to crime, past and present theories and evaluation of prevention, control and treatment programs. Emphasis placed on police profession's experience in application of criminology theories, current trends and emerging research.

Examines prejudice, discrimination and effects on police in changing society. Analyzes significance of race, class and ethnicity to crime perpetration and criminal justice processing, role of racism in treatment of minorities by various components of criminal justice system, evolving public policy resulting from increases in immigration and impact on law enforcement. Examines hate crimes, laws enacted to combat, and multi-disciplinary approaches to enforcement.

Emphasis on skills, traits, and knowledge determined by police agencies as essential supervisory skills.

Focuses particularly on police response to the community, recognizing that delivery of police services is much more than law enforcement. Stresses the skills of communication, intervention, negotiation and mediation.Ties directly to the expectation that police maintain order and engage in conflict resolution. Includes dynamics of human relationships and understanding various cultural differences that affect policing. Provides overview of origins, meaning and development of community policing programs. Uses role-playing and case studies to enhance learning experience.

Analysis of effective leadership in law enforcement by examining critical skills, knowledge and traits required to succeed at all levels within law enforcement. Emphasis placed on practices of exemplary law enforcement leaders including transforming organizational visions to applications.

Capstone course that guides student to explore in detail current trends and issues in law enforcement in order to provide student with relevant and timely coursework. Covers contemporary enforcement and prevention approaches and their theoretical underpinnings currently operational on a national basis. Identifies controversial issues and explores suggestions for resolutions. Special topics considered may vary in light of evolving theoretical, legal, or technological issues. Includes current day case studies from a variety of jurisdictions.