Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for CJA 111 archive revision 201403

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Effective Term:
Summer 2014 through Summer 2021

Course Number:
CJA 111
Course Title:
Introduction to Criminal Justice System - Police
Credit Hours:
3
Lecture Hours:
30
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Course designed to provide an overview of the role of police in society. Students will become familiar with general concepts related to law enforcement and be introduced to associated foundations and principles that comprise the criminal justice system. A range of issues and facts relevant to policing will be discussed. Included is historical development of police in America, crime data collection, police organization and structure, the police sub-culture, police and community relations, laws and constitutional limitations on authority. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the law enforcement component of criminal justice.  Information will be provided on the role of police in society, and an analysis of the structure and organization of various local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Students will be provided with an insight into police work not normally provided to the general public.  Examples include hiring processes, testing, background investigations and occupational opportunities.  This course is designed primarily for those interested in criminal justice as a career and/or desire to learn more about the law enforcement profession.
The course is a prerequisite to all 200 level classes in the Criminal Justice Program at Portland Community College.  Course work may relate to, but is not limited to, texts and journals, lectures, group discussion, videos, student projects, field trips, community volunteer work and guest speakers.
 

Intended Outcomes for the course


The student will be able to:

1. Use the understanding of law enforcement history, organization and structure as a foundation to expand knowledge of related criminal justice areas such as police roles, functions and responsibilities.

2. Analyze situational conflicts involving police ethics and discretion.

3. Locate and evaluate crime trends using official data.

4. Assess the need for police response with recognition of criminal conduct versus civil matters.

5. Consider and examine situations that may impose constitutional limitations on police authority.

Outcome Assessment Strategies


Objective and/or subjective examinations, student projects or activities
and/or written assignments.
 

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)


This course will address topics including, but not limited to:
History, organization and process of the CJ System
Nature of crime victimization
History and sources of criminal law
Perspectives of crime and violence
Law enforcement; past, present and future
Private sector enforcement and security
Crime prevention and community policing
Police: the roles, functions and responsibilities
Discretion, ethics, culture and problems in law enforcement
Searches, seizures, exclusions, detentions and arrests