191-006 Policing

Formerly available as 191-206/306. Students who have completed 191-206 or 191-306 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 25 points of first year criminology.

This subject introduces students to the historical, political and social forces which shape police organisations, policies and practices. The subject covers the origins, functions and structures of contemporary policing, and identifies key emerging issues and challenges in policing such as the effectiveness of policing in crime control, the emergence of community policing, police culture, police misbehaviour and accountability, organisational change and organisational renewal. The emphasis is upon public (state) policing, although attention is paid to the growing private policing sector and to late 20th century developments in multi-agency policing. Upon completion of the subject, students should be able to analyse critically current developments in policing in terms of their historical, theoretical, political and functional contexts.

• have considerable capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;

• have significant cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;

• understand complex concepts and express them lucidly in writing and orally;

• have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively;

• have advanced awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications.

An essay of 2000 words 50% (due during semester) and a 2-hour examination 50% (due at the end of semester).