Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Stresses the importance of values and ethics and appropriate moral judgments necessary in the administration of justice field. Provides an understanding of values and integrity which must be displayed, and communication skills necessary to be an effective criminal justice practitioner. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze and evaluate the use of the code of ethics by criminal justice practitioners.
  • CSLO #2: Justify why the criminal justice practitioners need to maintain a positive image to meet public expectations.
  • CSLO #3: Evaluate the consequences of unethical behavior by describing the negative effects on the criminal justice system and the community.

Effective Term

Fall 2017

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Identify the three major components of the administration of justice system and their respective functions;
2. Analyze the role of the media and how they influence public perception;
3. Analyze and evaluate the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and its application in conflict management;
4. Evaluate the consequences of unethical behavior on the criminal justice system and the community;
5. Demonstrate proper and effective techniques for interacting and communicating with the public;
6. Identify common job stressors and their effects on law enforcement officers and investigate effective coping techniques;
7. Recognize the importance of creating and maintaining a positive image to meet public expectations;
8. Identify generational changes and their impact on the criminal justice system; and
9. Apply ethical behavior in the criminal justice field through role-playing in situational scenarios.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Essay Examinations
            • Example: Students will write an essay in which they explain the importance of ethical behavior by law enforcement officers and its connection to positive community relations.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will conduct research and write a report on a specific case study related to police misconduct.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Using handouts of the "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics", the Instructor will lead a class discussion related to the importance of ethical behavior both on and off duty.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will present video lecture related to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics; students will participate in follow-up Discussion Board related to current accusations of police misconduct in society.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Read provided material regarding the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and be prepared to discuss the various habits. 2. Read the LAPD Rampart corruption incident report and be prepared to discuss the various causations.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Write a two page essay on your three primary values. 2. Discuss profanity in the criminal justice system. Is it ever necessary?

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Term project: Locate Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and discuss its ethical points.

          Required Materials

          • Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice
            • Author: Pollock, Jocelyn M.
            • Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 9th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Professional Ethics in Criminal Justice: Being Ethical When No One Is
            • Author: Albanese, Jay S.
            • Publisher: Pearson
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition: 4th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Criminal Justice Ethics: Theory and Practice
            • Author: Banks, Cyndi
            • Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc.
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition: 4th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.