Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: In-depth survey of the relationship between the criminal justice system and the community; causal and symptomatic aspects of community misunderstanding, lack of cooperation and mistrust; the concept that community relations develop through a continuing process of interaction between the criminal justice system and members of the public. Methods for understanding how such a relationship is developed, changed and maintained. Examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. (C-ID AJ 160) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Identify and analyze techniques to improve and maintain positive communications with the community.
  • CSLO #2: Assess the impact of unethical conduct by law enforcement and its impact on community relations.
  • CSLO #3: Analyze a community-based problem and articulate potential solutions.

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. Assess the demographics of the culturally diverse community as they apply to the interaction with the administration of justice system;
2. Explain the history and evolution of multiculturalism in the U.S. and the challenges presented by a multicultural society;
3. Identify and explain key issues that pose potential conflict between diverse communities and the police, courts and corrections;
4. Identify techniques for effective communication;
5. Evaluate the effects of the history of administration of justice on current community relations;
6. Analyze the justice system subculture and its effects on a multicultural society;
7. Critique problem-solving strategies to address community needs; and
8. Identify and describe the strategies for the administration of justice in a multicultural society.

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
          • UC Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Essay Examinations
            • Example: Students will write an essay in which they compare and contrast the philosophies and strategies of traditional vs a community-policing law enforcement agencies.
          • Projects
            • Example: Working in small groups of 4-6, students will create and present a PPT presentation that outlines a hypothetical Community Relations Policy.
          • Reports
            • Example: Students will write a research paper that outlines various successful community relations programs locally, statewide and nationally.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lecture:

          1. Using PPT and video of current events, Instructor will present and discuss actions and decisions of criminal justice professionals that could lead to a loss of trust and cooperation from community members.

          Distance Learning

          1. Through the use of video recordings posted to Canvas, Instructor will provide guest-speaker presentations from representatives of various Law Enforcement agencies describing their application of Community Policing programs and services.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Students will collect and analyze current event articles dealing with the relationships between the community and the justice system. 2. Based on assigned readings students will compare the potential conflicts between the justice system sub-culture and a multicultural community.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Students will provide a written analysis of current event articles dealing with the community and the justice system. 2. Students will write an analysis of the impact of past philosophies and practices on modern communities.

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

          Sample Assignment: Given a regional, scenario-based problem, the students will be placed into groups of 4-5 to assess the influencing stakeholders, factors and potential solutions. Students will present their findings, which will demonstrate a synthesis of their reading, writing and research assignments up to that point, to the class for a large group evaluation of their problem-solving proposals.

          Required Materials

          • Community Policing
            • Author: Kappeler/Gaines
            • Publisher: Routledge
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition: 7th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

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