COURSE OVERVIEW

This course will examine the history, evolution, and organization of policing in the United States at the federal, state, and local levels. Emphasis is placed on such major contemporary issues as the police role, discretion, use of force, corruption, accountability, and community policing.

INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL

By the end of this course, you will be able to describe the history of policing in America, explain the organizational structure of law enforcement agencies, explain the role of police officers in various law enforcement operations, and describe the police culture and specific problems facing law enforcement officers.

Specific learning objectives are indicated at the beginning of each module or unit.