CRIJ 2328:
This course examines the establishment, role and function of police in a democratic society. It will focus on types of police agencies and their organizational structure, police-community interaction, police ethics, and use of authority.
In the event of an emergency or announced campus closure due to a natural disaster or pandemic, it may be necessary for Panola College to move to altered operations. During this time, Panola College may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include, but are not limited to: online learning management system (CANVAS), online conferencing, email messaging, and/or an alternate schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor Panola College's website (www.panola.edu) for instructions about continuing courses remotely, CANVAS for each class for course-specific communication, and Panola College email for important general information.
Regular and punctual attendance of classes and laboratories is required of all students. When a student has been ill or absent from class for approved extracurricular activities, he or she should be allowed, as far as possible, to make up for the missed work. If a student has not actively participated by the census date, they will be dropped by the instructor for non-attendance. This policy applies to courses that are in-person, online, hybrid, and hyflex.
Attendance in online courses is determined by submission of an assignment or participation in an activity. According to federal guidelines, simply logging into a distance learning course without participating in an academic assignment does not constitute attendance. Distance learning is defined as when a majority (more than 50%) of instruction occurs when the instructor and students are in separate physical locations. Students must engage in an academic activity prior to the course census date.
When an instructor feels that a student has been absent to such a degree as to invalidate the learning experience, the instructor may recommend to the Vice President of Instruction that the student be withdrawn from the course. Instructors may seek to withdraw students for non-attendance after they have accumulated the following number of absences:
Fall or spring semesters:
3 or more class meeting times per week - 5 absences
2 class meeting times per week - 3 absences
1 class meeting per week - 2 absences
The student is responsible for seeing that he or she has been officially withdrawn from a class. A student who stops attendance in a class without officially withdrawing from that class will be given a failing grade; consequently, the student must follow official withdrawal procedures in the Admissions/Records Office.
Please note: Health Science and Cosmetology courses may require more stringent attendance policies based on their accreditation agencies. Please see the addendum and/or program handbook for further information concerning attendance.
Panola College welcomes pregnant and parenting students as a part of the student body. This institution is committed to providing support and adaptations for a successful educational experience for pregnant and parenting students. Students experiencing a need for accommodations related to pregnancy or parenting will find a Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations Request form in the Student Handbook or may request the form from the course instructor.
The use of artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT, is permitted in this course for discussion assignments only. No more than 20% of any discussion post may be AI-generated, and all AI-
generated content must be clearly cited within the assignment. Failure to cite AI use appropriately is considered academic dishonesty.
AI use is strictly prohibited on the final semester writing assignment and any related components. Submitting AI- generated work without permission or proper citation will result in a grade of zero and may be reported as a violation of the academic integrity policy.
Use of AI is allowed only under specific classroom circumstances and with explicit permission. Proper citation is required at all times.
What I look for when evaluating AI overuse includes: sudden changes in writing style, unrealistic submission speeds (discussions), and inconsistencies between how a student writes in Canvas vs. how they email or message me. For example, if a student’s emails are unpolished or informal but their Canvas discussions are perfectly academic, this will be a red flag for further review.
Improper or excessive AI use will result in a zero on the assignment and may be treated as academic dishonesty.
The purpose of this course is to:
- The student will have knowledge of the organizational structure of police departments.
- The student will learn the police role in the criminal justice system.
- The student will learn police ethics and the necessity of good police community relation.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
- Describe the types of police agencies and explain the role of police in America within the context of a democratic society.
- Describe means and methods utilized to ensure police accountability.
- Explain the historical development of policing.
- Describe the selection process for police officers.
- Compare and contrast organizational structures, policies, strategies and tactics employed to ensure police effectiveness, efficiency and equity.
A general description of lecture/discussion topics included in this course are listed in the Learning Objectives section of this syllabus.
Students in all sections of this course will learn the following content:
- The Development of Modern Policing
- The Structure and Nature of Policing
- The Legal Environment of Policing
- Police Methods
- Administration and Culture of Policing
- Community Policing
This course is offered in online, face-to-face, and/or Hybrid formats. For the traditional classroom course, teaching approaches are expected to vary with individual instructors who should employ those techniques that work best for them and their students. Although lecture and reading assignments are the primary forms of delivery, other instructional methods may involve classroom discussion, student presentations and lectures, audio-visual instruction, invited speakers, critical thinking activities, in class writing exercises designed to stimulate critical thinking, and group activities. Distance learning is also available for students who cannot attend lectures and who are capable of the amount of self-direction and discipline required to complete such a course. Reading the materials, communication via email, and on-line discussion are some of the methods used for distance learning.
1. Exams
2. Tests
3. Quizzes
4. Internet Assignments
5. Journal Assignments
6. Library Assignments
7. Written Assignments
8. Attendance
9. Class Participation/Discussion
10. Class Preparedness
Student performance in CRIJ2328 will be evaluated through a balanced combination of activities that emphasize both knowledge and application.
- Each week, students will participate in discussions, complete quizzes or knowledge checks, and engage in lecture-based assignments that encourage consistent study and interaction with peers.
- Six proctored chapter exams will measure comprehension of major concepts and terminology, while the midterm examination will provide an in-depth assessment of material covered during the first half of the semester.
- In addition, students will complete a semester project that integrates course content with practical experience, either through a law enforcement ride-along and reflection or an alternate assignment when necessary.
- The course concludes with a comprehensive final exam designed to evaluate overall understanding and the ability to synthesize key themes.
Together, these assessments measure not only retention of information but also critical thinking, application of knowledge to real-world policing, and the development of professional-level communication skills.
This is the breakdown of how your final grade will be calculated for this course.
- Weekly Class Participation/Assignments: 25% Includes weekly quizzes, discussions, lecture-based activities, and other module tasks. Work submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
- Chapter Assignments: 10% Six-chapter quizzes, all remotely proctored.
- Midterm Exam: 25% Covers weeks 1–7. This is a remotely proctored, closed-note exam. No early testing or make-up exams are allowed.
- Semester Paper/Project: 15% Students who qualify will complete a ride-along with an approved law enforcement agency and submit required reflections and a final project. Alternate assignments are available for students who are ineligible. Milestone assignments (eligibility form, topic selection, outline, etc.) are graded separately and provide feedback for final submission.
- Comprehensive Final Exam: 25% Covers the entire semester. This is also remotely proctored and closed-note. If a student displays suspicious activity during the midterm, they will be required to take the final in person at an approved testing center.
- OER Textbook
- Fundamentals of Policing, by: Adam J. McKee
- Link to the textbook is in the Start Here module of the course, and links to each section will be in the weekly modules as assigned.
- Fundamentals of Policing, by: Adam J. McKee
- OER Textbook
- Fundamentals of Policing, by: Adam J. McKee
- Link to the textbook is in the Start Here module of the course, and links to each section will be in the weekly modules as assigned.
- Fundamentals of Policing, by: Adam J. McKee
Local and National newspaper and/or magazine/journal articles relevant to the subject matter issues discussed
- Courses conducted via video conferencing may be recorded and shared for instructional purposes by the instructor.
- For current texts and materials, use the following link to access bookstore listings: https://www.panolacollegestore.com.
- For testing services, use the following link: https://www.panola.edu/student-services/studentsupport/academic-testing-center.
- The Accommodations & Disability Support (A&DS) Office at Panola College provides and facilitates support services and accommodations for students with disabilities. The A&DS office works under the federal guidelines included in Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act. Please contact the Accommodations & Disability Support (A&DS) Office located in the Charles C. Matthews Student Center or go to https://www.panola.edu/disabilitysupport for more information.
- Withdrawing from a course is the student’s responsibility. Students who do not attend class and who do not withdraw will receive the grade earned for the course.
- Student Handbook: https://www.panola.edu/ (located on at the bottom under student)