Police, Law, and Society
17273 - SOCI 174 - 01
Instructor: Dr. Terri Adams-Fuller
Office:
Douglas, Hall, Room 210D
Phone:
(202) 806-9358
Email:
tadams-fuller@howard.edu
Office Hours: T/TH 12:00-2:00 p.m. and by appointment
Associate Instructor: Dr. N. BaNikongo (Dept. of African American Studies)
E-mail:
nnikongo@howard.edu
Office Hours: T/TH 11:OOam - 2:00pm and by appointment
Required Text:
Larry Hahn and Clemens Bartollas. 2004. Policing in America. Allyn & Bacon.
Roger Dunham and Geoggrey Alpert. Critical Issues in Policing. Waveland Press.
Brian Willingham. 2003. Soul of a Black Cop. Wordmaster Publishing.
Course Description
This course reviews the role of law and law enforcement in modern society from a multidisciplinary approach. We will examine critical issues related to policing including: the
various styles and models of policing; the various types of police misconduct and
corruption; the challenges of the profession; the nuances of police culture; and the
nature of the relationship between the police and the community. This course will also
explore the changing role of law enforcement in response to the heightened awareness
of homeland security issues. This aspect of the course will explore immigration issues
and the implications for law enforcement and homeland security.
Course Objectives
The following are the objectives for this course:
 Students will demonstrate an understanding of the role of law enforcement in
society; the role of community and problem oriented policing in America; police
corruption; police misconduct; and the influence of terrorism concerns on
policing and the enforcement of immigration policies.
 Students will demonstrate an increased understanding of basic research;
 Students will demonstrate an ability to integrate biographical readings into
theoretical discussions on relevant policing concepts; and
 Students will demonstrate an awareness of developing proficient writing and
editing skills.
Requirements
1 Research Paper
2 Exams
Class Presentations
Interdisciplinary Group Sessions
Class Participation
90-100 = A; 80-89 = B; 70-79 = C; 60-69 = D; 0-59 = F
20%
50%
10%
15%
5%
100%
Student Responsibilities
Each student is expected to act professional, come to class on time, and participate in
classroom discussions. Students are also expected to respect their counterparts and
refrain from using street language in the classroom. This course is designed to
encourage classroom dialogue; therefore, you will be required to faithfully read the
assigned materials and suggested readings for the course prior to class.
Please note that it is your responsibility to contact the professor about missed work if
you have an excused absence, to check that you are marked as present if you come to
class late, and to return all graded materials to the professor. Your inability to turn your
work in on time will result in your work being reduced by 5 points for each day it is late,
including the weekend.
Students who want to do well in this class should: come to class each session on time;
pay attention and ask questions; read all assigned readings prior to class; contribute
regularly to class discussions; complete all assignments in a timely manner; and use the
professor’s office hours as a resource.
Modification of the Syllabi, Missed Exams, and Make-ups
On occasions, the syllabi might be changed to accommodate coverage of new or different
information. Announcements will be made far enough in advance such that there will
be minimal impact on students. Students are expected to take exams on the day
scheduled; therefore please forget the concept of “a make-up exam.”
Blackboard
Students are required to check blackboard at least once a week to review posted
information. This is especially important if you miss a day of class
(http://blackboard.howard.edu – username: ID number and password: same as your
BISON password. If you have any questions about the impact of the weather or other
situations on class attendance please check blackboard the morning prior to class.
Academic Fraud
Cheating involves sharing and/or copying answers from another student, as well as
borrowing information from sources without citing the information properly. The latter
is called plagiarism and will not be tolerated. Students who are caught cheating or
participating in any act of fraud will fail this course. Please also note that the Chair of
the department will be notified of the incident and the University’s official policy will be
enforced.
Reading Schedule
The Foundation of Policing
 The History of Policing
Chapter 1 in Policing in America
 Historical Overview
Sections I – Critical Issues in Policing, sections 1-3
The Role and Functions of Law Enforcement Officers in Modern Society
 Law Enforcement’s Role and Function in Society
Chapter 2 in Policing in America
 Police Operations
Blackboard Posting
 Specialized Roles of Police
Blackboard Postings
Police Culture and the Personal Cost of the Profession
 Becoming a Police Officer
Chapter 2 – Policing in America
 Blackboard Postings
 Black Cop – Entire Book
 The Police Subculture and the Personal Costs of Police Work
Blackboard Posting
 Police and Stress
Chapter 8 – Policing in America
Policing Models
 Community and Problem Oriented Policing
Chapter x – Policing in America
 Community-Based Policing
Section VI – Critical Issues in Policing, Sections 20-23
Current Issues in Policing
 The Impact of Terrorism on Policing
Blackboard Posting
 Immigration Policies
Selected Readings
 The Treatment of Immigrants
Selected Readings
 Homeland Security and Immigration
Selected Readings
Police Misconduct
 Nature of Police Brutality and Deadly Force
Chapter 9 – Policing in America
 Police Misconduct and Corruption
Chapter 10 – Policing in America
Blackboard Posting
 Police Deviance: Corruption and Controls
Section IV – Critical Issues in Policing, Sections 14-17
 Use of Force
Section VII – Critical Issues in Policing, Sections 24-27
Exams
Exam 1 – February
Exam 2 – April
Research Presentation – March
Research Paper - March