Business and Technical Division
Departmental Course Syllabus
CJ 25163: Frontline Law Enforcement Supervision
I.
Catalog Description:
This course examines the supervisor’s role and responsibilities in management; supervisor selection;
psychological aspects; motivation, leadership morale, discipline, and communication, counseling and
interviewing, complaints and grievances; decision-making and planning; performance appraisal and
training functions
II.
Course Rationale:
As police officers rise in the ranks it becomes extremely important for them to understand the importance
of being an excellent supervisor, leader, and analysis. Having the skills necessary to be a powerful
administrator is not only important, but crucial to the success of a department. This course provides
insights to those skills and how to manage a staff, budget, and other issues effectively.
III.
Course Objectives:



Analyze the role of the law enforcement supervisor and management in hiring, training, and
discipline of employees and how that role has changed throughout the history of law
enforcement.
Examine the concepts of vicarious liability and collective bargaining as it relates to law
enforcement agencies.
Explain the importance of public relations and dealing with the media as well as other problems
confronted by today’s law enforcement administrators.
IV.
Course Prerequisites
None
V.
Required Texts and Materials
Management and Supervision in Law Enforcement 5 th Edition; by Wayne W. Bennett and Karen M. Hess
VI.
Basis for Final Grade
Essay Commentary Policy
There will be one (1) essay per week with the exceptions of the week of finals and Spring Break.
There are a total of 14 essay questions. Each weeks ESSAY will be posted on Monday morning,
and you will have until the following Monday at 5:00 PM to answer. Each Essay will be posted in
the Assignments section of LMS, under the Essays header. However, they will only be available to
you one at a time. You must also write your responses using proper essay format.
Guide for weekly essays: These will be written using standard essay format. For example, the
Essay should be divided into paragraphs and should contain the following elements:
(1) An introduction with a thesis statement (main idea).
(2) A body of evidence that contains specific references (evidence) to the
question.
(3) A conclusion that sums up the essay.
Discussion Question Commentary Policy
There will be one (1) discussion question per week with the exceptions of the week of finals and Spring Break.
There are a total of 14 DQ’s. Discussion questions should be long enough to fully answer the question, but there is
no need to ramble. A short answer is fine if it addresses the question posed with quality content. Filler will not be
accepted. Please use your own words and feel free to disagree with the text or lecture notes. I respond to each
student privately, and I encourage you to answer with candor. I may also reply to you publicly if I feel you need to
add more to your answer. Students are encouraged, but not required, to respond to each other’s answers as well.
Each weeks DQ will be posted on Monday morning, and you will have until the following Monday at 5:00 PM to
answer. Each DQ will be posted in the Assignments section of LMS, under the Discussion Questions header.
However, you must post your answer under the Forums section.
Exams
Exams will be administered online through LMS. There will be two (2) exams to test how well you are grasping the
material. These exams will consist of multiple-choice. It is extremely important for you to read and study the
accompanying chapters. On the LMS I have listed the chapters by section and week. Each Exam can be found in
the Assignments section, under the Exams header in LMS. However, they will only be available to you one at a
time
*Special Note: Due to a new state law, the first exam will be in person and you will have to show ID to take
it...NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!.
Assessment
Essays
Discussion Questions
Exams
Percent of Final Grade
280
140
100
520
Grading Scale (%)
90-100
80 - 89
70 - 79
60 - 69
0 - 59
A
B
C
D
F
VII.
Grades of "Incomplete":
The current College policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course. Incomplete
grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the
course and the remaining work can be completed the next semester. The instructor is the final authority
on whether a student qualifies for an incomplete. Incomplete work must be finished by mid-term of the
subsequent semester or the “I” will automatically be recorded as an “F” on your transcript
VIII.
Course Policies: Technology
Email: Arkansas Northeastern College has partnered with Google to host email addresses for ANC
students. myANCmail accounts are created for each student enrolled in the current semester and is the
email address your instructor will use to communicate with you. Access your email account by going to
http://mail.google.com/a/smail.anc.edu and using your first and last names, separated by a period for
your username. Your default password is your Student ID, no hyphens. If you cannot access your
student email, contact the MITS department at 762-1020 ext 1150 or ext 1207 or send an email to
ANChelp@smail.anc.edu.
Internet: This course has a web component on myANC. The first day handout and all grades will be
available on the portal.
Computer Labs: In addition to general-purpose classrooms, a number of computer laboratories are
provided for instructional and student use. These networked laboratories are state-of-the-art and fully
equipped with computers, printers, Internet connections and the latest software. The labs are open to
students enrolled in one or more credit hours at the College.
Technology Support: A lab assistant is generally present in the computer lab in B202 for assistance in
using the College computers. These assistants cannot help you with course assignments; specific
questions regarding the technology requirements for each course should be directed to the instructor of
the course. Problems with myANC or College email accounts should be addressed by email to
ANCHelp@smail.anc.edu.
IX.
Course Policies: Student Expectations
Disability Access: Arkansas Northeastern College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations
for all persons with disabilities. This First Day Handout is available in alternate formats upon request.
Students with disabilities who need accommodations in this course must contact the instructor at the
beginning of the semester to discuss needed accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until
the student has met with the instructor to request accommodations. Students who need
accommodations must be registered with Johnny Moore in Statehouse Hall, 762-3180.
Attendance Policy: Arkansas Northeastern College has a policy of mandatory attendance in all classes.
Strict observance of the institutional guidelines will be observed. The guidelines for student attendance
recommend a student miss no more than two classes in a MW or TH sequence. Excessive absences
and/or tardiness will result with a course grade of “F.”
Professionalism Policy: Per classroom etiquette; mobile phones, iPods, etc. must be silenced during all
classroom and lab lectures. Those not heeding this rule will be asked to leave the classroom/lab
immediately to not disrupt the learning environment. Please arrive on time for all class meetings.
Academic Integrity Policy: Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Students are expected
to do their own work. Plagiarism, using the words of others without express permission or proper citation,
will not be tolerated. Any cheating (giving or receiving) or other dishonest activity will, at a minimum,
result in a zero on that test or assignment and may be referred, at the discretion of the instructor, to the
Department Chair and/or Vice President of Instruction for further action. If you are uncertain as to what
constitutes academic dishonesty, please consult the Academic Integrity Policy for further details.
(http://www.anc.edu/docs/Academic_Integrity_Policy.pdf)
Students are expected to do their own work. Plagiarism, using the words of others without express
permission or proper citation, will not be tolerated. Any cheating (giving or receiving) or other dishonest
activity will, at a minimum, result in a zero on that test or assignment and may be referred, at the
discretion of the instructor, to the Department Chair and/or Vice President of Instruction for further
action. A second instance will result in a “F” for the course.
Academic Success Center: The Academic Success Center (ASC) is a free resource for ANC students. The
ASC provides drop-in assistance, computer tutorials and audio/visual aids to students who need help in
academic areas. Learning labs offer individualized instruction in the areas of mathematics, reading,
writing, vocabulary development and college study methods. Tutorial services are available on an
individual basis for those having difficulty with instructional materials. The ASC also maintains a shelf of
free materials addressing specific problems, such as procedures for writing essays and term papers,
punctuation reviews, and other useful materials. For more information, visit the ASC website at
http://www.anc.edu/asc/ or stop by room L104 in the Adams/Vines Library Complex.
Other Student Support Services: Many departments are ready to assist you reach your educational goals.
Be sure to check with your advisor; the Academic Success Center, Room L104; Student Support Services,
Room S145; and Student Success, Room L101 to find the right type of support for you.
X.
Course Policies: First Day Handout
All students receive a First Day Handout following the format of the most current first day handout
template. The First Day Handout details the specifics of the instructor’s course policies and procedures.
XI.
Unit and Instructional Objectives
I.
Overview: Management and Supervision
Rationale: The following content is critical to understanding the origins of law enforcement
organization, how it is structured, and the objectives often associated with it so that the student
can have a strong foundation on which to build further understanding of the law enforcement
leadership role. The student will be able to:
A. The Law Enforcement Organization
1. Explain how law enforcement agencies were traditionally organized.
2. Describe the three eras of policing.
3. Explain what should drive an organization.
4. Describe how goals differ from objectives and work plans.
5. Explain what needs to be reexamined in light of the challenges facing law enforcement
and our country.
B. The Role of Management Leadership
1. Explain how authority and power are alike and how they differ.
2. Explain how authority and power are alike and how they differ
3. Analyze why basic management skills are important.
4. Describe what management style is best suited for law enforcement work.
5. Describe the various leadership styles and their main characteristics
C. Community Policing
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Explain what community policing is.
Describe the four essential dimensions of community policing.
Describe the three generations of community policing.
Explain how traditional and community policing differ.
Analyze what role organizations and institutions play within a community
Explain what the broken window phenomenon refers to specifically.
D. Effective Communication
1. Describe what the communication process involves.
2. Explain what the KISS principle is and how it relates to law enforcement.
3. Explain how much of a message is conveyed by body language and tone of voice rather
than words.
4. Analyze the four obstacles to sharing information among local, state and federal
agencies.
5. Explain how criminologists study the process by which deviant acts are criminalized and
how criminal acts are decriminalized and/or legalized.
E. Decision Making and Problem Solving
1. Explain what fosters a decision-making, problem-solving environment.
2. Describe the levels of decision making that exist.
3. Analyze the functions that may be served by the brain’s left and right sides.
4. Demonstrate the basic methods that are commonly used to make decisions or solve
problems.
5. Explain how brainstorming can be most effective.
6. Describe the steps in the seven-step problem-solving/decision-making process
7. Explain force-field analysis.
8. Describe the SARA Model problem-solving process.
9. Describe the six required elements of problem in problem-oriented policing.
II.
Management Skills
Rationale: The essence of management is leadership. Understanding how to be a good leader,
and how to hone basic management skills is essential to becoming a successful law enforcement
administrator. The student will be able to:
A.
Time Management
1. Explain time management.
2. Describe the greatest management resource.
3. Explain how the Pareto Principle applies to time management.
4. Analyze how to learn where your time is actually going.
5. Explain what helps you manage time minute by minute.
6. Describe some of the most common external time wasters.
7. Explain what the learning curve principle is and how it relates to time management.
8. Describe what three words can prompt you and others to use time effectively.
9. Describe how paperwork can be handled most efficiently.
10. Explain how to physically make time more productive.
B.
Training
1. Describe how training and educating differ.
2. Explain what the manager’s single most important objective should be.
3. Describe what two areas related to training are most commonly involved in civil
lawsuits.
4. Explain key ways to avoid civil liability related to training.
5. Describe the three general categories of learners or learning styles.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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21.
C.
D.
III.
What the key to determining the material to teach and test is.
What three areas training can focus on.
What principles of learning are important.
What instructional methods you can use.
What instructional materials are available.
What LETN is.
Who else can assist with training.
What a POST commission is and what it does.
Of the training models typically used for recruits, which appears most effective.
Where on-the-job training can occur.
What the most common type of on-the-job training for new recruits is.
What forms of external training there are.
When training should be done.
What the training cycle consists of.
Who benefits from training.
How the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 affects training.
Growth and Development
1. What the workplace culture is
2. What norms are and why they are important
3. Where an officer’s first loyalty must lie
4. How managers can shape the workplace culture
5. What the Johari Window describes
6. What a necessary first step for growth and development is
7. What personal goals specify and what areas they should include
8. What touchstone values and daily values are and how they are related
Motivation and Morale
1. What motivation is.
2. What theories of motivation have been proposed by Maslow, Herzberg, Skinner,
Vroom, Morse and Lorsch, and McDonald.
3. Which kind of reinforcement is more effective.
4. When reinforcement should occur.
5. What the most common external motivators are.
6. What internal motivators include.
7. How the law enforcement job can be made more interesting.
8. What morale is.
9. What factors might indicate a morale problem.
10. What factors might be responsible for morale problems.
11. Who is most able to improve or damage individual and department morale.
12. How morale might be improved.
13. What promotions should be based on.
14. What three phases an assessment center typically uses for law enforcement
personnel.
15. Whether promotions should be from without or within.
Managing Problems and External Factors
Rationale: In studying law enforcement supervision, it is also imperative to show the student how
external forces way heavily on successful administration. Specifically, it will be explained to the
student the importance managing discipline problems, addressing grievances, dealing with
unions, and addressing budget concerns. The student will be able to:
A.
Discipline and Behavioral Problems
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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B.
Complaints, Grievances, and Conflicts
1.
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C.
How morale and discipline differ
What the purpose of discipline is
What the foundation for most disciplinary actions is
What a fundamental management right is
What the 10/80/10 principle is
How a problem employee is characterized
What types of personalities might be likely to result in problems
How managers can deal with problem people
What serious problems managers must deal with
What a primary rule for the timing of discipline is
What should be considered when assessing penalties
What steps are usually involved in progressive discipline
What balance of consequences analysis is
What consequences are most powerful
How managers can use the balance of consequences
What the PRICE Method consists of
How much time effective praise and reprimands require
What ratio of praise to blame is usually needed
What strokes managers can use.
Who may register a complaint
What categories of law enforcement misconduct are often included in external
complaints
How complaints might be avoided
What the most common causes of internal complaints are?
How job satisfaction, communication and performance are related
What the Pinch Model illustrates
When complaints do not need to be taken seriously
What two functions are served by a careful complaint investigation
How officers may protect themselves legally when under investigation
What the majority of grievances concern
What the outcome of a complaint or grievance might be
Whether conflict must be negative
What possible benefits conflict might generate
What major sources of conflict exist in the law enforcement organization
What management’s responsibility in conflict situations is
How conflicts that arise during crises should be dealt with
What the confrontation technique is and what to expect from it
What healthy conflict does
What the keys to maintaining healthy conflict are
What the intersubjectivity approach to resolving conflict involves
Stress
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Whether stress must always be negative
What common sources of stress are
What the four categories of stress are
What a major source of stress may be
Which law enforcement officers face stress from additional sources
What posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)is, and who is most at risk for PTSD
What physical problems stress is related to
What possible major negative effects of stress might be
9.
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D.
Budgeting
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E.
What the symptoms of burnout are
How managers can help prevent burnout
How stress can be reduced
How alcohol, drugs and smoking relate to stress
What programs can reduce stress
What departments can provide to help officers
.
What purposes a budget serves
Who is responsible for preparing the budget
How most budgets are developed
Whose input is vital to any budget
What categories are typically included in a budget
What the greatest cost in a law enforcement budget usually is
What cutback budgeting involves
What common cost choices most organizations face
What the first step in managing costs is
Who is responsible for reducing costs
How subordinates might be involved in managing costs creatively
How a department might reduce costs? Increase revenues
How asset forfeiture and the Eighth Amendment are related
Who the lead federal funding agency is for law enforcement
Hiring and Unions
1.
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What steps are involved in the selection process
What the most common screening methods used in the hiring process are
What major employment legislation affects hiring for law enforcement agencies
What the EEOC is and how it affects hiring practices
What the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seeks to guarantee
What kinds of inquiries or evaluations are prohibited by the ADA
What an affirmative action program is
In what areas of management EEO and affirmative action policies are important
What the National Labor Relations Act requires of management
What the National Labor Relations Board is
What the primary purpose of unions is
Why people join unions
What levels of negotiation are usually involved in collective bargaining