The University of Texas at Tyler
Criminal Justice Program
CRIJ 5332-001 (3.0 Credit Hours)
Law Enforcement: Environment and Practice
Fall 2015
Th 6-8:40pm
Richard C. Helfers, Ph.D.
Phone: 903-566-7399
Office: BUS 232
email: rhelfers@uttyler.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 12:30-1:30pm and Thursdays from 5pm-6pm (and by
appointment).
I welcome you to contact me outside of class and during my student office hours.
You may email me, call my office, or contact the department and leave a
message. We can also arrange Zoom meetings to discuss class or other issues.
Course Description:
This course is an advanced examination of policing strategies and programs and their related
applications in the larger criminal justice system. Emphasis will be placed on the use of
empirical methods to examine the effectiveness of contemporary policing practices from a
variety of theoretical perspectives.
Course Overview:
The purpose of this course is to expose you to a variety of policing concepts. The seminar format
enables us to delve deeply into the concepts and discuss how each impact policing as an
institution as well as its impact on society. This will enable you to intellectually discuss the role
the police have in a democratic society while understanding the complexity of policing as a
profession.
Course Requirements
It is essential students read the selected readings detailed in the Course Schedule section of the
syllabus prior to the class session. This course is designed with a seminar format in mind, which
will require active participation from everyone. Each student is responsible for all the readings
and discussion material as they are an integral component for success on the examinations.
Internet Access:
It is imperative you have reliable internet access. If you do not have it at your residence, you will
be required to spend time in the Computer Lab. This is important because there will be
supplemental material uploaded to the course Blackboard site throughout the semester.
Textbooks:
Paoline, E.A., & Terrill, W. (2014). Police culture: Adapting to the strains of the job. Durham,
NC: Carolina Academic Press. ISBN: 978-1-61163-047-3
Crawford, C.E. (2010). Spatial policing: The influence of time, space, and geography on law
enforcement practices. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. ISBN: 978-1-59460-5666
Weisheit, R.A., Falcone, D.N., & Wells, L.E. (2006). Crime and policing in rural and smalltown America (3rd ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-57766-413-0
Patrick, U.W., & Hall, J.C. (2010). In defense of self and others: Issues, facts & fallacies---The
realities of law enforcement’s use of deadly force (2nd ed.). Durham, NC: Carolina
Academic Press. ISBN: 978-1-59460-854-4
Jenkins, M.J., & DeCarlo, J. (2015). Police leaders in the new community problem-solving era.
Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. ISBN: 978-1-61163-590-4
Dunham, R.G., & Alpert, G.P. (2015). Critical issues in policing: Contemporary Readings (7th
ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-4786-2287-1
Course Objectives:
1. Summarize the changing role of the police in our society.
2. Discuss the evolution of policing in the United States and how social movements have
characterized the change.
3. Defend current policing strategies and how they interconnect with the criminal justice
system as a whole.
4. Explain the balance the police must exhibit between enforcing the law and community
perceptions as they pertain to deadly force, corruption and racial discrimination.
5. Argue for the importance of research to substantiate police strategies in the transition
from the community policing era.
Overall “Big Question” we will be focused on all semester: How can the criminal
justice system achieve an acceptable standard of justice in the United States? (This is
a question that transcends this course and relates to all of the courses I teach; and can
be used for you to be an objective and critical thinker in all criminal justice courses).
Main concepts/questions I will keep the Policing course content revolving around. (1)
How does policing in today’s society relate to the overall big course question? (2)
What are the challenges police agencies are confronted with daily that impinge their
ability to effectively police? And, (4) if we know the challenges, how can police
agencies overcome the challenges to be successful?
How to Contact Me:
I am very approachable. I am here to help facilitate your exploration of policing in today’s
society. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me as soon as possible. You can
call, email or see me during my office hours (or, prior to or after class). Nothing is too minor for
us to discuss.
Email me with any questions you may have through my University email account. My email is
rhelfers@uttyler.edu. Or, you may call my office phone at 903-566-7399. If I am not in, please
leave a message.
Class Participation:
I hope you actively participate in this course. I say this because I found it the best way to engage
you in learning the material. It also makes the learning process more fun because everyone gets
the opportunity to learn from each other. Your pre-class preparation through reading all the
material and thinking about it is essential for you and your classmates to maximize your graduate
school experience.
Attendance Policy:
Each student is expected to be present during each class session. You are in graduate school and
attendance is mandatory! If you do not attend class, you should not expect to pass the course. Of
course exceptions of an emergency nature arise. You must notify me about your absence prior to
the class session, if feasible.
Student Expectations:
You may be wondering what is expected of you? I have listed the minimum (basic) items
that are in your best interests to adhere to because it will help you be successful in the
course:
1. Remain current with the course material.
2. Read all the information in its entirety. A graduate student is expected to read and
complete all work on time. The seminar format requires you be prepared for the class
sessions and participate in the discussions.
3. Be an active participant in all classroom discussions and group activities.
4. Attend all class sessions. This is very important because each session builds upon the
previous session. In other words, your success in the course depends upon your
engagement in all the learning activities.
5. Complete all assignments, projects, and assessments.
6. Submit all assignments on or before the due date.
7. You should attend class on time. When you enter the classroom after the class has
begun, you become a distraction and are disrespectful to me and your peers.
8. Send emails in the subject line: CRIJ 5332 (then list the item that is the subject)
9. If you need additional clarification, you should be contacting me as soon as practical.
Do not wait until the end of the semester to ask for help.
Instructor Expectations:
I believe teaching is a two-way street. Therefore, you should also have expectations of me.
Here is what you can expect from me.
1. You should expect me to come to class prior to the start time and be prepared to
engage you in the subject matter.
2. I will return all of your written work in a timely fashion. The written assignments take
time to grade, but I will do my best to have them returned within one week.
3. I will also return any emails I receive from you within 48 hours.
Evaluation Procedures:
Students will be evaluated according to their performance on article critiques, examinations,
literature review, and the content of their classroom discussion.
Grading Scale:
A=90% and above
B=80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-69%
F=<60%
Examinations: (30%)
There will be two (2) examinations during the semester.
Article Critiques: (20%)
Throughout the semester you will be required to complete 4 article critiques related to the topic
we are discussing. Each critique is worth 5% of your grade. You are required to locate an article
and provide a summary of the article. You must critically assess the articles findings,
methodology, and conclusions. Your critique should be no longer than 2 pages double spaced.
Each student must select a unique article. This means no duplicates. Therefore you must identify
the article you will critique in blackboard. If you fail to do this and turn in a critique of an article
another student completed, you will not receive credit for the assignment.
Literature Review: (40%)
The literature review consists of several assignments. In an effort for you to demonstrate you are
working on this paper, you must complete three (3) preparatory assignments; each worth 5% of
your grade (paper topic submission, annotated bibliography containing at least ten (10) sources
that you will use in your paper and six (6) must be from peer-reviewed sources, and a draft).
Below are the guidelines for preparing your paper:
1. You must have a pre-selected topic that you are interested in learning more about that is
specific to policing in today’s society.
2. The topic must be pre-approved by me no later than September 10, 2015. It is necessary
that you complete a two or three paragraph explanation of the topic for my approval.
3. You must use one inch margins, Times New Roman with 12 pt font.
4. Use APA format (this includes title page, page numbering, running head, intext citations
and references).
5. A fifteen (15) page minimum that utilizes peer-reviewed references. (Your Title page and
Reference page(s) are not included in the minimum).
6. Your paper will be subject to submission through safe assign. Therefore, DO NOT
PLAGIARIZE.
Presentation: (10%)
Each student will present their semester project (literature review) to the class. Your presentation
will be worth 10% of your grade. Your grade will be assessed based upon your presentation
skills (organization, verbal, nonverbal, and use of media).
Missed Exams/Late Assignments:
There are No make-up examinations without written evidence from a medical professional or an
extreme family situation. If you are going to miss an examination, you must contact me prior to
the date of the examination. There is no excuse for a graduate student to turn in a late
assignment.
Library Resource:
Check out the library resource page for assistance with this course and others you are taking
within the Social Sciences Department. The resource page can be accessed through
http://libguides.uttyler.edu/sociology.
Technology within the Classroom:
I embrace technology, but do not let it be disruptive. If your use of technology hinders the
learning environment, you will be asked to leave. Also, do not be surprised if I perceive you are
disengaged with the class and you are preoccupied with technology, I may “call you out” on it
and you must share with the class what you are doing.
What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is simply using someone else’s work and presenting it as
your own. You must avoid this at all costs! Your credibility is on the
line. Your work product must be your own. If you are borrowing
someone else’s facts, ideas or opinions without providing the
individual proper credit you are stealing. In the academic world this
is referred to as plagiarism and the penalty is severe. If the thought is
not your own, you must cite your source to give proper credit. If you
are borrowing someone else’s words, you must enclose them in
quotations as well as citing the source. Plagiarism also includes you borrowing, buying or
stealing someone else’s work product and presenting it as your own. DO NOT commit
intellectual theft because you will compromise your academic future.
Penalties for Plagiarism
Should a faculty member discover that a student has committed plagiarism, the student will
receive a grade of 'F' in that course and the matter will be referred to the Honor Council for
possible disciplinary action. The faculty member, however, has the right to give freshmen and
sophomore students a “zero” for the assignment and to allow them to revise the assignment up to
a grade of “F” (50%) if they believe that the student plagiarized out of ignorance or carelessness
and not out of an attempt to deceive in order to earn an unmerited grade. This option is not
available to juniors, seniors, or graduate students, who cannot reasonably claim ignorance of
documentation rules as an excuse.
Penalties for Cheating
Should a faculty member discover a student cheating on an exam or quiz or other class project,
the student will receive a “zero” for the assignment and not be allowed to make the assignment
up. The incident must be reported to the chair of the department and to the Honor Council. If the
cheating is extensive, however, or if the assignment constitutes a major grade for the course (e.g.,
a final exam), or if the student has cheated in the past, the student should receive an “F” in the
course, and the matter should be referred to the Honor Council. Under no circumstances should a
student who deserves an “F” in the course be allowed to withdraw from the course with a “W.”
Tentative Course Schedule:
August 27
Introduction to the Course
History of Policing
Dunham/Alpert: Section I (All 4 selections)
September 3
Police Socialization and the Police Subculture
Paoline & Terrill: Police Subculture
Dunham/Alpert: Section 2 (Selections 5-7, 9)
Assignment: Article critique #1 (topic must be related to the police
culture) must be uploaded through blackboard by 5pm on
September 3.
September 10
Rural Policing
Weisheit et al.: Crime and Policing in Rural and Small Town
America
Assignment: Submit a 1-2 page paper describing the topic you
have selected and why it is an important area of inquiry. Upload by
5pm on September 10 in blackboard.
September 17
Spatial Policing
Crawford: Spatial Policing: The influence of time, space, and
geography on law enforcement practices
Dunham/Alpert: Section III (Selections 16 & 17)
Assignment: Article critique #2 (topic must be related to the
spatial policing concept) must be uploaded through blackboard by
5pm on September 17.
September 24
Police Leadership
Dunham/Alpert: Section II (Selection 8)
Section III (Selections 11-15)
Assignment: Submit an annotated bibliography with at least 10
sources you will use in your literature review. At least six (6) must
be from a peer-reviewed source. Upload by 5pm on September 24
in blackboard.
October 1
Contemporary Policing
Dunham/Alpert: Section IV & V (All selections)
Assignment: Article critique #3 (topic must be related to race,
gender or stress in policing) must be uploaded through
blackboard by 5pm on October 1.
October 8
Exam #1
October 15
Use of Force
Patrick & Hall: In Defense of Self and Others (Chapters 1-6)
October 22
Use of Force
Patrick & Hall: In Defense of Self and Others (Chapters 7-13)
Assignment: Article critique #4 (article must be related to the use
of force) must be uploaded through blackboard by 5pm on October
22.
October 29
Use of Force
Dunham/Alpert: Section VI (All 4 Selections)
Assignment: Submit a draft of your literature by 5pm on October
29 in blackboard. Also, bring a copy of your draft to class.
November 5
What is Next for Policing or Are We Already There?
Jenkins & DeCarlo: Police Leaders in the New Community
Problem-Solving Era
November 12
The Future of Policing
Dunham/Alpert: Section VII (All (2) Selections)
November 19
Literature Review Due
Exam #2
November 26
Thanksgiving—NO CLASS
December 3
Student Presentations
December 10
Student Presentations
Students Rights and Responsibilities
To know and understand the policies that affect your rights and responsibilities as a student at
UT Tyler, please follow this link: http://www.uttyler.edu/wellness/rightsresponsibilities.php
Grade Replacement/Forgiveness and Census Date Policies
Students repeating a course for grade forgiveness (grade replacement) must file a Grade
Replacement Contract with the Enrollment Services Center (ADM 230) on or before the Census
Date of the semester in which the course will be repeated. Grade Replacement Contracts are
available in the Enrollment Services Center or at http://www.uttyler.edu/registrar. Each
semester’s Census Date can be found on the Contract itself, on the Academic Calendar, or in the
information pamphlets published each semester by the Office of the Registrar.
Failure to file a Grade Replacement Contract will result in both the original and repeated grade
being used to calculate your overall grade point average. Undergraduates are eligible to exercise
grade replacement for only three course repeats during their career at UT Tyler; graduates are
eligible for two grade replacements. Full policy details are printed on each Grade Replacement
Contract.
The Census Date is the deadline for many forms and enrollment actions that students need to be
aware of. These include:
 Submitting Grade Replacement Contracts, Transient Forms, requests to withhold
directory information, approvals for taking courses as Audit, Pass/Fail or Credit/No
Credit.
 Receiving 100% refunds for partial withdrawals. (There is no refund for these after the
Census Date)
 Schedule adjustments (section changes, adding a new class, dropping without a “W”
grade)
 Being reinstated or re-enrolled in classes after being dropped for non-payment
 Completing the process for tuition exemptions or waivers through Financial Aid
State-Mandated Course Drop Policy
Texas law prohibits a student who began college for the first time in Fall 2007 or thereafter from
dropping more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career. This includes courses
dropped at another 2-year or 4-year Texas public college or university. For purposes of this rule,
a dropped course is any course that is dropped after the census date (See Academic Calendar for
the specific date).
Exceptions to the 6-drop rule may be found in the catalog. Petitions for exemptions must be
submitted to the Enrollment Services Center and must be accompanied by documentation of the
extenuating circumstance. Please contact the Enrollment Services Center if you have any
questions.
Disability/Accessibility Services
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) the University offers accommodations to
students with learning, physical and/or psychological disabilities. If you have a disability,
including non-visible a disability diagnosis such as a chronic disease, learning disorder, head
injury or ADHD, or you have a history of modifications or accommodations in a previous
educational environment you are encouraged to contact the Student Accessibility and Resources
office and schedule an interview with an Accessibility Case Manager. If you are unsure if the
above criteria applies to you, but have questions or concerns please contact the SAR office. For
more information or to set up an appointment please visit the SAR webpage
(http://www.uttyler.edu/disabilityservices/) or the SAR office located in the University Center,
Room 3150 or call 903.566.7079. You may also send an email to saroffice@uttyler.edu.
Student Absence due to Religious Observance
Students who anticipate being absent from class due to a religious observance are requested to
inform the instructor of such absences by the second class meeting of the semester.
Student Absence for University-Sponsored Events and Activities
If you intend to be absent for a university-sponsored event or activity, you (or the event sponsor)
must notify the instructor at least two weeks prior to the date of the planned absence. At that time
the instructor will set a date and time when make-up assignments will be completed.
Social Security and FERPA Statement:
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Tyler to protect the confidential nature of social
security numbers. The University has changed its computer programming so that all students
have an identification number. The electronic transmission of grades (e.g., via e-mail) risks
violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; grades will not be transmitted
electronically.
Emergency Exits and Evacuation:
Everyone is required to exit the building when a fire alarm goes off. Follow your instructor’s
directions regarding the appropriate exit. If you require assistance during an evacuation, inform
your instructor in the first week of class. Do not re-enter the building unless given permission by
University Police, Fire department, or Fire Prevention Services.
I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THIS SYLLABUS AT ANY TIME.
THEREFORE, YOUR ATTENDANCE AND ATTENTION TO THE
ANNOUNCEMENTS IN BLACKBOARD ARE CRUCIAL BECAUSE IT WILL
ASSIST YOU REMAIN CURRENT ON THE MATERIAL AND KNOW WHEN THE
SYLLABUS MAY BE MODIFIED.