COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to present an in-depth study of the purposes, principles, practices, and ethics of the Protective Services profession. The course emphasizes the history, basic concepts, terminology, and legal foundation of the Military, Law Enforcement, Corrections, Private Security, and Courts, and the practical application of that information.

Practice in the use of communications equipment, physical restraints, and forensic investigative methods are critical components of this course.

This course is articulated with Wor-Wic Community College. Evidence of satisfactory program completion with at least a "B" average can be presented to the college for academic credit. This credit will be contingent on the satisfactory passing of a test prepared and administered by the college Criminal Justice department.

MAJOR INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS AND COMPETENCIES

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Cite the various types of patrol and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

2. Differentiate between the different types of patrol strategies and techniques.

3. Summarize and evaluate significant studies relevant to police operations.

4. Demonstrate the techniques to properly conduct a preliminary investigation.

5. Discuss tactical response considerations to specific incidents.

6. Discuss mental and physical preparation for law enforcement officers.

7. Demonstrate the techniques for safely conducting field interviews, arrest and control, and vehicle pullovers.

8. Explain the use of force continuum to manage aggressive behavior.

9. Identify the different types of street drugs and describe their effects.

10. Develop familiarity and analyze the effectiveness of the various equipment available to enhance officer safety

11. Discuss contemporary issues confronting patrol officers.

12. Describe the techniques for effectively testifying in court.

13. Compare and contrast individual elements of the criminal justice system and how they relate to corrections today.

14. Identify elements of and differences between Detention, Short Term Incarceration, Prisons and Community Corrections.

15. Display knowledge of jail practices in the following four areas: Programs, Services, Support, Security

16. Differentiate between and explain the advantages and disadvantages of probation and parole.

17. Analyze the impact of the various phases in corrections from its inception through corrections today.

18. Describe and identify forms of punishment for the offender.

19. Display knowledge of organization, administration and operations in a correctional facility.

20. Discuss the history and mission of each branch of the armed forces.

21. Discuss the history, mission, and practices of the private security profession.

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES / STUDENT OUTCOMES / REQUIREMENTS

1. ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION - Students are expected to attend ALL class sessions and actively participate. This includes submitting all required assignments on time, making up missed assignments, and participating in all class projects, experiments, and discussions.

Close communication with Mr. Somers is essential. As established in the policy of the Somerset County Public Schools, six (6) absences, whether excused or unexcused, will result in a failing grade for the semester; unexcused absences can not be made up. ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED AND TURNED IN ON THE DESIGNATED DUE DATE, AT THE START OF THE CLASS PERIOD. LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND WILL NEGATIVELY AFFECT THE STUDENT'S GRADE.

2. WORKPLACE READINESS - This includes being prompt to class with the necessary books and supplies and an attitude conducive to learning and cooperation.
 

3. PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE - This is essential in all aspects of the Protective Services profession. The student is expected to treat all classmates and members of the Tawes staff and faculty with respect, act in a professional manner, and use any school texts and equipment with due care.

4. EXAMS - Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of course material in exams and quizzes. Material will be taken from class sessions (lectures, discussions, demonstrations, training films and videos, and experiments), assigned readings and assignments/activities, and additional references/resource materials. Quizzes may or may not be announced.

5. NOTEBOOKS - Students will be expected to maintain a notebook containing all handouts, class and homework, returned tests and quizzes, current events, and reference materials. The notebook will be submitted for grade at the end of each marking period.

EVALUATION PROCEDURES

Students will be evaluated on the quality of their preparation and timely completion of the instructional activities and outcomes. The following value will be assigned to each requirement:

75% of the student's grade will consist of the following: (Maximum grade for each type of assignment or assessment instrument is shown.)

1. Exams and research assignments - 100 pts

2. Quizzes - 100 pts

3. Laboratory experiments and projects - 50 pts

4. Writing assignments - 25 pts

5. Written reports - 25 pts

6. Current Events - 1 pt (when presented both orally and in appropriate written form)

Note: Extra credit will be awarded for approved research or participation in community-related projects, and special assistance, etc. and as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

20% of the student's grade will be calculated from the following:

1. Classroom Participation - Actively participating in class lectures and discussions, activities, and assessment instruments.

2. Workplace Readiness - Reporting to class with paper, pencils and pen, textbook and reading book, ready to learn and participate, with the proper workplace attitude.

5% of the student's grade will be determined by the quality and completeness of the required notebook.

GRADING POLICY

Grades will be submitted to the student's home school in a numerical format. County policy equates the numerical score to letter grades as follows:

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 70 - 79

D = 60 - 69

E = Below 60

REQUIRED TEXT

Junior (Level I) - Arbetman, O'Brien, McMahon, Street Law (4th ed.), West

Senior (Level II) - Bohm and Haley, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Glencoe

REQUIRED READING

Junior (Level I) The Red Badge of Courage, Stephen Crane

or Lord of the Flies, William Golding

Senior (Level II) In Cold Blood, Truman Capote

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Pencils, pens with black or blue-black ink, Scotch tape, glue stick or Elmer's glue, scissors, calculator, highliter, 120 page college ruled spiral notebook, crayons, colored pencils, or colored felt pens, and a container to hold all the above (e.g.: a pencil box or case).