Policing

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Total of 120 hours

Criminology at Level 1

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject introduces students to the historical, political and social forces which shape police organisations, policies and practices. The subject covers the origins, functions and structures of contemporary policing , and identifies key emerging issues and challenges in policing such as the effectiveness of policing in crime control, the emergence of community policing, police culture, police misbehaviour and accountability, organisational change and organisational renewal. The emphasis is upon public (state) policing sector and to 21st century developments in multi-agency policing. Upon completion of the subject, students should be able to analyse critically current developments in policing in terms of their historical, theoretical, political and functional contexts.

On completion of this subject students should:

• understand the broad historical origins of modern policing;
• understand the broad functions, structures and purposes of modern policing;
• be able to identify the historical, theoretical, political and functional contexts in which modern policing takes place;
• be able to analyse critically current developments in policing in terms of their historical, theoretical, political and functional contexts.

An essay of 2000 words (50%) due during semester, and a 2000 word take-home exam (50%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completion of this subject students should:

• have considerable capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;
• have significant cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;
• understand complex concepts and express them lucidly in writing and orally;
• have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively;
• have advanced awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications.

Available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students