CRMJ 3100 Politics of Law Enforcement
This course explores the role of law enforcement within the broader political system. The operations, policies, objectives, and priorities of police work are closely connected to political factors, such as legislation and legislative mandates, budgets, the priorities of the executive branch, the Constitution and court decisions, the electoral process, non-governmental organizations, as well as the overall needs and demands of the community. Effective leadership in law enforcement relies on cooperation and effective communication with multiple entities. The student will evaluate the skills and relationships critical for law enforcement leadership to successfully navigate these political realities. (3 lect.)
Major Topics
- Role of law enforcement in the political structure
-
Multi-directional relationships between law enforcement and other political entities
-
Role of law enforcement as a dominant representative of government and state power within communities
-
Political factors that influence law enforcement
-
Strategies to successfully navigate the political realities and relationships to enhance law enforcement efforts
Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Evaluate law enforcement agencies as a part of the political process and structure.
2. Analyze law enforcement agencies’ multi-directional relationships with bureaucracy, the three branches of government, and the community.
3. Evaluate the political nature of law enforcements’ governance of citizens.
4. Determine the impact of politics on finance, policies, creation and enforcement of laws, methods of enforcement, accountability, and community relations.