Course

10504900 Introduction to Criminal Justice
Course Information
Description
This course explores the Criminal Justice System while focusing specifically on the three primary components of that system: Law Enforcement, the Criminal Court system and the Corrections System.
In the Law Enforcement Unit, study the police and their role within the system and society-at-large while focusing between the roles and functions of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Explore contemporary issues, police procedures, and ethical dilemmas to acquire critical insight. In the Court System Unit, distinguish between the roles and functions of court personnel and various courts with jurisdiction in Wisconsin and federal courts with jurisdiction throughout the United States. In the Corrections Unit, examine the various ways that punishment and rehabilitation are practiced within the corrections system. Study and discuss the five primary goals of sentencing and evaluate their application and success.
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Experiential-Portfolio
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Differentiate between the roles and functions of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product - Relational Diagram
    Criteria
    Diagram depicts law enforcement agency functions and jurisdictions
    Diagram depicts federal law enforcement agencies and their respective areas of enforcement
    Diagram shows the relationship of one agency to another or one jurisdiction to another
    Diagram depicts role, jurisdiction and enforcement powers of Wisconsin's state enforcement and investigative agencies
    Diagram is neat and well-organized
    Diagram includes a corresponding key using shapes, color codes, and/or symbols

  2. Apply professional principles as a law enforcement officer
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration – adhere to Classroom Rules and Program Regulations
    Skill Demonstration - adhere to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics
    Criteria
    You have no rule infractions
    You display ethics in classroom performances, interactions and discussions
    You present information in a coherent, organized manner
    You cite relevant material to back-up statements
    You speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard
    You listen respectfully when others are speaking

  3. Determine modern police functions and policies from an historical perspective
    Assessment Strategies
    Outline or Diagram
    Criteria
    Outline/diagram includes a title page
    Outline/diagram begins with the Roman military structure
    Outline/diagram includes concepts introduced by Sir Robert Peel
    Outline/diagram details divisions found in today's policing structure and implications for police training
    Outline/diagram outline is neat and well-organized
    Outline/diagram includes correct spelling, punctuation and grammar

  4. Identify the role of law enforcement officers in American society
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product - Paper
    Criteria
    Paper includes a title page
    Paper includes at least five civilian expectations of law enforcement officers
    Paper indicates whether task is a government or community expectation
    Paper defines which expectation will be most difficult for writer (you)
    Paper includes several statements to support the beliefs of the writer (you)
    Paper is neat and well-organized
    Paper contains correct spelling, punctuation and grammar

  5. Identify the law enforcement policies required by Wisconsin statutes
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product - Paper
    Criteria
    Paper includes cover page with identifying data
    Paper lists the eight mandatory policies required of Wisconsin law enforcement agencies
    Paper includes a Wisconsin statutory reference for each mandatory law enforcement policy
    Paper identifies how policies can protect individual officers
    Paper includes sufficient, relevant detail
    Paper is neat and well-organized
    Paper contains correct grammar, punctuation and spelling

  6. Distinguish between the roles and functions of courts with jurisdiction in Wisconsin
    Assessment Strategies
    Group Project - Report
    Criteria
    Group report explains the structure, function and jurisdiction of municipal court
    Group report explains the structure, function and jurisdiction of the state court system
    Group report explains the structure, function and jurisdiction of the federal court system
    Group report explains the process of appeal of a criminal conviction through state and federal appellate courts
    You stay on task
    You perform the duties assigned by the group
    You share ideas and information based on your understanding of the court function
    You listen to other group members
    You show respect for other's ideas and opinions

  7. Identify the key personnel who make up the court room work group
    Assessment Strategies
    Model Illustration - Given a Mock Court Room
    Written Product - Report
    Criteria
    Model identifies each court room member present
    Model identifies location where each member operates within the courtroom
    Report describes key tasks and job duties of each member’s role
    Report includes a model with labels to identify each member
    Model and report are neat and well-organized
    Model and report contain correct spelling, punctuation and grammar

  8. Examine the history and evolution of the American correctional system
    Assessment Strategies
    Group Project
    Criteria
    You stay on task
    You perform the duties assigned by the group
    You share ideas and information based on your understanding of the correctional system
    You listen to other group members
    You show respect for other's ideas and opinions
    You help the group reach consensus
    You participate in discussion
    You listen attentively to fellow students

  9. Describe the make-up of offenders supervised by the correctional system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product - Risk assessment
    Criteria
    Assessment identifies a new inmate
    Assessment includes functions to be evaluated
    Assessment projects the needs of the new inmate
    Assessment relates the inmate to the larger make-up of offenders currently in the corrections system

  10. Examine the role of jails
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral Presentation, Exam
    Criteria
    Explain the development of the jail/prison system
    Discuss the types of people that are held in jails
    Differentiate between jails and prisons
    You participate in a class discussion related to police professionalism
    You present information in an organized manner
    You cite material to backup your position
    You are prepared to present your position
    You speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard
    You listen respectfully when others are speaking
    You pass the exam at level specified by the instructor

  11. Explore the incarceration of women
    Assessment Strategies
    Exam
    Criteria
    You pass the exam at a score of 70% or better

  12. Describe the programs that are available for incarcerated people
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product - Paper
    Criteria
    Paper includes a title page
    Paper includes at least two programs available for persons serving a prison sentence and their expectations
    Paper indicates whether program is a government or privately funded
    Paper identifies which expectation will be most difficult for the prisoner
    Paper includes statements to support the beliefs of the writer (you)
    Paper details why you believe one program is effective
    Paper is neat and well-organized
    Paper contains correct spelling, punctuation and grammar

  13. Analyze community corrections
    Assessment Strategies
    Exam
    Criteria
    You pass exam at level specified by the instructor

  14. Describe incarceration trends
    Assessment Strategies
    Exam
    Criteria
    You pass the exam with a score of 70% or better