Course Syllabus

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Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Syllabus

School Year 2020-21

towens1@saisd.net

 

Instructor:                              Todd Owens

                                                Bachelor of Arts: Criminal Justice

                                   

Class Meetings:                     ROOM 2611       

Conference Period:              6th period conference

 

PRINCIPLES OF LAW, PUBLIC SAFETY, CORRECTIONS, AND SECURITY

 

Congratulations!  You are enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program at Jefferson High School.  Upon completion of this program you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to support your decision to pursue post-secondary education and/or a career in the criminal justice field.

 

Course Description: The coursework is the study of the scope of Principals of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security.  Introduction to Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security introduces students to professions in law enforcement, and security, corrections services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security, and protective agencies. The course provides students with an overview of the skills necessary for careers in law enforcement, security, and corrections. 

 

Course outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

(1)        Recognize and understand the skills required for a career and postsecondary education opportunities associated with law, public safety, corrections, and security.

(2)        Formulate the ideas, proposals, and solutions to address problems related to law, public safety, corrections, and security in order to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services.

(3)        Identify measures to maintain safe and healthful working conditions in a law and public safety environment.

(4)        Identify the legal responsibilities associated with roles and functions within law, public safety, corrections, and security organizations to demonstrate a commitment to professional and ethical behavior.

(5)        Recognize the importance of interagency cooperation.

(6)        Understand the historical and philosophical development of criminal law.

(7)        Identify the roles of the public safety professional.

(8)        Identify the roles and functions of court systems.

(9)        Identify the roles and functions of the correctional system.

(10)      Identify the roles and functions of private security systems and agencies.

 

Grading:         40%     Assessments (Test/Presentations/Projects/Portfolio/Research Paper)

60%     Assignments (Class work/Homework/Group work/CLASS

            Participation, Preparation, and Open/Respectful Dialogue)

 

Assignments, Participation, Preparation, and Open and Respectful Dialogue (60% of final grade)

 

Prepare for class through assigned readings, videos and contemplation of topics. During class, participate in discussions and activities in an open and respectful manner. The quality of the class depends on the contributions that each student brings to class. Each student's unique life experiences enrich the class experiences. Active listening, open exploration, and multicultural competence are skills that can be practiced in all courses. It is not enough just to be physically present.

 

Course Expectations: 

 

  • You are expected to attend every class, be punctual, and contribute to the learning/teaching environment through active participation.
  • Each student is expected to participate in class discussions, ask questions and share experiences with peers. This course is discussion oriented; therefore, requires each student be prepared for each class.
  • I expect ALL STUDENTS to treat all communications professionally and respectfully. Treat others with courtesy and politeness. We can, and will, differ on many topics. It is important that all members of the class feel that they can come to class and express their ideas in a free and accepting environment. Any actions that might tend to limit that freedom of expression is discouraged. Therefore, please be considerate of your fellow classmates. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.
  • I expect you to respond to all assignments in a timely fashion as well, do your own work and to stand by the work you do.
  • I expect ALL students to succeed.

 

Classroom etiquette:

 

  • Unless otherwise told, the use of cell phones, and or other electronics during class is NOT permitted. I DO NOT authorize for class discussions to be audio/video recorded.
  • Arrive to class on time.
  • Respect others’ right to learn and respect our classroom environment.
  • Use of foul language will not be tolerated

 

Consequences

 

I believe that we control and select our behavior or action.  As such, if you choose to violate the rules, the consequences are outlined below. 

 

  • Verbal warning
  • Private conference with me and Call home
  • Call home
  • Office Referral

 

Academic Honesty Statement

 

The highest standards of academic honesty are expected in the course.  Forms of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to cheating, plagiarism, counterfeit work, falsification of academic record, unauthorized use and reuse of another student’s work. 

 

Seat Assignment

 

A method of seating assignments will ensure that all learning style needs are recognized.  Seating assignments also ensure effective teamwork for group projects.   

 

Written Assignments 

 

Written communication is essential in any Criminal Justice career; therefore, research papers, reports and presentations will be assigned.

 

Materials Needed

 

Spiral notebook

Pens – Black or blue only

Pencils

 

Academic Support 

 

This Criminal Justice Program emphasizes the importance of teamwork and family.  Parents, guardians, and mentors should be active in the student’s learning and academic journey.  Your support is essential for the student’s success! 

 

SAISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.

 

If you need help during the semester, please let me know BEFORE the end of the semester by making an appointment to speak to me.  I am committed to being accessible to you throughout the year.

 

Course Disclaimer:  The Criminal Justice topics discussed in class include violence.  Some of the information and materials in this course may be harsh and offensive to some people. 

 

CELL PHONE POLICY:

The use of cell phones and other electronic devices, such as MP3 players, on school property is prohibited. For safety purposes, the district permits students to possess cell phones while on campus; however, all cell phones must remain turned off during school hours, including during all testing. With prior approval from the principal and teacher, a student may use personal electronic devices for on-campus educational purposes only. Any unauthorized use of cell phones or other electronic devices will result in the consequences described in the Student Code of Conduct, as well as the assessing of fines and/or confiscation as described below:

 

1ST  Offense – Documented verbal warning and reminder given to student that electronic devices may be confiscated and fines assessed for the return of the device in accordance with the Telecommunications / Electronic Devices Procedures.

 

2ND  Offense – Electronic device confiscated and returned to parent/legal guardian at end of the school day. Parent/guardian signature and date required for receipt of device and parents will receive an additional copy of the Telecommunications/Electronic Devices Procedures.

 

3RD Offense – Device confiscated and $10 fine assessed for return of the item. Parents/legal guardians may pick up the device at the end of the day after the fine has been collected.

 

4th  and subsequent offenses – Device confiscated and $15 fine assessed for return of the item. Parents/legal guardians may pick up the device at the end of the day after the fine has been collected.



Additional Considerations:

  • Adult students over the age of 18 years may retrieve personal electronic devices in lieu of parent/guardian after paying the required fee at the end of the school day as appropriate.
  • Administrators and campus staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • When paying fine, please provide exact cash. .
  • Hours to pick-up phones/electronic devices are 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Fees collected will be deposited in campus student activity funds.
  • Upon receipt of reliable proof that a student and his or her parent or guardians are unable to pay the required fee, the fee shall be waived. Principals shall determine eligibility for a fee waiver.

 

 

Disposal of Electronic Devices

 Parents/legal guardians will be given notice and will be allowed to retrieve devices collected throughout the school year prior to disposal of the device. If a telecommunication device is not retrieved, the District shall dispose of the device after providing the student’s parent and the paging company whose name and address appear on the device at least 30 days’ notice of the intent to dispose of the device. Such notice may be made by telephone or in writing and must include the serial number of the device.