Feb 11, 2026  
2026-2027 Course Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Course Catalog
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CJS 2081 - Police and the Community

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3
Course Description: This course provides a practical overview of key issues, questions, and concepts related to police interaction with communities. Topic areas include ethics, leadership, diversity, problem solving, and communication. 
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher.

 

Major Content

  1. Introduction to the historical development of policing in society
  2. Development of American police in relation to local and national security
  3. Professional reports and influence of police research
  4. Role of psychological and job testing
  5. Knowledge of field training officer (FTO)  training aspects
  6. Peace Officer discretionary behavior
  7. Peace Officer hierarchy and career development
  8. Principles of good policing
  9. Best practices in police policy
  10. Corruption and abuse of power
  11. Fostering integrity in American policing
  12. Civic and ethical responsibility and evaluation citizens’ complaints
  13. Ethnic, racial, and female presence on the force
  14. Community policing and crime prevention
  15. Deadly force and hot pursuit driving, legal standards of liability
  16. Coping with occupational stress and agendas for change in American policing
  17. Peace Officer role in court and correctional process 
  18. Diversity and respect in community collaboration and problem-solving
  19. Application of Constitutional amendments and State statutes

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of police policies and the potential impact on both officers and the community.

2. identify the contemporary challenges and innovations within policing. 

3. evaluate the importance of understanding policing in a multi-cultural society and understanding diverse cultures.

4. analyze the social, political, and legal issues surrounding law enforcement. 

5. analyze emerging policing practices including community-oriented and problem- oriented policing.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC): Goals and Competencies
Competency Goals (MnTC Goals 1-6)
Ethical and Civic Responsibility
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
None


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