CJS6600EN - Advanced Community Policing

Course description

This course provides an in-depth analysis of the community policing model in contemporary law enforcement. It explores the historical development, core principles, and future challenges of community policing in the United States. Students critically examine the roles of law enforcement, local government, and community members in preventing crime and fostering public safety. Key topics include the partnership between police and communities, problem-solving strategies, crime prevention, procedural justice, and police accountability. The course emphasizes how community policing can be adapted to meet the unique needs of diverse populations and respond to the evolving nature of crime in society.

How this course benefits students

Any minister, lay leader, or missionally minded believer is responsible for continuing a harmonious living environment. This includes law enforcement, social workers, ministers, friends, neighbors, and family. Those within and outside of the criminal justice profession seeking to live out a missional calling benefit from a deep and structured understanding of community policing. Students in this course gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind community policing and how it can be applied to reduce crime and improve police-community relations. Law enforcement officers, community leaders, and public safety professionals benefit from the structured examination of collaborative crime prevention strategies. Those preparing for leadership roles in policing gain skills in applying community policing models to modern challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, and civil unrest.

Why this course is important

Community policing is an essential element of modern law enforcement and crime prevention efforts. Understanding its application, benefits, and limitations is critical for criminal justice professionals committed to promoting public trust and ensuring safety. As crime becomes more complex and multifaceted, law enforcement agencies must collaborate more closely with community stakeholders to develop innovative solutions. This course provides the framework for examining those partnerships and ensuring their effectiveness in various contexts.

Credit hours
3 hours
Subject area
Criminal Justice
Educational level
Master
Learning type
Instructional
Prerequisites
None
Upcoming terms
Pending
* Schedule subject to change. Please contact the Registrar's office with schedule questions.
Professor
Dr. Robert Lee Taylor, Professor of Community Policing

How this course relates to missional core values

Biblically based

Community policing promotes values such as justice, compassion, and service, which are deeply rooted in biblical principles. This course integrates these values by exploring how criminal justice professionals can serve their communities in alignment with the mission of God.

Missionally driven

As part of their missional calling, law enforcement officers are tasked with fostering safer communities. This course equips students with the tools to engage proactively in crime prevention and public safety, with an emphasis on collaboration and service.

Contextually informed

Students study the specific contexts in which community policing strategies are implemented. The course includes case studies of urban, rural, and intercultural environments, highlighting the adaptability of the community policing model to different social and economic settings.

Interculturally focused

 This course emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural diversity in policing. It explores how police agencies can address issues of equity, trust, and communication in multicultural communities, helping students develop strategies for effective and culturally competent policing.

Practically minded

Practical applications of community policing, including problem-solving techniques, crime prevention, and public engagement strategies, are integral to the course. Students develop actionable skills that can be directly applied to their law enforcement careers or community leadership roles.

Experientially transformed

Through real-world case studies, discussions, and community engagement projects, students experience the challenges and opportunities of community policing firsthand. This experiential learning prepares them to return to their communities with a deeper understanding of how to implement community policing strategies.