This course is designed to provide an exploration of various methods of crime prevention programs – community crime prevention programs and criminal justice system approaches. The relevant theory and research related to neighborhood efforts at crime prevention, community policing, school crime prevention, and other situational prevention measures will be explored critically. In addition to exploring basic concepts and theories, the course offers the student the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, implement, evaluate, and sustain effective crime prevention intervention.
This course aims to provide a foundation for a better understanding of the objectives of various crime prevention efforts, as well as the proven effectiveness of these various strategies.
This course emphasizes the importance of individualizing and realizing that crime happens for complex, diverse, and variously combined reasoning. Through understanding theory, society, individuals, and the reasoning behind crime can one properly respond and reduce its effects.
The biblical perspective is emphasized throughout this course due to the symbiotic relationship between community policing, community outreach, crime, and problem-solving. Police and missional endeavors are closely related through the involvement of the community and society. Crime at a local problem can become a societal problem, if not handled correctly. Therefore, a biblical perspective will be emphasized to reflect this relationship.
This missional perspective of this course is to provide a fundamental understanding of crime, theory, and the root of issues that lead to and fester criminality. The course equips the student to join in with God where he is at work -- in our homes and communities -- so that we may see the spiritual transformation of people and communities in the criminal justice system.
Crime is not a new phenomenon and there will never be an end-all solution to criminality. However, the reduction of crime can be achieved through evidence-based approaches and a critical understanding of theory. Only through the understanding of criminality can one truly respond to this detrimental aspect of society. Crime prevention strategies that are discussed in the course are ideal for law enforcement officers, city planners, city managers, city council members, architects, security consultants, or anyone involved in designing neighborhoods, schools, downtowns, buildings, or revitalization efforts.
Society and criminality are complex and diverse. Therefore, not one single explanation of crime can be provided. Individuals commit crimes for various and combined reasons. This course will provide a solid foundation and further expansion of knowledge of theory to enable proper formal social control response.
Students exit this course with an understanding of criminal theory and its application in a formal social control context. This enables future criminal justice professionals to enhance the response to crime and punishment and provide them with the ability to explain criminality and a proper response. The practical aspects of this course help students to engage in the work of mission in the criminal justice system because of the character and activities of God and His mission.
Students are asked throughout the course to define, reflect, and analyze how crime relates to theory. Also, the students are asked to provide a detailed analysis of criminological theory, the importance of evidence-based approaches, and its critical importance.
