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Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title POFC 1105: Introduction to Peace Officers and the Criminal Justice System

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

Major topics of the course include the history and evolution of Professional Peace Officers, police operations and procedures, the court system, corrections, and the juvenile justice system.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

February, 2023

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. The Evolution of Professional Peace Officers
  2. History of Law Enforcement
  3. Policing Through Different Eras
  4. The Criminal Justice System and Its Components
  5. Corrections
  6. Juvenile Justice
  7. Court System
  8. Police Operations
  9. Patrol and Traffic
  10. Community Policing
  11. Investigations
  12. Searching and Arrests
  13. Special Problem Areas
  14. Drug Enforcement
  15. Gangs

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Explain the core components of the criminal justice system (e.g. Professional Policing, judicial and corrections)
  2. Demonstrate and understanding of criminal justice careers and how the criminal justice system is changing.
  3. Explain the history and relationships of the core components of the criminal justice system currently and in the future.
  4. Identify the constitutional foundations for the criminal justice system.
  5. Explain the process of how laws are created, enforced, interpreted, and revised.
  6. Discuss the history of law enforcement.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None