Police and Society explores the role of law enforcement in modern society. You'll study police organization, culture, and behavior, as well as examine issues like use of force, racial profiling, and community policing. The course dives into police accountability, reform efforts, and the relationship between police and diverse communities. You'll also analyze current events and controversies surrounding policing.

Is Police and Society hard?

Police and Society isn't typically considered one of the toughest courses, but it can be challenging. The material is pretty interesting, which helps, but there's a lot of reading and critical thinking involved. You'll need to analyze complex social issues and policies, which can be tricky. The workload is usually manageable, but expect to put in some effort, especially for research papers and group projects.

Tips for taking Police and Society in college

Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Stay up-to-date on current events related to policing
Engage in class discussions - they're crucial for understanding different perspectives
Watch documentaries like "13th" or "The Force" for real-world context
Read "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander for deeper insights
Form study groups to discuss complex topics like police reform
Attend local community meetings or police forums for firsthand experience

Common pre-requisites for Police and Society

Introduction to Criminal Justice: This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. It sets the foundation for understanding how police fit into the broader justice system.

Criminological Theory: This class explores various theories explaining criminal behavior and societal responses to crime. It helps you understand the theoretical frameworks that shape policing strategies.

Classes similar to Police and Society

Criminal Law: Examines the principles and theories behind criminal law and its enforcement. You'll learn about different types of crimes, legal defenses, and constitutional protections.

Juvenile Justice: Focuses on the unique aspects of the juvenile justice system. You'll study theories of delinquency, prevention programs, and the role of police in dealing with youth offenders.

Victimology: Explores the role and experiences of crime victims in the criminal justice system. You'll learn about victim rights, support services, and how police interact with victims.

Ethics in Criminal Justice: Delves into ethical dilemmas and decision-making in the criminal justice field. This course often includes discussions on police ethics and integrity.

Criminology: Focuses on the study of crime, its causes, and societal responses. Students learn about various aspects of the criminal justice system, including policing, corrections, and crime prevention.

Criminal Justice: Provides a comprehensive understanding of the justice system. Students study law enforcement, courts, and corrections, preparing for careers in various criminal justice fields.

Sociology: Examines social behavior, institutions, and interactions. Students learn to analyze social issues, including those related to crime and policing, from a broader societal perspective.

Public Policy: Focuses on the development and analysis of government policies. Students learn how to evaluate and create policies, including those related to law enforcement and criminal justice reform.

What can you do with a degree in Police and Society?

Police Officer: Enforces laws, responds to emergencies, and works to maintain public safety. Officers may specialize in areas like community policing, investigations, or special units.

Crime Analyst: Collects and analyzes crime data to identify patterns and trends. Analysts help police departments develop strategies for crime prevention and resource allocation.

Policy Advisor: Works with government agencies or non-profits to develop and evaluate criminal justice policies. Advisors may focus on areas like police reform, community relations, or crime prevention strategies.

Probation Officer: Supervises offenders who have been placed on probation instead of being sent to prison. Officers work to rehabilitate offenders and ensure they comply with court-ordered conditions.