Policing and Offending

This unit introduces students to the history, sociology, and politics of policing and corrections. The unit examines the administration of justice from the reporting and detection of crime through to the correctional regimes of offenders. It highlights important debates around issues of accountability, and traces the historical shape of policing and corrections that have led to the features and characteristics of contemporary institutions and practices. In addition to exploring the domain of policy, we focus on a number of key challenges and issues that confront police and corrections officers in their day to day working lives. The unit is underpinned by an interest in questions around balancing the power of the state, identifying the rights and protections afforded citizens through the ‘rule of law’ and democratic safeguards, and exploring the powers that are exercised in the processes of investigating crime and sanctioning individuals.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the evolution of policing and corrections and explain the sometimes complex demands on policing in the field and at a policy level
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the aims and purposes of sentencing and correctional practices
3. Explain the concept of accountability and explain how it plays out in the organisational and operational domain of policing
4. Analyse and discuss the effect of politics on policing offenders and society
5. Present ideas clearly and logically, in verbal and written forms, to peers and non-expert audiences
6. Work collaboratively with peers to write and present on key issues.