CRIM2202 Policing and Society

This topic will examine the development of modern policing in Australia and overseas, evaluate the role of the police in modern society, and look at a variety of policing subjects of contemporary interest. Subjects to be covered may include: police powers and discretion; police accountability; police misconduct; police corruption; police and the media; private policing; police and minority groups; police-Aboriginal relations; community policing; police and young people; public order policing; drug law enforcement; and, policing organised and corporate crime. Normally the topic is supplemented by a field trip, as well as the participation of guest lecturers.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to a range of key concepts and debates about policing and law enforcement
• Place modern police forces into context in terms of changing approaches to social control in Western societies over the past three hundred years
• Examine the different police functions and the nature of police organisations and police personnel
• Explore transnational policing and future trends in law enforcement

1. Explain a range of key concepts and debates about policing and law enforcement
2. Contribute to key debates about policing and law enforcement
3. Summarise the history of policing
4. Distinguish the different police functions and the nature of police organisations and police personnel
5. Evaluate the necessity of transnational policing in contemporary society
6. Conduct research using tools relevant to the policing field