Police are an integral and visible component of criminal justice
system. To protect and serve as well as safeguard liberty is the
basic responsibility for every police department. Though, this role
of the police in any society is shaped by political, social,
economic and historical factors but it is also true that police too
affect the nature of the society. In many parts of the world today,
the police play an important role in handling the severe threat of
terrorism, suicide bombers and extremism while also maintaining an
open society. The manner in which police handle protests, street
demonstrations and deal with minority populations have a major
impact upon the rule of law and public accountability. Police
interactions with the citizens determine the legitimacy of
government and faith of the citizens in democratic ideals. The
police today face old and many new challenges and over the years
have been evolving a variety of responses to deal with them.
Although, many police tactics have been controversial some measures
have helped bring stability to troubled regions. Clearly, study of
police is important and necessary for understanding the democratic
functioning of any society.

This course will examine the historical roots of police systems
around the world and the relationship with other components of the
criminal justice system. We will study various dimensions of
policing ranging from management, training, crime investigation,
order maintenance, service functions to misuse of force, corruption,
human rights and terrorism. The course will involve readings from
around the world such as India, Japan, Australia, South Africa, UK,
the US & others as well as some of the recent issues of trafficking,
United Nations’ civilian policing and new applications of technology.

The students are expected to write short analytical research notes
on a variety of topics, review books and important journal articles
and complete a final essay on a topic of interest.

Note: a number of police data sets will be provided in the course
which the students can analyze for class work.

Required Text:
Readings will be given in class

Evaluation:
Research Notes	50%
Final Essay	50%

Class meeting:  5:45-8:15 Monday

Instructor:  Professor Arvind Verma, criminal justice department