This course examines the relationship between policing, law and
society in the U.S.  We will examine how the social and legal
contexts of the United States have and continue to influence, shape
and change policing, the police institution, and individual police
officers.  Attention will be paid to the role that police play in
the construction of law and how policing both aids and hinders
meaningful social change.  We will also examine the changing
definitions of policing and how these changes shape social control
measures in modern society.

Course Objectives:
1)	To familiarize students with the structure, function, and
role of the police in contemporary U.S. society
2)	To describe and discuss the social impact of the policing in
U.S. society
3)	To compare, contrast, and contextualize interdisciplinary
research about police and society
4)	To familiarize students with formal policing processes and
procedures
5)	To familiarize students with the ways that policing and the
police influence our everyday practices

This course will be divided into four components:
1.	The socio-legal construction of policing in the U.S.
2.	Policing and social change (e.g. policing of domestic
violence, gated communities, and the privatization of policing)
3.	Policing in practice (e.g. police discretion and police
procedures)
4.	Policing in everyday life (e.g. representations of policing
in popular culture and police discourse).

Required readings:
1.  Kappeler, Victor E.  The Police and Society 3rd Edition.
Waveland Press, Inc.
2.  Course packet

Evaluation will consist of a midterm and final exam, two short
review papers, and class participation.   Regular attendance is
required in this course.

Class meeting:  Monday and Wednesday, 1:00-3:30

****CLASS MEETS SECOND 8 WEEKS ONLY****

Instructor:  Stephanie Whitehead, criminal justice department