CRIJ 4334 181: Administration of Justice

Upon successful completion of this on-line course, the student will be able to execute the following:

1. Provide an overall understanding of law enforcement management concepts, practices, and principles within an organization in criminal justice.
2. Familiarize with the importance of leadership and management principles as it relates to effective police supervision.
3. Identify and discuss specific theories on organizational motivation.
4. Identify various organizational and behavioral issues affecting motivation and productivity.
5. Understand how several orientations toward police supervision and how these orientations influence policing behaviors.
6. Knowledge of some of the more recent developments in police supervision and management and how policing has changed in recent years.
7. Knowledge and understanding of the importance of evaluating, appraising and assessing performance within an organization.
8. Familiarize with future critical issues of criminal justice and organizational dilemmas facing police administrators. 
9. Demonstrate a working knowledge of operational and administrative organizational aspects of criminal justice agencies including conflict, job design, communications, personnel evaluation/supervision, decision making, and organizational effectiveness.
10. Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking.
11. Demonstrate professional level written and oral communications.

Grades are based on student’s performances in the following requirements:

1.   20% of the course grade: Term Paper and Power Point Presentation:

A term paper for this on-line course.  The purpose in completing this project is to demonstrate the student’s ability to synthesize, analyze, and evaluate information carefully and objectively; use good management principles; use this information to propose a solution to a budgeting issue; discuss social policy implications of the student’s solution; and present the ideas in clear written form directed to a specific audience, the class. Research paper and Powerpoint are due by midnight Sunday, November 3, 2024.  Late research papers will not be accepted unless extenuating circumstances are approved by the instructor.

To complete this Task:

1. Select a criminal justice agency and have it approved by the course instructor. (Topics will be approved on a first come first serve bases to avoid duplication)

2. Research the actual budget for that agency. 

3. Using management principles learned in this course, justify the allocations in the proposed budget.

4. Consider social policy implications of the budget proposal.

5. Write a paper explaining the budget proposal, the reasons in support of the allocations, the social policy implications of the solution, and the research that supports the outcome.

Your paper must include:

1.       A cover page must include name, title of paper, course, and date (this page is not part of the research paper)

2.       An Abstract

3.       An Introduction

4.        Body

5.       Conclusion

6.      Clear summary (in table form) of budget proposal

7.       Discussion of the research

8.       Clear statement of the reasons supporting the allocations

9.       Consider social policy implications

10.     Reference page: A minimum of three (3) references

11.      Using APA style

12.     Time New Roman 12 – double space

13.     PowerPoint presentations must be uploaded onto the Discussion area. Presentations should include key issues and major points of the papers (same date as research paper due date). They should be interesting. Other students will be reviewing the presentations and making comments in the discussion thread.

The text of this paper should be at least 1,000 words or five typewritten pages in length. Students must demonstrate that they understand the types of drugs, how they are abused, how they affect individual’s brains, and shape behavior to include drug abuse treatments. APA is used to cite sources in both the body of the paper and on the References page. Do not copy and paste the material from resources, such as the internet. 

Students’ presentation will be a power point presentation placed into the Discussion thread Folder (Research Project PP). Presentation should have key issues and major points of your paper (number of slides as needed. Make it interesting. Other students will be reviewing your material and making comments in the discussion thread.  Students are required to post four (4) comments on four (4) student’s term paper.

Grading is based on a rubric specifically designed to assess the research project. This rubric is located in the Turnitin drop box rubric portal. Students’ responses are within seven (7) after each presentation. Total score possible for this course requirement ranges from 0 (lowest) to 100 (highest). If students do not submit the research project by the due date, they may be subject to fail the class. 

The following are standards that will be utilized to grade your research paper:

a. 100-90 = Follows assignment, excellent command of material, exemplary writing.

b.  89 -80 = Follows assignment, minor flaws in command of material, minor writing flaws.

c.  79 -70 = Flaws in following assignment, minor flaws in command, significant writing problems.

d.  69 -60 = Flaws in following assignment, flaws in command and documentation, very poor writing.00-university level.

2.  15% of course grade: Quizzes: Each quiz will last thirty (30) minutes. Students will have an opportunity during Quiz 1 to take the Quiz twice to become acquainted and familiar with the process; the highest grade will be recorded. The structure of quizzes is comprised of either ten (10) multiple choice and/or true and false questions related to each chapter reading. The true and false and multiple-choice questions test student’s knowledge keywords, understanding of concepts, principles, and techniques. Each questions’ answer is worth one (1) point. The highest possible score on quizzes is 10 points (meaning 100%). Quizzes will be scheduled on Fridays of each week, unless extenuating circumstances arise. Feedback and comments on quizzes may or may not be available. If clarification is necessary, students are encouraged to email the instructor for feedback within 48 hours after the close of the quiz portal. Additional information about scheduled quizzes will be posted on the course calendar. Blackboard will conduct regular maintenance throughout the semester and Quiz dates and times may be rescheduled.

3. 15% of course grade: On-Line Discussions:  On-line discussions are an important component of the courses’ requirements.  Even though students are expected to engage the professor in a discussion on topics they will be marked as "present" merely by logging into the course. Class participation requires students to participate. Each week there will be discussion questions posed for comments from the students. This provides them an opportunity to get answered for clarification of materials related to course. Additionally, it is required for students to engage with others in discussing the issues raised in the thread. To receive maximum credit for participation, there are both quality and quantity measurements. Quality is the degree to which they address specific issues and comments of others.  Quantity is the absolute number of postings.  For example, if they have six (6) or seven (7) postings that do not relate to the issues, no credit will be awarded.

However, if the minimum number of postings directly focus on the discussion issue, then maximum credit would be awarded. The issue of quality and quantity are interrelated because simply making two comments to some postings and leaving no other evidence of being involved in the discussion is insufficient for granting credit. The discussion thread is a "virtual classroom" which suggests participation throughout the discussion period. The opportunity to make comments and participate is there to help students improve their grades for each week’s discussion. Comments or postings after those dates will not be evaluated for grading purposes.

Remember: posting all the responses on the same day does not fulfill the requirement of discussion. Students are required to post three (3) comments or post other students’ responses to the discussion questions in addition to their own responses—a total of four (4) comments/posting. Discussions are due by midnight Saturday of each week unless the instructor changes the deadlines.

4.  20% of the course grade Tests: Tests will cover Chapters 1 through 4, Chapters 5 through 8 and Chapters 9 through 12. They are designed to test students’ knowledge, understanding and mastery of principles, concepts, and techniques related to each reading. They will be comprised of sixty (60) true and false, and multiple-choice questions (worth 1.5 point per question) and one (1) essay question (worth 10 points). Essays must contain the following: 1. Introduction, 2. Body, and 3. Conclusion. Tests may also include items that have previously appeared in quizzes and assignments. Tests must be completed in one session. For additional information on the schedule of tests’ openings and closing times and dates, are listed to the course calendar. Once students engage on the examination portal, they will have three (3) hours to complete the test. Upon termination of scheduled time, the examination portal will automatically close, and the responses submitted. A rubric similar to those used to evaluate research project assignments will be utilized to evaluate the tests. The instructor has the discretion to change the format of the test.  Students will be notified of any changes before the tests’ deadline.

Requirements for tests and exams:

LockDown Browser Requirement
This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online tests and exams including webcam which is available for the one-time purchase price of $10.00.  A short video provides basic understanding of the LockDown Browser.

5.  30% of the course grade Final Exam: The Final Exam will be comprehensive in scope. It will cover all chapters discussed in, include materials covered, such as assigned chapters in the textbook of the course, lecture materials, discussions, and assignments. The final may also include previous examinations and quizzes. The final exam will consist of eighty (80) true and false and multiple-choice questions (worth 1 point). The second part of the final exam encompasses two (2) essay questions (worth 10 points each). Additional information on the schedule of exams with opening and closing times and dates is listed on the course calendar. Once students engage the examination portal, the student will have three (3) hours to complete the exam. Exams must be completed in one session. Upon termination of scheduled time, the examination portal will automatically close, and student’s responses submitted. A rubric similar to those used to evaluate research project assignments will be utilized to evaluate the exams. Comments and feedback on examinations are usually available within five (5) days after the close of the final exmaination portal, if necessary.

Grading Scale:

The below grading scale is for quizzes, tests, final exam, and overall course grade. (If students have an overall average of 89.9, the student’s overall grade is 89). 

Online Courses and On-Campus Meetings

Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 2, Subchapter J, Section 2.202, defines distance education as the formal educational process that occurs when students and instructors are not in the same physical setting for the majority (more than 50%) of instruction. Distance education includes hybrid and 100% online courses and programs as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB):

• Hybrid Course - A distance education course in which more than 50 percent but less than 100 percent of instructional activity takes place when the student(s) and instructor(s) are in separate physical locations.
• 100-Percent Online Course - A distance education course in which 100 percent of instructional activity takes place when the student(s) and instructor(s) are in separate physical locations. Requirements for on-campus or in-person orientation, testing, academic support services, internships/fieldwork, or other non-instructional activities do not exclude a course from this category.

In this online course, be sure to confirm what in-person meetings may be required of you (if applicable).

Course Structure

This course meets for fifteen weeks (15) and consists of 15 lessons. Lessons or module folders are located within the Lessons Tab of the course shell. Each of the lesson folders has a time and date to open; the folders cannot be accessed in advance. For example, if today’s date were November 21, 2023, only the Introduction to the Course folder will be accessible. This timed access is purposefully done so that students focus only on the materials at hand and to keep them on track with the course schedule.

Overviews of each lesson’s folders will find the following: (1) introduction the specific lesson, (2) the learning objectives, (3) the required and optional tasks, and (4) the materials. The tasks range from reading specific chapters from the textbook, viewing the MS Power Point Presentations, and engaging in a quiz, discussion threads, and a writing assignment. Each Lesson will start on Sundays and end on Saturdays. Quizzes are schedule on Friday's unless othewise.

Assessments such as quizzes, discussion questions and tests will be under each Lesson Week. The final comprehensive exam will be posted separately (e.g. “Week 1” or “Week 2”). The quizzes and examinations will be due at specific times and dates. The research paper/project and the Final Examination have their own portals with their respective opening and closing times/dates. More details are given on the Ultra Blackboard Lessons tab.

This is an intense and demanding course. Students will need to have dedication, energy, academic honesty, and time to read in the materials, participate in the activities, and complete the assessments within the specified time frames. 

Announcements/Course Messages/Emails
The best way to contact the instructor for this course is through email. For the purpose of this course, all communication will be through the course email facility.  Instructor’s responses to a students’ emails will be within 48 hours.  Please use the Middle Point Forum for clarification and additional questions.

Assignments and Assessments
Feeback will be available as the course progresses. Grades will be posted as soon as quizzes, discussion questions, and tests are graded the next day, no more that two (2) days. Research project feedback will be avialable no later than two (2) weeks due to the amount of students in the class.

Course Communication Guidelines (Netiquette)

There are course expectations concerning etiquette or how we should treat each other online. We must consider these values as we communicate with one another. Visit Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ web page on Netiquette for further instruction.

Accommodations/Accessibility Policy

Texas A&M International University seeks to provide reasonable accommodation for all qualified persons with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to register with the Director of Student Counseling and to contact the faculty member in a timely fashion to arrange for suitable accommodation. For more information, contact the online at Office of Disability Services for Students (DSS), via phone at 956.326.3086 or by visiting the staff at the Student Center, room 118. A link to the Disabilities Services for Students site has also been included under the "Resources" tab inside the course.

Student Support Resources

The University wishes to have all students succeed in their courses. To provide support to our students, an array of services in the areas of technology support, academic support, student support, and accessibility support may be found at the University. For more information, visit the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services page on University Resources and Support Services.

Computer/Technology Requirements

For students enrolling in the course, it is vital to consider the technology involved in order to have a successful course. It recommended that they meet the following technical requirements when using the learning management system (LMS) of the University.

When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology involved in order to have a successful course. Online students will need regular access to a personal computer that runs on a broadband Internet connection.

It is recommended that you meet the technical requirements listed on the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ webpage when using the learning management system (LMS) of the University.

Additional Hardware. For this class, you will need the following additional hardware: A computer (desktop/laptop) or mobile device (smartphone/tablet) that is less than five years old will work. Recently purchased laptops may have these built-in web cameras.  If you do not have this equipment, it is recommended to purchase a stand-alone webcam, microphone, or a webcam with a built-in microphone from your local electronic store or any online store.

NOTE: Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services may check out available webcams to students on a first-come, first-served basis. To check out a webcam, please stop by Killam Library, Room 259, and request an available webcam.

Additional Software. You will need the following additional software: TAMIU Students may access online versions of this software through their Dusty Office 365 account at https://dusty.tamiu.edu/. This site also provides students access to download the Microsoft suite for educational use. See instructions for downloading the Microsoft Office suite.

Note: Students, if you do not own the required hardware or software or do not have access to the Internet, it will be highly challenging for you to make any progress in this class. However, my goal is to assist you in finding solutions and guide you appropriately most of the required materials can either be found free of charge at TAMIU’s library, classrooms, and available computer labs. Visit Media Services’ web page on the availability of on-campus computer labs. In addition, you may also purchase any of these items at any electronic store.

Learning Management System (Blackboard)

Students are provided with an orientation (*eLearning (Blackboard) Student Orientation*) and access to guides on how to use the Blackboard LMS. Guides may be available at Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services' Student eLearning Tutorial Videos page or by contacting the eLearning team at elearning@tamiu.edu.

Minimum Technical Skills Expected

Students enrolling in the course should be familiar with utilizing the latest versions of Microsoft (MS) Office and its software such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point.  They are expected to have access to a computer and/or laptop with reliable Internet access and connection and be familiar and possess basic computer skill set, Internet navigations skills, and emailing skills. Atomic Learning training videos are provided by the Office of Information Technology (OIT) for students that may be lacking any skill.

When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology involved in order to have a successful course. Students in distance education should have knowledge of basic computer and Internet skills, as mentioned on the Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services’ webpage.

Technical Support Services

Because of the nature of distance education courses, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) computing and information services are vital to the success of online students. This webpage covers contact information for Distance Education Services (Blackboard Support), the OIT Help Desk, and E-mail support: Technical Support Services.

Web Conferences/Synchronous sessions

If students need to meet, a web conference, maybe held, but not necessary.

Grading Scale/Schema (after Grade Breakdown section)

In determining the final course grade, the following scale is used in percentage or point value.
•    90 - 100% = A
•    80 -89.99% = B
•    70 -79.995 = C
•    60 -69.99% = D
•    Below 60% = F

Late Work Policy

Late assignments will not be accepted unless exigent circumstances exist. The instructor will review requests on a case-by-case basis. Students are required to provide proof of the emergency circumstances. Also, there is no makeup for writing assignments, quizzes, midterm exams, research paper or the final exam unless some foreseen circumstances exist, and prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. Students must not wait until the last minute to contact the instructor about the issue at hand. Therefore, I have the final decision on what absences are legitimate and when makeup will be allowed or given.

Course Evaluation

At the end of this course, students are encouraged to complete a course evaluation that will be distributed to them via email and through a course link.

Turnitin Policy Or Other Types of Assignments in Other Systems

Students must submit term papers, which is the major written requirement for this on-line course. Submission must be processed through Turnitin (an originality checker software and drop box) prior to submission and grading.  Only research with a similarity index of less than 20% (i.e., SI ≤ 20%) will be accepted and graded. Hence, students are encouraged to compose a pre-final draft (or multiple of the research earlier than the deadline. This will allow them the opportunity to run it through Turnitin in order to comply with the SI ≤ 20% threshold.

If pre-deadline entries run through Turnitin indicate similarity indices greater than 20%, students will need to rewrite their papers until they meet the SI ≤ 20% threshold. A research paper that satisfies the SI≤20% threshold will still be subject to further scrutiny for originality and plagiarism. A research paper that does not meet the threshold criterion will not be considered submitted and hence not graded.

Proctoring

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser for online tests and exams including webcam which is available for the one-time purchase price of $10.00.  

Accessibility and Privacy Statements on Course Technologies

Students who need additional assistance use “Student Support” tab of Blackboard, information on technology support services, academic support services, student support services, and accessibility support services may be found, email address: elearning@tamiu.edu or by phone at 956-326-2791.

At Texas A&M International University, we believe that all students should have equal technology opportunities in the classroom. These technologies/sites may also require user data, such as the creation of a username and password. You may find the accessibility and privacy policies of the technologies used in this class on the following pages: Accessibility Statements and Privacy Statements.

The following software is required:

• An Internet Browser, Mozilla Firefox preferred. (See Internet Browser section for more information.)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader,
• Flash Player (latest version),
• Java (latest version),
• Quicktime Player
• Windows Media Player
• Respondus Monitor

Optional Software

1. MS Office 2007 or greater (includes Microsoft Word, 365, Excel and PowerPoint)

Internet Connection

• A stable Internet connection of 56K or greater is required. (However, please note that a 56K connection may degrade the quality of the experience.)

Internet Browser

Various browsers may be able to access the learning management system. By using the following information:

• Use Mozilla Firefox 3.5 or higher (Mac or PC), Internet Explorer 7 or higher (PC). (Please note that eLearning (learning management system) may not fully be compatible with the latest versions of each browser.
• Be sure to properly configure the Internet browser. (Please note that Mozilla Firefox is the university-preferred browser. To download Firefox, please visit http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/.)
• Check to make sure the proper configured via the Browser Check provided below. This component will also be provided in the learning management system.

Syllabus Subject to Change

While information and assurances are provided in this course syllabus, it should be understood that content may change in keeping with new research and literature and that events beyond the control of the instructor could occur. Students will be informed of any substantive occurrences that will produce syllabus changes.