Examination of classic and contemporary theoretical explanations of crime from multiple criminological perspectives including classical, biological, psychological, and sociological theories. Analysis of crime patterns and crime correlates and substantive focus on the application of such theories to criminal justice agencies, community, and society.
Current methods and techniques for conducting research in criminal justice including research design, sampling, survey research, field research, and program evaluation. Students will design and execute their own research projects on a topic of current need of exploration in the criminal justice field, analyze findings, and summarize their research project in a formal written paper.
Objective of course is for students to develop statistical reasoning skills and to choose appropriate quantitative techniques for analyzing research questions in criminal justice. Topics include the examination of the basic concepts and measures in statistical analysis, probability theory, statistical inference, and bivariate and multivariate analyses, correlational relationships, t-tests, ANOVA, and regression.
Objective of course is for students to learn the techniques of performing quantitative analyses with SPSS and then apply these quantitative techniques to interpret current criminal justice research.
Introduction to a multidisciplinary approach to crime assessment and profiling with attention to theoretical and practical contributions of forensic pathology, forensic dentistry, forensic anthropology, criminology, criminalistics, abnormal psychology, forensic psychiatry, and law. Focus on the art and science of profiling a case with an unknown offender using data sets necessary for statistical profiling, clinical information used by psychologists and psychiatrists, and various law enforcement models, such as that employed by the FBI Behavioral Sciences Unit. Examination of the various methods of operation (modus operandi) of violent offenders with attention to theories, applications, and analysis of various crimes to identify and isolate a particular offender’s method of operation and signature or trademark.
Students will learn foundational skills in spatial analysis and crime mapping. Introduction to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and analyze crime patterns. In addition to practical work with GIS the course will address underlying spatial theories of crime as well as available data sources for exploring relationships such as Census data and other sources of socioeconomic and criminal justice related data.
Students will be provided with a practical introduction to intelligence analysis as it relates to criminal justice. Topics include the history and functions of intelligence in law enforcement, the primary methods of intelligence gathering, analysis, and dissemination, and common law enforcement databases. Students will learn about the application of criminal intelligence methods to current problems faced by Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies.
Logic and techniques of qualitative research design, methods, and techniques including content analysis, focus groups, case studies, interviewing, field work observation, participant observation, and ethnography in deviance, criminology, and criminal justice. Focus on ethical considerations, access challenges, data collection design and analysis, visual documentation and application of qualitative database technology.
Examination of research on criminal behavior and crime types. Seminar discussion of the ways in which theories of criminal behavior and typology research has been applied in the criminal justice system in criminal investigation, adjudication process, correctional management and treatment, victim services, public safety, risk assessment, and prediction of dangerousness.
Seminar on current issues in contemporary law enforcement. Topics addressed in the course include: The politics of law enforcement, police brutality, the impact of administrative interventions on police discretion, and police strategies such as problem-oriented policing, “hot spot” patrols, paramilitary units, and the criminal investigative process. This is a combined undergraduate/graduate course. Graduate students are required to complete additional graduate-level requirements and may only take two undergraduate courses (6 credits).
An examination of the complex concepts and issues associated with global terrorism, U.S. homeland security, and the role of law enforcement; the events leading up to the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, and those events before and after that date leading to the developing concepts and principals commonly associated with homeland security. Topics include the historical overview of U.S. and international terrorism, international and domestic terrorism issues, a framework of how the U.S. government has chosen to deal with homeland security and terrorism, the nature of executive legal decision-making regarding homeland security issues, legal considerations, natural disasters and homeland security, and the costs of securing America.
CRJS 5910-5930 United States Intelligence & the Role of the Analysis Intelligence Process & the Criminal Justice System (additional SPT courses may be offered that will count toward the CACP)