Individual Public Service Courses

In this course, learners examine the characteristics of the United States criminal justice system and its evolution in response to the continually changing forces that influence crime control. Learners gain an understanding of criminal justice theory and its relation to criminality, the criminal justice system, and the principles of the adjudication process.

This course provides an introduction to the growing field of emergency management. Learners assess various hazards and threats, and examine strategies to determine and reduce vulnerability. Learners also analyze disaster response and recovery behaviors and activities. In addition, learners develop an understanding of local, state, and federal emergency management organizations and the impact various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, have on the emergency management process.

In this course, learners apply correctional administrative concepts; communication principles; and decision-making, leadership, and human resource management skills used in contemporary correctional environments. Learners also analyze individual and group behaviors and ethics within correctional organizations.

Learners in this course apply the strategies and skills required for successful emergency planning, and identify the components of an effective emergency plan as well as the principles and resources that guide the planning process. Learners examine federal requirements governing emergency management and emergency planning structures, including Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the Incident Command System (ICS), and Mutual Aid Agreements. Learners also analyze the effects disasters have on physical and psychological health.

In this course, learners investigate the components of business continuity management within the private and nonprofit sectors as well as the components of operations continuity within the public sector. Learners analyze the integrative requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1600, Federal Continuity Directive (FCD) 1, and Continuity Guidance (CG) 1 and the theories that support continuity management. Learners examine theories of risk, risk perception, theories of systems, and systems thinking. Learners also strengthen their understanding of the need for continuity of operations and demonstrate their knowledge by developing an outline for a continuity management plan.

In this course, learners articulate life-course and biosocial theories of crime, including the history, trends, and empirical status of various life-course and biosocial theories used to understand crime. Learners also examine the various fields of study from which the theories developed, such as developmental psychology, sociology, biology, and genetics; and analyze the key findings that emerge from these perspectives as well as the controversies experts are currently debating.

In this course, learners analyze classical and contemporary theories that support the confinement of criminal offenders. Learners examine inmate population demographics pertaining to offense class, gender, age, and minority status; and evaluate special populations of women, juveniles, elderly/infirmed, and the mentally ill. Learners also investigate the dichotomy of security versus rehabilitation and assess violence, gang recruitment, and radicalization.

In this course, learners assess the role and significance of community relationships in criminal investigations. Learners investigate current criminal justice information systems and computer applications in analysis and projection of crime patterns. Learners evaluate and apply approaches to resolve community crime problems through partnerships. Learners also analyze the effectiveness of a community-based program related to criminal justice intelligence operations. Prerequisite(s): CRJ7015, PUAD6030.