Provide a well-researched report addressing issues of importance in contemporary policing.

Goal

Provide a well-researched report addressing issues of importance in contemporary policing.

Format/Product Essay

Type Individual assessment

Word Count 2000 words(+/- 10%). The word count includes in-text citations but does not include the reference list.

Referencing Students are required to use APA 7 formatting and referencing

Course Learning Outcomes (CLO) Assessed

CL01 Develop an in-depth understanding of the nature of policing

CL02 Explain and critique policing practices

CL03 Develop and support their own arguments using evidence-based research and critical analysis

CLO4 Apply scholarly writing, research and reference practice

Task Instructions

Write a 2000-word argumentative essay ononeof the topics listed below.

The essay should include:

A brief overview of the topic

An outline of the strengths and limitations of the topic

A strong argument for or against the topic

In creating your essay, it is essential that you reflect on everything you have learned in the course. You must draw from high-quality academic literature to support your arguments and key points.

Work submitted must be original and produced solely by the student. Students should develop their own arguments using evidence-based research and critical analysis. Students are prohibited from using artificial intelligence (AI) services and software, including but not limited to generative AI (like ChatGPT), and AI writing assistant software (such as Grammarly and QuillBot), in the creation of their assessment tasks.

Using AI to complete assignments raises ethical issues related to academic honesty and plagiarism. Assignments submitted with the aid of AI tools may not accurately reflect a student's abilities and knowledge. This practice can be seen as a form of academic dishonesty, which undermines the fairness and integrity of the educational system.

The use of AI can be detrimental to students' academic development as it may impede their understanding of the subject matter, hinder the improvement of essential academic writing skills, and limit their ability to analyse and synthesize information which is crucial for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. These skills are critical for academic and professional success.

For example, in criminology there are several situations where the need for human expertise, ethical considerations, contextual understanding, and the ability to handle sensitive information requires these skills and the reliance on AI tools are not suitable for producing work. Such as preparing detailed investigative report based on specific case details, court testimonies as an expert witness, developing ethical guidelines and policies, crime scene analysis, victim and witness interviews, policy impact assessments, and real-time decision making.

Topics (chooseone)

Gender Targets-Recently, a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation found evidence that the Queensland Police Service (QPS) "engaged in discriminatory recruitment practices to achieve the 50% female recruitment target" (Crime and Corruption commission, 2021, p. 10).Should the Queensland Police aim for 50/50 gender targets?

Vehicle Pursuits- The issue of whether police should engage in vehicle pursuits is highly contentious. Following the deaths of several innocent bystanders, including Nicole Knox-Smith, during police pursuits in Victoria, there have been calls to ban such pursuits in the state. However, the police union has argued against a ban, stating, "The banning of police pursuits clearly sends the wrong message, not only allowing hoons to get away with impacting road safety but potentially allowing criminals to escape serious crimes" (The Age, 2006).Considering the Nicole Knox-Smith case, should police engage in vehicle pursuits?

Defund the Police- Todd McKenzie was fatally shot by police. During the inquest into his death, the Judge stated that in my view the police operation which ended Todds life was flawed in a number of significant respects and that There is also a need to re-think the space where policing overlaps with the need for mental health assistance (Grahame, 2023).Considering the Todd McKenzie case, should Australian governments defund the police?

Professional Development Skills

The second assessment task of writing an argumentative essay on a controversial topic in policing is highly relevant to the real world and the careers of criminology and policing students. It fosters critical thinking, research skills, ethical considerations, effective communication, and engagement with contemporary issuesessential competencies for professionals in the field. By grappling with controversial topics and developing persuasive arguments, students are better equipped to address complex challenges, contribute to policy discussions, and make informed decisions that positively impact the field of policing.

In your policing or criminology careers, you may be asked to write argumentative essays or similar pieces in various professional contexts.For example,

Policy Development:As professionals in the field, students may be involved in policy development and analysis. They might be asked to write essays or reports advocating for specific policy changes or providing recommendations on controversial issues in policing. These documents serve as a means to influence decision-makers, stakeholders, and policymakers.

Research and Analysis:Students pursuing careers in academia or research may be required to write scholarly articles, research papers, or dissertations on controversial topics in policing. These writings contribute to the existing body of knowledge, offer insights into emerging issues, and inform evidence-based practices and policies.

Grant Applications:In some instances, professionals may be responsible for securing funding for research projects, initiatives, or community programs. They might need to write persuasive essays or proposals that outline the importance of the topic, justify the need for funding, and present a well-structured plan to address the issue at hand.

Professional Reports:Throughout their careers, professionals in policing and criminology may be required to produce reports addressing specific incidents, investigations, or operational matters. These reports often involve analysing complex information, presenting findings, and offering recommendations. The ability to construct a coherent and evidence-based argument is crucial in effectively communicating the findings to colleagues, superiors, or external stakeholders.

Consultancy and Advisory Roles:As experts in their field, professionals in policing and criminology may be sought after to provide consultancy services or serve as advisors to organizations, government agencies, or non-profit entities. They may be asked to prepare reports or essays that offer insights, recommendations, and potential solutions to address contentious issues or improve operational practices.

Overall, the ability to write persuasive and argumentative pieces is valuable in a wide range of policing and criminology careers. It allows professionals to contribute to policy development, advance research and knowledge, secure funding, communicate findings, and provide expert advice on complex and controversial issues. Effective writing skills are essential for professionals to make a meaningful impact, drive change, and shape the future of the field.

Assessment Criteria and Rubric

Rubrics help you to understand what knowledge and skills you need to demonstrate in your assessments. They also show you how your submission will be marked and what is expected at the different grade levels.

For this assessment task, students will be assessed on knowledge, strength of argument and evidence, and presentation. Please refer to marking rubric.

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Resources

Here are some handy links to get you started on the cases ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF6JeXRmMbU&t=243shttps://www.qpsdfvinquiry.qld.gov.au/public-hearings/assets/exhibits/october/coi.126.0001.pdfhttps://www.theage.com.au/national/spotlight-on-police-pursuits-after-death-20060722-ge2rmb.htmlhttps://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-12/nicolemareeknox-smith_131104.pdfhttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/25/nsw-police-must-speak-with-mental-health-experts-rather-than-shoot-our-loved-ones-stepfather-saysLinks to an external site.https://coroners.nsw.gov.au/documents/findings/2024/Inquest_into_the_death_of_Todd_McKenzie.pdfLinks to an external site.