JUST 3006 Governance in Policing

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102169

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Description In this unit students examine the nature and function of governance and accountability processes within policing and the broader private security industry. There is a focus on the commitment by governments to practices at an individual and organisational level that are based on accountability, contestability and continuous improvement. Issues such as human rights, ethics in policing, conflicts of interest, misconduct, and corruption and criminality within policing and related industries, are explored; and relevant explanatory theories are examined. Different models and levels of governance and accountability in Australia are also explored, as are the roles of professional standards units within police forces, external accountability agencies such as police integrity commissions, the ombudsman, and crime and misconduct agencies . These are compared with other approaches worldwide. Throughout the unit extensive use will be made of case studies and problem based learning where students will be invited to propose solutions to real world problems.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Police Studies

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) CULT 3017 AND
CULT 2006 OR
CULT 2016

Restrictions This is a specialist core subject and is restricted to students enrolled in programs 1662/1844 Bachelor of Policing, 1719 Bachelor of Policing Studies - Non NSW Police Pathway, 1734 Bachelor of Policing (Leadership Program) or 6029 Diploma in Social Science (Policing)/Bachelor of Policing.

Assumed Knowledge

Students are required to possess a sound knowledge of key issues in, and mechanisms of, policing practices, as well as legislative functions, as established as foundational knowledge in the policing core subjects over the first two years of study, in order to successfully undertake this subject.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

Critically evaluate research evidence and literature on ethics, governance and accountability in policing
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of governance processes and procedures in real world issues.
Articulate the need for governance and governance approaches to policing in Australia and internationally.

Subject Content

1. Ethics in policing
2. Ethical dilemmas in policing
3. Historical developments in governance and accountability
4. Corruption, misconduct, conflicts of interest - explanations and theories
5. Governance and Accountability - theories and practice, structures and mechanisms
6. Australian and international approaches to governance in policing and related industries
7. The impact of governance and accountability on policing practice

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item	Length	Percent	Threshold	Individual/Group Task
Quiz	10 x 5 question multiple choice quizzes, due weekly.	20	N	Individual
Critical Review	1,500 words	40	N	Individual
Essay	1,500 words	40	N	Individual

Prescribed Texts

Miragliotta, N., Errington, W., Barry, N. (2013). The Australian Political System in Action (2nd Ed.). Retrieved from: https://www.oup.com.au/books/higher-education/social-sciences-and-humanities/9780195518368-the-australian-political-system-in-action.

Teaching Periods