Teaching Introduction to Policing

Teaching Introduction to Policing provides instructors of introductory policing courses with creative and effective teaching methods to better engage students and guide them to a greater understanding of the United States law enforcement system and its role in the administration of justice.

The book begins with practical advice for designing a course that will meet both the instructor's needs and those of their students, setting the tone on the first day of class, and determining effective student learning outcomes. In later chapters, the text presents diverse teaching and learning methods, including adult-based, problem-centered learning, the lecture approach, instructing large classes, and more. The text provides specific recommendations for using case studies and exercises in classes to introduce students to the history of policing, the nature of patrol, criminal investigations, the rule of law, police accountability, civil liability, various local and national policing agencies, and contemporary issues in the field. The book concludes with discussions of how to integrate technology in the classroom, how to accurately assess student learning, and the many positive - and some potentially negative - aspects of teaching introductory policing courses. In addition, five exhibits include samples of a course outline and an examination.

Featuring invaluable insight from the fields of criminal justice and education, Teaching Introduction to Policing is designed to provide novice instructors with enlightening and practical ideas to make the most of the classroom experience for both themselves and their students.

Kenneth J. Peak is emeritus professor, former chair, and teaching awards recipient at the Department of Criminal Justice, University of Nevada, Reno. In addition to his 32-year career at University of Nevada, Reno, he twice served as a university police chief, municipal police officer, criminal justice planner, director of a four-state technical assistance training institute, assistant professor of criminal justice (at Wichita State University), and adjunct instructor. His vast professional experience has informed his numerous published works on various aspects of law enforcement and criminal justice administration.