Bakersfield College
Syllabus
Criminal Justice 50
Criminal Justice Report Writing
Fall, 2014 (CRN 70979) Instructor: Dr. Charles Feer
Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:10 pm – 12:35 pm Office Hours: Before/After Class
Location: LA 111 Telephone: 661-330-2746
E-Mail:
Catalog Course Description: Emphasizes the practical aspects of gathering, organizing and preparing written reports for correctional activities on local, stated and federal levels. Covers techniques of communicating facts, information, and ideas effectively, in simple, clear and logical manner for various types of criminal justice system reports, letters, memos.
Prerequisites: None. (Reading Level 5 or 6 recommended.)
Text Books: (Required) Miller & Whitehead, Report Writing for Criminal Justice Professionals 5th Edition (Anderson Publishing) 2015
ISBN 978-1-4557-7769-3
Class Attendance Policy: Is held in strict observance of the College Attendance policy. If any student misses two weeks of class without explanation, they may be dropped. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO DROP THE CLASS. Failure to do so, and if I do not drop you, will result in an “F” for the course.
Academic Honesty Policy: Is per the College Catalog and will be strictly enforced.
Note: There is no class meeting on November 11 – (Thank a Veteran) and November 27 (Happy Thanksgiving).
FINAL EXAM: December 9th, 2014, 11:00 – 1:00 pm
Grading Policy: Course Grading:
Class Participation = 25% 90 – 100% = A
Projects = 25% 80 - 89% = B
Tests/Quiz = 25% 70 – 79% = C
Final Exam = 25% 60 – 69% = D
Notice of Invitation
Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Supportive Services (661-395-4334), FACE 16, as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Please talk with me if I can be of any assistance to facilitate your learning.
Students with disabilities who have been authorized alternate media (Braille, electronic text, etc.) to supplement or in lieu of text books and other printed materials for class may obtain necessary information related to the books that will be used in the classroom. Information needed will include text book information are to provide the name and edition of the text, author, and ISBN, syllabus, handouts, etc. that you will be using for your class. You or I can e-mail the materials to: . The text and other materials will be converted into the student’s preferred format.
Please feel free to contact Supportive Services at 395-4334 for more information or assistance.
INSTRUCTOR EVALUATION
Sometime during the semester, there may be a student evaluation of my teaching. This is brought to your attention now so that you can take note and provide honest and helpful evaluation.
CRIM B50 Criminal Justice Report Writing Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of CRIM B50-Criminal Justice Report Writing with a grade of C or better, the student will be able to:
1. Anticipate and illustrate the potential uses of written communication in the job setting of the corrections/criminal justice system.
2. Write clearly, concisely, accurately, objectively and logically using correct grammatical structure and appropriate language/vocabulary applied to a variety of writing assignments.
3. Organize and develop a cohesive written report synthesizing several sources, defining problems and formulating conclusions.
4. Demonstrate the basic steps of interviewing using non-verbal observation and communication, and write a satisfactory report based on an interview.
5. Accurately write an objective report based on the student’s observation and listening skills.
6. Demonstrate the ability to synthesize a situation and break crimes into reportable elements.
7. Recognize proper demeanor in court and on the stand.
8. Understand and discuss the importance of proper preparation for a court appearance.
9. Articulate and illustrate proper preparation for direct and cross examination.
10.Discuss and analyze standardized civil service tests.
11.Describe and illustrate essay tests commonly used in the Criminal Justice system.
12.Describe and illustrate aptitude and psychological testing.
13.Identify and illustrate new reporting techniques.
14.Articulate the orderly processing of cases through the justice system from investigation through appeal;
15. Possess a body of knowledge, skills, recognized as a suitable foundation for further academic study or professional training