Students

PICT842 – Strategic Law Enforcement

2017 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Garry Dobson
Contact via garry.dobson@mq.edu.au
by appointment
Lecturer
Vincent Hurley
Contact via vincent.hurley@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MCrim or MPICT or MCPICT or PGDipPICT or GradDipPICT or GradDipCPICT or PGCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MCPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or GradDipIntSecStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The western democratic perspective that public policing own and control the public safety domain is no longer valid. The role of private security beyond that of the 'night watch' or 'loss prevention' was until more recent times not considered relevant. The developing influence of neo-liberal principles in public administration, influenced by declining public funding availability and a push towards responsibilisation has seen the development of both the private security industry and other public/government agencies as key operational and strategic players in the safety and security market. The purpose of this unit is to look at the industry that is public safety and security, examine those who have a stake in the industry, the decision makers, specific components of the industry and the partnerships that are involved. In doing so the emphasis is not on the role of public police but on the role of public agency personnel and private security personnel in working with the public police in the Law Enforcement Industry. It is designed to provide a context for how each of these groups work together to ensure the safety and security of the community.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Analyse the history and development of public and private organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Examine the complexities of private/public sector safety and security relationships
  • Critically evaluate the role and function of government in providing opportunities for the pluralisation of the law enforcement industry.
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing public settings
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing private settings

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Quiz No 1 5% No Week 4
Minor Assignment - 2000 words 30% No End of week 8
Quiz No 2 15% No Week 10
Major Assignment - 2500 words 50% No End of week 12

Quiz No 1

Due: Week 4
Weighting: 5%

On line quiz


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse the history and development of public and private organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Examine the complexities of private/public sector safety and security relationships
  • Critically evaluate the role and function of government in providing opportunities for the pluralisation of the law enforcement industry.
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing public settings

Minor Assignment - 2000 words

Due: End of week 8
Weighting: 30%

Assignment will be posted for enrolled students to access on iLearn site


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse the history and development of public and private organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Examine the complexities of private/public sector safety and security relationships
  • Critically evaluate the role and function of government in providing opportunities for the pluralisation of the law enforcement industry.
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing public settings
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing private settings

Quiz No 2

Due: Week 10
Weighting: 15%

On line quiz


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Examine the complexities of private/public sector safety and security relationships
  • Critically evaluate the role and function of government in providing opportunities for the pluralisation of the law enforcement industry.
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing public settings

Major Assignment - 2500 words

Due: End of week 12
Weighting: 50%

Details of assignment wil be posted on iLearn site for enrolled students


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Analyse the history and development of public and private organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Examine the complexities of private/public sector safety and security relationships
  • Critically evaluate the role and function of government in providing opportunities for the pluralisation of the law enforcement industry.
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing public settings
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing private settings

Delivery and Resources

DELIVERY AND RESOURCES

 

UNIT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

  • You should spend an average of 12 hours per week on this unit. This includes listening to lectures prior to seminar or tutorial, reading weekly required materials as detailed in iLearn, participating in Ilearn discussion forums and preparing assessments.
  • Internal students are expected to attend all seminar or tutorial sessions, and external students are expected to make significant contributions to on-line activities.
  • In most cases students are required to attempt and submit all major assessment tasks in order to pass the unit.

 

REQUIRED READINGS

  • The citations for all the required readings for this unit are available to enrolled students through the unit iLearn site, and at Macquarie University's library site.  Electronic copies of required readings may be accessed through the library or will be made available by other means.

 

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

  • Computer and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement.
  • This unit has an online presence. Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/
  • Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.
  • Information about IT used at Macquarie University is available at  http://students.mq.edu.au/it_services/

 

SUBMITTING ASSESSMENT TASKS

  • All text-based assessment tasks are to be submitted, marked and returned electronically.  This will only happen through the unit iLearn site. 
  • Assessment tasks must be submitted as a MS word document by the due date.
  • Most assessment tasks will be subject to a 'TurnitIn' review as an automatic part of the submission process.
  • The granting of extensions is subject to the university’s Disruptions Policy. Extensions will not in normal circumstances be granted by unit conveners or tutors, but must be lodged through Disruption to Study: http://www.students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/manage_your_study_program/disruption_to_studies/.

 

 

LATE SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT TASKS

  • If an assignment is submitted late, 5% of the available mark will be deducted for each day (including weekends) the paper is late.
  • For example, if a paper is worth 20 marks, 1 mark will be deducted from the grade given for each day that it is late (i.e. a student given 15/20 who submitted 4 days late will lose 4 marks = 11/20).
  • The same principle applies if an extension is granted and the assignment is submitted later than the amended date.

 

 

WORD LIMITS FOR ASSESSMENT TASKS

  • Stated word limits include footnotes and footnoted references, but not bibliography, or title page.
  • Word limits can generally deviate by 10% either over or under the stated figure.
  • If the number of words exceeds the limit by more than 10%, then penalties will apply. These penalties are 5% of the awarded mark for every 100 words over the word limit. If a paper is 300 words over, for instance, it will lose 3 x 5% = 15% of the total mark awarded for the assignment. This percentage is taken off the total mark, i.e. if a paper was graded at a credit (65%) and was 300 words over, it would be reduced by 15 marks to a pass (50%).
  • The application of this penalty is at the discretion of the course convener.

 

REASSESSMENT OF ASSIGNMENTS DURING THE SEMESTER

  • Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy in cases where students feel their work was graded inappropriately: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
  • In accordance with the Grade Appeal Policy, individual works are not subject to regrading.

 

STAFF AVAILABILITY

  • Department staff will endeavour to answer student enquiries in a timely manner. However, emails or iLearn messages will not usually be answered over the weekend or public holiday period.
  • Students are encouraged to read the Unit Guide and look at instructions posted on the iLearn site before sending email requests to staff.

 

Unit Schedule

 

Week 1

IntroductionThis session is designed to set the direction for the semester, outlining the basics of what the Law Enforcement Industry is (as distinct from the policing profession). A broad overview of both the history and development of the industry is provided along with a more detailed assessment of the complexity of the Law Enforcement Industry from a participant perspective.

 

Week 2

International Experiences of Strategic Law Enforcement:

Around the world there are many influencers of the design, development and strength of the Law Enforcement Industry. Custom and practice, legislative frameworks, social constructs, economic systems, emerging authority, declining governments, religious considerations and the presence of military based threats, to name a few all come together to create an environment that dictates historical, current and future directions in Law Enforcement. This session looks at a range of those influencers and analyses the Strategic Law Enforcement systems that are operating in a number of differing circumstances. The intent is together with the information provided in week 1 to create an understanding of differing systems of law enforcement and provide a context that would enable comparison between them.

 

Week 3

The Partnership Process:Now, armed with the knowledge of what the Law Enforcement Industry is and what it looks like in differing socio/political environments, it is time to focus more sharply on how the Law Enforcement Industry operates. The basic concept that public police no longer have the capacity or even capability to cater to the needs of the community in providing a safe and secure environment, leads us to an examination of how these somewhat disparate groups can come together to achieve the desired goal of safety and security. How do police and public agencies work together? How do public agencies and private security work together? How do police and private security work together? What are the issues that can bring them together? What might prevent them from working together? Is it desirable for them to work together? These are just a few of the core issues that require examination.

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Week 4

The Role of Government:As the military is necessary to provide external border protection, the participants in the Law Enforcement Industry are responsible for ensuring that the internal health of the community is protected. On that basis, the government/s of the day has a significant responsibility to put in place the policies, legislation and operating conditions to create both stability and security of the populace. Further, it needs to create the circumstances where the partnerships can develop and where appropriate flourish to provide the type and level of safety and security that the community needs. In looking at some of the different forms of government, their philosophical bases and decision making constraints, we can gain an understanding of both the complexity of their involvement and the impact that governments have on creating the most appropriate Law Enforcement Industry environment.

 

Week 5

Peacekeeping – the military/policing/private security challenges

This session examines the development and implementation of Law Enforcement in environments where the separation between the external goals of a nation and the internal goals of a community is less clear. There has been an increasing trend internationally for the global community to engage in securing “rogue” states and then bringing about stability through peacekeeping and community building activities. Whereas in developed nations the lines of demarcation between military and police/private contractors are well defined, in conflict zones the lines are less clear. At what point does a military operation become a law enforcement function? Can both operate concurrently? Do the military have a role in community building? These are just some of the issues that require greater analysis and thought.

 

Week 6

Customs/Border Protection:This is the first of the “drill down” subject areas that looks at the practicalities of how the Law Enforcement Industry operates. State police forces have clearly defined boundaries, responsibilities and authority. The same cannot be said for organised crime and criminals. Increasingly organised crime is operating on an international scale, with the movement of contraband and the proceeds of crime expanding beyond national borders. The partnership of national bodies such as Customs with police forces and private security organisations is crucial. The synergy that can be achieved through the application of powers, authority and capability is an important element of the ability of a nation to secure its borders. In this session we look at how it operates and analyse means by which greater synergy can be obtained.

 

Week 7

Immigration: In this session we examine another critical national agency and examine their role in the Law Enforcement Industry. Through the application of their agency specific powers and authority the Immigration authorities have the ability to prevent undesirables from entering the community or if once in the community have the authority to expel them. Whilst these functions are simple in description, the application of the powers and authority in a practical setting is far more complex and together with other participants in the Law Enforcement Industry, Immigration has a key role to play in providing a safe and secure community

Week 8

Counter Terrorism/Intelligence:Counter terrorism operations have become so complex in recent years that it is effectively an industry on its own. That of itself has created significant issues internationally as gaps in the coordination of prevention and response strategies have appeared. There has been a concerted push by governments to bring a greater sense of coordination to these vital public safety and security functions. In this session we will examine who these participants are and how they come together within the Law Enforcement context to create a cohesive operating environment and build perceptions of safety and security within the community.

 

Week 9

Public Agency Involvement: The advent of multi-layered partnerships between police forces and other publicly funded agencies has not happened by chance. It has been the result of a changing socio/political landscape that has placed greater emphasis on control of budgets and assignation of responsibility through decentralised decision making. Where once it was considered standard practice that to reduce crime an increase in police numbers was necessary, now there are an increasing number of public agencies providing safety and security functions to the Law Enforcement Industry. This session will look at what these agencies do and how they contribute to an improved level of safety and security in the community.

 

Week 10

Major Events:The increased mobility and affluence of the community has in recent years given rise to an increasing number of major events being conducted in world cities. These events are no longer confined to stadia nor purpose built structures. In fact those attending major events may not even attend for the purpose that the event was created. Major protests and community led reactions to issues that may in some way relate to the event can create even greater problems than the logistics of the event itself. Examples such as the G20, APEC and WTO meetings can attract tens of thousands of protestors even though the participants may number in the hundreds. The Olympic Games are held in at least 14 different facilities with many running concurrently, in addition to common domain locations. Iconic rock concerts can be held in open areas with little infrastructure. Even religious festivals such as World Youth Day which attract up to 2 million participants, may contain up to 21 separate events and be held in the most unusual of places including airstrips, race tracks, farms, mountain tops, rivers and harbours. The need for a collaborative effort between dozens of participants in the Law Enforcement Industry is paramount if these events are to be successful. This session will focus on the partnership practices that develop as organisations work together to provide a safe and secure environment.

Week 11

The Liquor Industry:Perhaps one of the most heavily regulated and controlled industries in the western world, the Liquor Industry provides a huge source of employment, wealth and entertainment to communities. Unfortunately, one of the by-products of these benefits has been the anti-social, criminal and often violent activities associated with the sale, distribution and service of alcohol. Policing resources are inordinately committed to alcohol related crime, but they are not the only agency to do so. A host of public agencies commit resources to compliance, investigation and prosecution of those in the Liquor Industry who work outside their obligations. The role of private security in the Liquor Industry is also significant. How then do the participants work together to develop more safe and secure environments? Are they successful? How can it be done better? What is the role of Government? These are just a few of the questions that will be dealt with in this session.

 

Week 12

Public/Private Spaces:The notion that public police are the sole provider of safety and security in either the public or private domain is completely outmoded. In the modern context local government, state government, national government and any number of private agencies all provide a level of service that collectively comprises law enforcement in public and private spaces. Critical infrastructure is protected by a host of participants. There are an increasing number of gated communities, controlled by private security. Shopping centres have private guards and access control. Public parks are patrolled by police, council officers and private security. How has this come to pass? How does it work? Are there best practice examples? This session will look at the environment that is security in public and private spaces.

 

Week 13

Future Directions:20 years ago the notion that commercial agents would perform such a broad range of operational functions that were the purview of public police would have been unthinkable. Yet here we are with private security organisations patrolling public streets, working in conflict zones, securing public assets, even controlling entry into public policing facilities. That, combined with the almost exponential increase in public agency enforcement and investigation functions has created an exceedingly complex Law Enforcement Industry. This session will examine trends and directions in law enforcement, considering further opportunities for development over the next decade.

 

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse the history and development of public and private organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Critically evaluate the role and function of government in providing opportunities for the pluralisation of the law enforcement industry.
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing public settings
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing private settings

Assessment tasks

  • Minor Assignment - 2000 words
  • Major Assignment - 2500 words

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse the history and development of public and private organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Examine the complexities of private/public sector safety and security relationships
  • Critically evaluate the role and function of government in providing opportunities for the pluralisation of the law enforcement industry.
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing public settings
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing private settings

Assessment tasks

  • Quiz No 1
  • Minor Assignment - 2000 words
  • Quiz No 2
  • Major Assignment - 2500 words

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse the history and development of public and private organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Examine the complexities of private/public sector safety and security relationships
  • Critically evaluate the role and function of government in providing opportunities for the pluralisation of the law enforcement industry.
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing public settings
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing private settings

Assessment tasks

  • Quiz No 1
  • Minor Assignment - 2000 words
  • Quiz No 2
  • Major Assignment - 2500 words

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Examine the complexities of private/public sector safety and security relationships
  • Critically evaluate the role and function of government in providing opportunities for the pluralisation of the law enforcement industry.
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing public settings
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing private settings

Assessment tasks

  • Quiz No 1
  • Minor Assignment - 2000 words
  • Quiz No 2
  • Major Assignment - 2500 words

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse the history and development of public and private organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Examine the complexities of private/public sector safety and security relationships

Assessment tasks

  • Minor Assignment - 2000 words
  • Major Assignment - 2500 words

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse the history and development of public and private organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Critically evaluate the role and function of government in providing opportunities for the pluralisation of the law enforcement industry.
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing public settings
  • Evaluate the delivery of law enforcement services in differing private settings

Assessment tasks

  • Minor Assignment - 2000 words
  • Major Assignment - 2500 words