Week 1

Introduction

This session will give an overview of the semester, outlining expectations, going over assessment items and answering any questions you may have on anything coming up.

Week

2

The Birth of Policing in Colonial Australia

Policing in NSW commenced about 60 years before the inception of what is called ‘The Modern Police’, the introduction of Peels Police in 1827. Yet despite this, policing in Australia is largely premised on Peels 9 Principles of Policing.

This week will examine the origins of policing in NSW.

Week 3

International Policing Systems

Scholars who advocate democratic policing have identified several tenets that are fundamental to democratic policing, such as the rule of law, accountability to the public, open decision making, minimal use of force, involvement of public in policing, maximum respect for human rights, and internal democracy in the organization. At the other end of the policing spectrum is authoritarian policing and religious police.

This session will provide a contrast with other policing systems and see how policing in Australia (& other Western Democratic) may benefit or not, from these policing regimes.

Week 4

Border Protection

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 Australian Border Force 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 5

The Policing of Weak Nation States. Pacific Region   

The nature of human interaction is such that conflict will always be present somewhere. In times where some form of warfare takes place, there is an expectation that the United Nations will assume some form of responsibility for returning the conflict zones or failing state to a more secure footing. Of necessity, in the post-military intervention phase, this will generally involve the construct of a civilian peacekeeping/law and order force, comprised of civilian police officers and private contractors who will be responsible for installing a system of safety, security and law and order that will offer stability and equity to the general populace.

This session will look at previous and current examples of law enforcement systems installed in countries where conflict has occurred within the Asia Pacific Region 

Week

6  

 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 7

 The Partnership Process

The 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.

Week 8

 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. 

Week 9

 Policing Terrorism

 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 10

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 11

 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 12

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.