Students

PICT842 – Protecting Society: Public Policing/Private Security

2013 – S1 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
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MPICT or PGDipPICT or PGCertPICT or MPICTMIntSecSt or MIntSecStud or PGDipIntSecStud or PGCertIntSecStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Plural policing refers to the concept that policing or law enforcement in its broader context is undertaken by a variety of stakeholders within and across the public and private sectors. What were once well defined spheres of operation by the respective stakeholders have become blurred by the continual fracturing of the policing function. This unit will examine plural policing in a variety of contexts locally and overseas. It will identify partnership opportunities and explore prospective pluralistic developments over the coming decade.

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:

  • Develop an understanding of the key roles of public and private policing organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Be able to develop strategies for improving public/private partnerships in policing
  • Capacity to analyse and provide advice on strategic factors influencing the degree of plurality in policing
  • Ability to critically evaluate the impact of changes in the public/private policing dynamic
  • Appreciation of the high-quality work skills the public sector and private industry expect from Masters graduates

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Research Exercises 20% Weekly
Major Assignment 50% 24 May 2013
Minor Assignment 30% 12 April 2013

Research Exercises

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 20%

 

Select one scholarly reference each week on the issue under discussion, that is not one of the identified readings in the student material and conduct a review of no more than 300 words of the reference. They key tasks are to tease out the critical issues contained in the reference together with how it applies to the subject material in the respective week’s session outline.

Each review will be marked on a 0-1-2 point basis and with the opportunity to complete 10 reviews over the 13 sessions will equate to a maximum of 20 marks.

 NB. A scholarly article is one that has been peer reviewed and published.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop an understanding of the key roles of public and private policing organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Capacity to analyse and provide advice on strategic factors influencing the degree of plurality in policing
  • Ability to critically evaluate the impact of changes in the public/private policing dynamic

Major Assignment

Due: 24 May 2013
Weighting: 50%

 

Using the State/Nation you selected in your minor assignment, develop potential areas for further integration of public/private authorities in providing increased levels of safety and security in the community. As part of this process it is required that you develop a plan of what needs to be done to achieve success and how it might occur.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop an understanding of the key roles of public and private policing organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Be able to develop strategies for improving public/private partnerships in policing
  • Capacity to analyse and provide advice on strategic factors influencing the degree of plurality in policing
  • Ability to critically evaluate the impact of changes in the public/private policing dynamic
  • Appreciation of the high-quality work skills the public sector and private industry expect from Masters graduates

Minor Assignment

Due: 12 April 2013
Weighting: 30%

 

Select a State/Nation anywhere in the world and undertake a comprehensive analysis of the existing law enforcement environment. It would be expected that such an analysis would include a range of factors including, but not limited to who the participants are; what is the nature of partnerships; and what level of success has been achieved in improving safety and security in the community.

 

In order to maximise your assessment it would be expected that you are able to link your analysis to the theories that underpin the information you provide. (i.e. Move beyond being descriptive and become more analytical)

 

NB. The State/Nation you select for this task will also be the required selection for your major assignment.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Develop an understanding of the key roles of public and private policing organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Capacity to analyse and provide advice on strategic factors influencing the degree of plurality in policing
  • Ability to critically evaluate the impact of changes in the public/private policing dynamic
  • Appreciation of the high-quality work skills the public sector and private industry expect from Masters graduates

Delivery and Resources

 

Unit Requirements and Expectations

In accordance with normal Macquarie University expectations, you should spend, on average, at least 12 hours per week on this unit (i.e. 3 hours per credit point). This time should be spent on the following activities:

Listening to the pre-recorded lecture prior to the seminar discussion and reading the required articles

listed under Required Readings.

Engaging in discussion on-line and during contact periods.

Preparing the introductory paper.

Preparing the annotated bibliographies..

Preparing the research paper.

In addition, internal students are expected to attend all lectures.

 

Required Readings:

The citations for all the required reading for this unit are available to enrolled students through the unit iLearn site, the CD reading list and at Macquarie University’s Library eReserve site. Electronic copies of required readings may be accessed at the eReserve site.

 

Recommended Readings:

Recommended readings will be posted ot the unit iLearn site as the Session progresses

 

Technology Used and Required:

Personal PC and internet access are essential for this unit. Basic computer skills and skills in word processing are also a requirement. The unit can only be accessed by enrolled students online through http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

 

 

How to submit assessment tasks

All assignments must be submitted on ilearn as an electronic file attachment (preferably using MS Word).

Assignments submitted on Email or posted on the Discussion Board of iLearn will not be accepted.

Assignments must be submitted by the due date.

Assignments must be submitted with an Assessment Coversheet, incorporating a plagiarism declaration. A copy of this declaration can be found at: www.arts.mq.edu.au/current_students/postgraduate_coursework

 

The granting on extensions of up to one week are at the discretion of the unit convenor. Any requests for extensions must be made in writing before the due date for the submission of the assessment task. Extensions beyond one week are subject to special consideration. The policy for this is detailed under Policy and Procedures.

 

Late Submission of Assessment Tasks:

There is a penalty for the late submission of assessment tasks. If an assignment is submitted late it will initially be marked as if it had been submitted on time. However, 5% of the weighting allocated for the assignment will then be deducted from the ark the student initially achieves in the assessment task for each day it is late. For example, if the assessment task’s weighting is 20, 1.00 mark per day will be deducted from the initial mark given per day it sis late i.e. a task initially given 15/20 but which is submitted four days late will lose 4 x 1.00 marks. That means 15/20 – 4 marks = 11/20. It is the second mark which will be recorded in gradebook.

 

The same principle applies if a student seeks and is granted an extension and the assessment task is submitted later than the amended submission date.

Unit Schedule

 

  Weekly schedule:

 

 

Week 1

Introduction – Unit Overview and Objectives: Key Definitions and Concepts

 

Week 2

Defining Plural Policing Participants – Who and what are the elements that comprise the public/private policing environment. What roles do they play in modern society? What domains do we typically associate with either public or private policing? What have been some of the “Triggers for Growth” in both industries?

 

Week 3

International Experiences of Plural Policing – The degree, type and complexity of plural policing existing around the world will vary according to the social and political structures in place. This topic examines how public and private policing operates in differing international environments.

 

Week 4

Policing in the Liquor Industry – The Liquor Industry has powerful representation and influence, worldwide. This topic examines the conditions under which public and private police operate with respect to licensed premises in Australia and overseas.

 

Week 5

Policing Major Events – Mega events are becoming more commonplace. Policing and security of these events is a fundamental requirement to winning the right to host them. How do the public and private sectors work together to deliver a secure event? What are the international experiences of policing major events?

 

Week 6

Multi-agency Approaches to Policing – What roles do traditionally “non-law enforcement” agencies play in delivering safety and security to individuals and communities. Specific areas examined include the child protection, education and health sectors.

 

Week 7

Policing Public Spaces – The advent of high density living has resulted in the establishment of public/communal areas of leisure/ congregation. What strategies have been developed to ensure the safety and security of those visiting these spaces?

 

Week 8

Policing Private Spaces – “Gated” communities are an increasing phenomenon, be it in residential, industrial or commercial settings. How does safety and security work in this type of environment?

Week 9

Traffic Policing – The enforcement of traffic laws has diversified significantly over the past 30 years. This topic examines the growth in non-traditional service provision by public and private sector organisations and the complexities and challenges that brings.

 

Week 10

Remote Area Policing – Safety and security in remote/indigenous communities has been problematic for generations. The basis for the supply of security personnel and the associated budgetary implications has created a dilemma for governments around the world. This topic examines some of the successful and unsuccessful strategies in isolated communities.

 

Week 11

Do “Big” Police Forces Work – Local/Regional/National Police Forces come in all shapes and sizes. In the context of plural policing, what works and what doesn’t.

 

Week 12

Joint Strategisation – What benefits are achievable through public and private police working together

 

Week 13

Future Direction of Plural Policing – What are the likely developments in plural policing 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://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

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

Grading Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

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

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/special_consideration/policy.html

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

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. Details of these services can be accessed at: http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

UniWISE provides:

  • Online learning resources and academic skills workshops http://www.students.mq.edu.au/support/learning_skills/
  • Personal assistance with your learning & study related questions.
  • The Learning Help Desk is located in the Library foyer (level 2).
  • Online and on-campus orientation events run by Mentors@Macquarie.

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

Details of these services can be accessed at http://www.student.mq.edu.au/ses/.

IT Help

If you wish to receive IT help, we would be glad to assist you at http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/

When using the university's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students and it outlines what can be done.

Graduate Capabilities

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

  • Develop an understanding of the key roles of public and private policing organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Be able to develop strategies for improving public/private partnerships in policing
  • Capacity to analyse and provide advice on strategic factors influencing the degree of plurality in policing
  • Ability to critically evaluate the impact of changes in the public/private policing dynamic

Assessment tasks

  • Research Exercises
  • Major Assignment
  • Minor Assignment

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

  • Be able to develop strategies for improving public/private partnerships in policing
  • Capacity to analyse and provide advice on strategic factors influencing the degree of plurality in policing
  • Ability to critically evaluate the impact of changes in the public/private policing dynamic
  • Appreciation of the high-quality work skills the public sector and private industry expect from Masters graduates

Assessment tasks

  • Research Exercises
  • Major Assignment
  • Minor Assignment

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

  • Be able to develop strategies for improving public/private partnerships in policing
  • Capacity to analyse and provide advice on strategic factors influencing the degree of plurality in policing
  • Ability to critically evaluate the impact of changes in the public/private policing dynamic
  • Appreciation of the high-quality work skills the public sector and private industry expect from Masters graduates

Assessment tasks

  • Research Exercises
  • Major Assignment
  • Minor Assignment

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 outcome

  • Capacity to analyse and provide advice on strategic factors influencing the degree of plurality in policing

Assessment tasks

  • Research Exercises
  • Major Assignment
  • Minor Assignment

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

  • Develop an understanding of the key roles of public and private policing organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Be able to develop strategies for improving public/private partnerships in policing
  • Appreciation of the high-quality work skills the public sector and private industry expect from Masters graduates

Assessment tasks

  • Research Exercises
  • Major Assignment
  • Minor Assignment

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

  • Develop an understanding of the key roles of public and private policing organisations in the delivery of public safety
  • Be able to develop strategies for improving public/private partnerships in policing
  • Capacity to analyse and provide advice on strategic factors influencing the degree of plurality in policing
  • Appreciation of the high-quality work skills the public sector and private industry expect from Masters graduates

Assessment tasks

  • Research Exercises
  • Major Assignment
  • Minor Assignment