How To Be A Successful Criminal Justice Practitioner

Transcription

1 Camosun College School of Arts and Science Criminal Justice Programs

2 Camosun College School of Arts and Science Criminal Justice Programs Values, Beliefs, Principles Ideals, Values, Beliefs, Principles that Serve as Foundations for the Criminal Justice Programs The Criminal Justice Program is founded on the fundamental principles of natural justice, harm reduction and protection of society. While providing a sound academic foundation, the program also promotes the principles of fairness, equality, equity, integrity, and ethical practice and seeks to instil these values in its graduates. Graduates of both the Associate Degree Program and Diploma in Criminal Justice will leave with the fundamental knowledge, skills and abilities to sensitively contribute to a just and fair society. These values, beliefs, and ideals are an integral part of both curriculum and teaching strategies. They also form the basis of a number of themes or threads that are interwoven through the learning experiences of our students. The Program Graduates The work done by graduates of the Criminal Justice programs is based on a set of fundamental values, beliefs, and legal/ethical principles. These core values, beliefs and principles serve as the foundation of practice in the criminal justice field and underpin all of the teaching/learning activities that take place within the programs. These values, beliefs and principles include: In their approach to their practice, graduates of the Criminal Justice programs display: Critical thinking and effective problem-solving Honesty and integrity 2

3 Responsibility for safety and security of self and others Reliability and cooperation Respect for the rights and fair treatment of others Accountability Legal/ethical practice Respect for diversity Self-awareness Civic responsibility Commitment to personal/professional growth Commitment to personal health-enhancing lifestyle practices In their work with individuals, clients, families and communities, graduates: Interact with others in a manner that reflects a firm understanding of human rights, social justice and harm reduction Respect privacy and confidentiality Use appropriate sources of information to inform and guide practice Base decisions and solutions on sound theoretical, legal and ethical principles Value mediation, negotiation and conflict/dispute resolution Display awareness of the impact on clients/families of the organizational and structural elements of the judicial system Consider client, family, community diversity in relation to law, legislation, policy, procedure and interventions Present themselves as suitable role models Interact constructively with diverse populations Display appropriate boundaries In their work with colleagues and justice system, graduates: Interact with others in a respectful manner Contribute to constructive group/team functioning Contribute to constructive organizational partnerships Are attuned to systemic inequities 3

4 Protect confidentiality of sensitive information Adapt constructively to changing situations Teaching and Learning Approaches Certain teaching and learning approaches both to content and process help students to incrementally move towards becoming the criminal justice professionals that reflect the values, beliefs and principles that serve as foundational to the Criminal Justice programs. Some of these approaches include: Promoting integration of theory and practice, emphasizing practical application at all levels Promoting critical thinking, problem-solving and informed decision-making through the use of case analysis and other approaches Encouraging the development of critical reflection and research skills Encouraging perspective-taking, and offering students opportunities to justify their position on a variety of issues Assisting students to become effective team players through a variety of interactive, small group experiences Helping students to successfully move through the stages and steps of their development, encouraging and counselling as the need arises Giving useful and frequent feedback on their progress and providing suggestions for ways they might improve, if needed Demystifying and providing accurate information about realities of the field in order that students can make informed choices about their lives Balancing challenge with support Helping and encouraging students to maintain a healthy balance in their lives Helping students shape their identity and find their way in the broad field of criminal justice Serving as models of the type of people who will survive and thrive in the criminal justice field by reflecting skills and abilities such as timeliness, balance, integrity, sharing, honesty, critical problem-solving, respectfulness Emphasizing process as much as outcomes 4

5 School of Arts and Science Programs in Criminal Justice The Criminal Justice Program offers students two educational options: the Associate of Arts Degree Criminal Justice and the Diploma in Criminal Justice. The two options provide students with two years of post-secondary education in this field, though typically Associate of Arts Degree students will continue on to a Bachelor s Degree, while Diploma students will pursue employment in the field. Both options share common core curricula for the first year of the program. At the completion of Year One, students can choose the option best meeting their needs. Students who wish to qualify for both the Diploma in Criminal Justice and the Associate of Arts Degree may apply 75% of the earned credits of the existing Camosun diploma or associate degree towards the required credits for one additional Camosun diploma or associate degree. Diploma in Criminal Justice The Diploma in Criminal Justice prepares students to function as front-line practitioners within the criminal justice field. The applied program provides students with the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and values necessary to be successful in a broad range of entry-level positions, with a distinct focus on the integration of theory and practice. Course work also provides an understanding of law, policy, and practice as it pertains to criminal justice. The Diploma may be accepted at a number of universities; for the transferability of individual courses to BC universities, consult the Transfer Guide published by the BC Council on Admissions and Transfers. Students leaving with the Diploma will graduate with competencies including effective interpersonal and communication skills, problem solving, basic conflict resolution and mediation, the management of cases, behaviour and emotions, effective interviewing and report writing, and the ability to be reflective practitioners and successful team members. 5

6 Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice The Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice provides two years of interdisciplinary studies in line with provinciallyestablished Associate Degree requirements. The program of studies provides a fundamental understanding of law, the justice system, criminology, and issues faced by government, community and practitioners. The Associate of Arts Degree will be particularly attractive to students wishing to continue on to traditional upper-level studies focusing on theory and research in criminology. It provides all the courses necessary to transfer directly to third year in the Criminology degree program at Simon Fraser University or other justice-related Bachelor degree programs. These students will leave with academic skills needed for success in upper-level studies, including the ability to communicate clearly and appropriately, to think critically, and conduct effective research. Completion of a Bachelor s Degree in Criminology provides access to specific career areas such as probation, parole, crime analysis, policy analysis, CSIS intelligence analysis, correctional counselling, immigration, diversion, and evaluation research, as well as supervisory positions within the criminal justice system. NOTE: Students in both the Diploma and the Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice take the same courses in the first year of their program of studies. Consequently, students do not have to decide on which program to pursue until they have completed the first year. 6

7 Camosun College School of Arts and Science Criminal Justice Diploma Program Program Purpose The Criminal Justice Diploma program provides learners with a broad base of knowledge about criminal justice and criminology along with applied knowledge, skills and abilities that prepare graduates to function in a range of justice roles. Graduates will have a foundation of abilities that prepare them for work in a number of fields, including: Policing Adult and youth corrections Community corrections Victim services Restorative justice Customs and immigration Security Various community related justice services. Graduates may continue their education towards a baccalaureate degree at a number of post-secondary institutions, including: Camosun College (Bachelor of Applied Criminal Justice) Simon Fraser University University College of the Fraser Valley Royal Roads University BCIT Malaspina University College Thompson Rivers University University of Regina University of Ottawa 7

8 Program 1. Apply knowledge from a variety of disciplines to problems and issues in order to explore practical solutions Recognize the psychological, biological and sociological origins of crime and violence Recognize the impact of crime and violence on victims in particular and society in general Apply basic principles of psychology, sociology, and criminology to professional practice Apply fundamental concepts of political science, law and policy making to practice in the criminal justice field Display an awareness of international perspectives and issues within the criminal justice field Display an understanding of victimology as it relates to the justice system 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the interconnection between the political system, public mental health systems, child and family services and the criminal justice system Recognize the impact of social problems on individuals, families and groups Display an understanding of the mandate, functioning and interrelationships of the various systems and services as they pertain to client service delivery 3. Explain how social policy and criminal justice policy relate to practices within the criminal justice field Describe the various components of government and their roles in creating laws, regulations, and policies that influence the criminal justice field Identify the effects of political and social changes and trends on the criminal justice field Recognize the relationship between political trends, public opinion, and special interest groups and the provision of criminal justice services 4. Display an understanding of diversity issues within criminal justice practice Display an understanding of systemic inequities related to age, class, race, gender language, ethnicity, sexual orientation, 8

9 physical and mental ability within criminal justice services Discuss issues of privilege, social stratification and power as these pertain to interactions within the criminal justice field Identify personal perspectives and biases in order to be aware of own stand point when working with diverse groups Communicate with diverse populations in a sensitive manner Support individual differences in positive, respectful and constructive ways Apply intervention techniques in a manner that demonstrates respect for diversity Demonstrate understanding and respect for the history, culture and worldview of indigenous individuals and groups Consider client diversity in relation to law, legislation, policy, procedures and interventions 5. Display an understanding of approaches for intervening with clients, individually and in groups, that facilitate constructive outcomes Present self as a suitable role model for clients Identify and explain concepts of harm reduction, social justice, and human rights Describe how to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients Be aware of the impact on clients of the organizational and structural elements of the judicial system Identify client behaviours requiring intervention Discuss how to use behaviour management techniques in a variety of situations Display appropriate boundaries when working with clients Specify behavioural changes that could lead to crisis and emergency situations Identify ways to prevent, contain, control or diffuse crises or emergency situations Discuss the elements of case management within criminal justice practice Describe what and how to report client behaviour consistent with legal and organizational requirements Evaluate effectiveness of interventions 6. Describe the potential value of mediation, negotiation and conflict/dispute resolution within the criminal justice system Recognize the need and employ approaches for diffusing anger, hostility or resistant behaviours Identify the core concepts of mediation, negotiation and conflict/dispute resolution 9

10 Discuss when mediation, negotiation and conflict/ dispute resolution approaches might be useful in criminal justice practice 7. Locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, synthesize and present qualitative and quantitative information Access information through a variety of sources including technological sources Evaluate sources of information for accuracy, relevancy and currency including media and electronic sources Use appropriate sources of information to inform and guide personal practice Understand basic research terms and their meaning Summarize relevant information from diverse and credible sources Use basic research and investigative skills appropriate to the task and context within criminal justice practice 8. Communicate clearly, accurately and in sensitive ways in oral, written and visual forms Use effective interpersonal skills when communicating with individuals Interact with others in a respectful manner Apply an understanding of effective presentation skills within both small and large group contexts Display an awareness of the essentials of effective interviews Use basic computer technologies for transmission of information 9. Recognize and develop effective working relationships with groups and teams in order to achieve goals Explain how to be an effective team member Identify the dynamics of groups Discuss the processes of effective group development and functioning Deal appropriately with conflict within a group situation 10. Adapt and flex with changing situations within the criminal justice context Understand how change affects individuals, groups and systems Reflect on personal ability to adapt to change 10

11 Identify ways to be an effective practitioner within a changing context Reflect on own ability to adapt to change with an accurate awareness of personal strengths and challenges 11. Take responsibility for own actions and decisions as an entry level criminal justice professional Protect confidentiality of client and other sensitive information Apply legal standards and regulations to professional practice Act with honesty and integrity Function according to ethical practice Develop ongoing personal and professional strategies to enhance job performance and career opportunities Recognize the importance of civic responsibility 12. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of balancing competing demands of the work role with personal health-enhancing activities Discuss the competing demands of the work role that can cause stress and imbalance in one s life Recognize the demands of working in a 24-hour-a-day, 7 day-a-week schedule and the challenges this presents for personal balance and well-being. Identify ways to maintain personal and professional balance Implement healthful living strategies 11

12 Themes/values/threads that will be drawn through the Criminal Justice programs The curriculum design incorporates a number of themes or threads that were identified as part of the review and renewal process as being important to creating a knowledgeable and effective criminal justice practitioner. These themes/ threads both inform the teaching and learning approaches and are woven throughout the course content. These include: Critical thinking and effective problem-solving Evaluation, analysis and interpretation of information allowing students to come to well reasoned conclusions and find solutions to complex problems Legal/ethical practice This includes recognition of the need to follow the rule of law and a demonstrated understanding of personal and organizational ethics. Students are expected to demonstrate behaviour and actions that are consistent with the discipline.) Diversity Students will develop respect for and awareness of individual and group differences as well as recognition of commonalities, both historically and in current relations. This includes recognition of power and privilege. Application of knowledge to the Real World Through the use of case studies, interactive role play, guest speakers and other teaching and learning strategies, students will be given the opportunity to connect knowledge, theory and practice. Intellectual Curiosity/ Critical practice Successful practitioners will be those who take the initiative to remain current, to engage in lifelong learning, will be proactive, self sufficient, and resourceful. They also understand socio economic stratification, engage in reflection and advocate for change. 12

13 Entrance Requirements School of Arts and Science Criminal Justice Diploma And Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice The Admission requirements for entrance into either the Criminal Justice Diploma or Associate of Arts Degree include: A letter grade of C+ or higher in English 12, or TPC 12, or assessment A grade of C or higher in one of Math 11, Math 172, Math 073, or Applications of Math 12; or a C+ in Math 072; or a C- in Math 12; or assessment 13

14 Criminal Justice Diploma Program Courses CURRICULUM DESIGN Semester 1 (Fall) CRIM 150 Administration of Justice CRIM 154 The Criminal Justice System ENG 150 English Composition PSYC 110 Experimental Psychology SOC 100 Social Structure & Organization Semester 3 (Fall) CRIM 200 (N) Professional Practice CRIM 204 (N) CJ Interpersonal Skills CRIM 205 (N) Case Management CRIM 252 Correctional Services MATH 116 Elementary Statistics YEAR I Semester 2 (Winter) CRIM 166 Introduction to Criminology CRIM 170 Law & Legal Institutions CRIM 188 Issues in Criminal Justice PHIL 110 Logical & Critical Thinking PSYC 130 Contemporary Issues YEAR II Semester 4 (Winter) CRIM 211 (N) CJ Behaviour Management CRIM 215 (N) Alternative Justice & Dispute Resolution CRIM 270 Criminal Law CRIM 254 Youth Offenders & Justice OR CRIM 274 Law Enforcement OR CRIM 286 Women & Criminal Justice PSYC 201 Research Methods in Psychology 14

15 School of Arts and Science Criminal Justice Diploma Program s YEAR 1 Semester 1 (Fall) CRIM 150 Administration of Justice (3 credits) This course in an introduction to the historical development and current operation of governing and law-making institutions in Canada, and the political, constitutional, and legal concepts of the Canadian justice system. (T) Prerequisites: C+ in English 12 or assessment 1. Describe the political and administrative systems which provide the environment within which the criminal justice system in Canada operates and the policy and law-making processes. 2. Articulate awareness of the interaction between politics and the criminal justice system in Canada. 3. Identify the key players in the criminal justice system. 4. Identify and assess important issues in Canadian government and politics that have an impact on the operation of the criminal justice system CRIM 154 The Criminal Justice System (3 credits) This course examines the Canadian criminal justice system, its components, process, objectives, and functionaries. It includes an analysis of discretion, diversion, decision-making processes and the operational practices of the system. (T) Prerequisites: C+ in English 12 or assessment 15

16 1. Outline the legislative basis, structure and functions of the various components of the Canadian criminal justice system. 2. Identify how each component of the criminal justice system interrelates with other components and with the larger society within which it operates. 3. Track the process of an accused person through the critical decision-making points of the Canadian criminal justice system. 4. Identify and critically discuss contemporary issues affecting the structure and operations of the Canadian criminal justice (e.g. youth justice, female offenders and Aboriginal justice). ENG 150 English Composition (3 credits) This course centers on organizing and expressing ideas in clear and effective written prose. Instruction and practice in writing college-level expository prose, based on appropriate models, form the core. Individual assignments range from 500-2,500 words in length (course total of 4,000 to 4,500 words). (T) Prerequisites: C+ in English 12 or assessment 1. Write expository prose for various purposes and audiences. Develop a mature writing process, which may include prewriting, planning, drafting, conferring, revising and editing/proofing. Select and use rhetorical patterns purposefully. Write correct, clear, cohesive, and effective English. Vary style purposefully through manipulating sentence rhythms, sentence variety, vocabulary and figurative language. 2. Read mature expository and persuasive prose by student and professional writers. Vary their reading approach for different purposes such as research and criticism. Analyze expository prose by identifying controlling ideas, supporting ideas, dominant rhetorical pattern, tone and features of style. Summarize expository prose in their own words to reflect coherently the original s ideas, organization, and tone. 3. Research topics for expository papers. Use a variety of sources, which may include personal knowledge, interview, print, and other media. Choose to summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote from sources. Integrate the results of research into expository papers. 16

17 Document sources fully and ethically, according to specified bibliographic conventions. PSYC 110 Experimental Psychology (3 credits) This course presents experimental methodologies used in psychology, including how data is collected, organized and interpreted in psychological research. Topics: psychobiology, sensation, perception, cognition, learning theory, memory, assessment, and experimental design. Topics are discussed and demonstrated in lectures and labs. Highly recommend Math 10 or Math 11 as prerequisite. (T) Prerequisites: English 12 or assessment 1. Describe the components and rationale for the experimental methodologies used to acquire psychological knowledge. 2. Describe the difficulties inherent in psychological research and conduct thoughtful critiques of select studies. 3. Design and conduct studies of psychological topics and present the outcomes in a clear, logical fashion. 4. Apply psychological concepts to the study of neuroscience, sensation, perception, learning, memory, intelligence, and language. 5. The outcomes will be measured by a combination of examinations, assignments, presentations, group work, and discussions. SOC 100 Social Structure and Organization (3 credits) Basic principles and methods of sociology are introduced. Emphasis is placed upon society as institutionalized human behaviour, the various factors which control or alter it, and the effects upon the individual and the group. The major objective of the course is to develop a critical understanding of modern society. (T) Prerequisites: C+ in English 12 or assessment 1. Demonstrate that the sociological perspective is a valid approach to studying, understanding, explaining, and predicting patterns of human behavior, social structure and organization. 17

18 2. Define the major concepts of sociology and use them to examine human behavior and the social world. 3. Identify and describe the major sociological perspectives of functionalism, social conflict, interactionism and feminism. 4. Apply the major sociological perspectives to examine research, social interaction, culture, inequalities, social institutions, and social change. 5. Identify the historical roots and the current directions of sociology. 6. Describe the influences of social structure and organization on their lives, the times in which they live, and their society. Semester 2 (Winter) CRIM 166 Introduction to Criminology (3 credits) An examination of Criminology as a social science; analysis of its theories, categories, and relevant research and its necessity and relation to other social science disciplines. This includes the study of crime, criminal behaviour and its causation, crime victims and consequences. (T) Prerequisites: C+ in English 12 or assessment 1. Communicate understanding of the origins, development and evolution of past, current, and future criminological thought and discourse. 2. Describe, classify, evaluate and analyze the problem of crime, criminological theory and its contemporary application. 3. Use conceptual frameworks and paradigms to make independent interpretations and applications using criminal case studies. 4. Consider, interpret and evaluate the perspectives of other students with sensitivity to the values underpinning those perspectives. CRIM 170 Law and Legal Institutions (3 credits) An introduction to the fundamental principles of law; the development of law and legal institutions; the process of law reform; the structure and system of Canadian courts; the philosophy of Canadian jurisprudence; judicial law making; and exercise of judicial power. (T) Prerequisites: C+ in English 12 or assessment 18

19 1. Summarize and demonstrate comprehension of fundamentals of Canadian law, the Canadian legal system and legal institutions. 2. Articulate the fundamental concepts of Canadian law, of the framework within which legislative and judicial authority are exercised, of the roles of lawyers and judges in the Canadian legal system, and of the concept of human rights. 3. Distinguish clearly between criminal and civil law. 4. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Canadian system of law and legal institutions. CRIM 188 Issues in Criminal Justice (3 credits) This course focuses on a number of major issues currently affecting the applied and theoretical aspects of the Canadian Criminal Justice System. Students will identify, describe, and analyze specific contemporary issues. (T) Prerequisites: CRIM Research, analyze and present an issue of concern in the criminal justice field. 2. Critically assess the role of the media as news reporters and/or newsmakers in relation to criminal justice. 3. Analyze and critically assess contemporary issues in criminal justice. 4. Communicate clearly, accurately and respectfully in oral, written and visual forms. 5. Explain how to be an effective team member and demonstrate effective working relationships within a group setting. PHIL 110 Logical and Critical Thinking (3 credits) This course examines logical fallacies and issues such as distinctions between belief and attitude, objective and subjective, truth and validity. Real-life issues will be emphasized. In all cases the key question will be, Have I been given good reasons for accepting a belief? (T) Prerequisites: C+ in English 12 or assessment 19

20 1. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of arguments effectively. 2. Write and reason with clarity and precision. 3. Detect bias and fallacious reasoning in arguments. 4. Apply basic logical principles to the evaluation of evidence and the conducting of inquiry. PSYC 130 Contemporary Issues (3 credits) This course acquaints students with major contemporary issues in psychology and considers their historical antecedents. Topics include the application of psychological knowledge on life span development, personality, abnormal behaviour, social cognition, social influence, and social relations to a variety of contemporary social issues. Topics vary with instructor and changing problems. (T) Prerequisites: English 12 or assessment 1. Describe major contemporary issues in psychology and explain their historical antecedents. 2. Apply psychological theories and understanding of current psychological issues to personal experience. 3. Conduct impartial studies of psychological topics and arrive at logical inferences and conclusions from collected data. YEAR 2 Semester 3 (Fall) CRIM 200 Professional Practice (3 credits) This course provides an introduction to the roles and behaviour of effective criminal justice practitioners. Emphasis will be on the examination of: self as a suitable role model, ethical practice, effective leadership and advocacy; effective working relationships with clients and system personnel. (T pending) 20

21 Prerequisite: ENGL 15O 1. Describe the roles and behaviour of an effective Criminal Justice practitioner including how to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients presenting self as a suitable role model demonstrating an awareness of own perspective and bias reflecting on own ability to adapt to change with an accurate awareness of personal strengths and challenges developing ongoing personal and professional strategies to enhance job performance and career opportunities describe the competing demands of the work role that can cause stress and imbalance in one s life 2. Describe how the interrelationships of the various criminal justice sub-systems affects client service delivery. 3. Explain how to be an effective leader and advocate within a variety of Criminal Justice settings. 4. Describe models of ethical practice and apply to ethical dilemmas. CRIM 204 CJ Interpersonal Skills (3 credits) Students develop interpersonal, assertiveness, leadership, and advocacy skills necessary for being an effective criminal justice practitioner. Topics include awareness of and respect for individual differences, effective working relationships, and personal and professional boundaries. A personal plan for healthy living is developed. Personal reflection vis-à-vis criminal justice practice is emphasized (T pending). Prerequisite: CRIM 188 and ENGL Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills including approaches for diffusing anger, hostility or resistant behaviours respect for individual differences in positive, sensitive, and constructive ways assertiveness, leadership, and advocacy appropriate boundaries and effective working relationships with clients 2. Demonstrate effective presentation skills within both small and large group contexts 3. Reflect on own ability to adapt to change with an accurate awareness of personal strengths and challenges 21