Make sure you include all sections of the research paper described below. Your research paper must be 7 – 10 pages long, in APA format, typed using a 12-point font (Times News Roman or Calibri), aligned left, and double-spaced with a 1-inch margin.
Also, provide a reference page in APA format that lists any outside source(s) that you use. Failure to provide references for outside resources or to write in your own words will be considered as plagiarism. Overuse of quotes is also considered plagiarism. Any instance of plagiarism will result in a grade of zero on the assignment/paper.
Provide a title page in APA format that includes your first and last name, the course name, meeting time, assignment information, and date. You should also make sure your name is on each page of the assignment.
Research Paper
You are responsible for completing a research paper that examines a criminal justice issue covered in the class. Select the paper topic from one of the topics listed below. The research paper must be 7-10 pages (not including the title page, reference section, and abstract), typed, double spaced, 12-point font (Times New Roman or Calibri) with a one-inch margin. A minimum of 10 acceptable sources must be used and cited as in-text citations within the paper using APA format. Also, the final grade will be based on content, grammar, APA format, and paper organization. For additional details about grading see the research paper grading rubric. Grades for the paper will be calculated based on the rubric.
Below are some additional requirements regarding the paper (these steps will factor into your grade on the paper):
Submit the paper to Grammarly and provide me with the report when you submit the final draft
PVAMU has free access to Grammarly (Links to an external site.)
We have access to it through PVAMU, and it is a good idea to use it as much as possible. Be sure to read and follow the instructions. Select one of the following as the topic for your paper. You will not be given credit for covering multiple topics in one paper. Please keep in mind that each bullet represents a topic. Law enforcement:
Examine the quasi-military nature of contemporary police departments. What are the pros and cons? Should police departments be structured in this manner?
Houston Police Investigated For Alleged Excessive Force And Shootings Of Unarmed Individuals By JUAN A. LOZANO published in the 12/05/12 Huffington Post on 12/05/2012:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/05/houston-police-department-investigated-shootings-excessive-force_n_2247850.html (Links to an external site.)
Robert A . Brown, Kenneth J. Novak , James Frank (2009). Identifying variation in police officer behavior between juveniles and adults, Journal of Criminal Justice, 37 (2009) 200–208.
http://www.uc.edu/content/dam/uc/ics/docs/BrownNovakFrankIdentifyingVariationInPolice.pdf (Links to an external site.)
OPTIONAL READINGS on Police Interaction with juveniles. These are highly recommended for two reasons: studying for comprehensive exams and to those planning on getting a doctoral degree.
Robert A . Brown, Kenneth J. Novak , James Frank (2009). Identifying variation in police officer behavior between juveniles and adults, Journal of Criminal Justice, 37 (2009) 200–208.
http://www.uc.edu/content/dam/uc/ics/docs/BrownNovakFrankIdentifyingVariationInPolice.pdf (Links to an external site.)
Read the following from the National Institute of Justice: Racial Profiling and Traffic Stops:
http://nij.gov/topics/law-enforcement/legitimacy/Pages/traffic-stops.aspx (Links to an external site.)
Use of force: General Information and Use of force continuum (notice the date on the article).
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/overview-police-use-force#:~:text=Law%20enforcement%20officers%20should%20use,lethal%20force%2C%20and%20lethal%20force. (Links to an external site.)
https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/use-force-continuum (Links to an external site.)
Predictive Policing: The Future of Law Enforcement?:
http://www.nij.gov/journals/266/Pages/predictive.aspx (Links to an external site.)