PFD480 - Applied Topics: Public Safety

Subject Title
Applied Topics: Public Safety

Subject Description
With societal change, the field of public safety, and specifically law enforcement, continues to evolve and adapt to new circumstances and expectations from the public. This course is an examination of current and emerging challenges facing the field of law enforcement. Through analysis of literature and resources related to topical issues in law enforcement, students will conduct research, critically analyze topical issues, and develop viable solutions to identified issues.
 
A key component of this course is critical thinking. Critical analysis prepares students to examine topics with objectivity and intellectual rigour. Through examination of facts in relation to evidence-based research, theories and professional practices, students will develop informed opinions/positions on various subjects studied throughout this course and present proposed solutions through varying assignments. Course materials are drawn from a variety of current events, case studies, social media, and other media sources.  These resources will enhance students? ability to identify and critically assess the contemporary law enforcement landscape.  This practical application of real world, evolving issues facing law enforcement today challenges students to critically examine contemporary issues, to problem solve, and develop real world solutions.

*note that the subject matter/course material evolves annually to reflect timely/topical/contemporary issues in the field of law enforcement.

Credit Status
This is a Police Foundations prescribed credit subject.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Identify contemporary concerns in law enforcement within Ontario and Canada.
2. Assess critical issues of societal importance for contemporary law enforcement in Canada.
3. Critique topical issues impacting law enforcement from an informed and evidence-based perspective.
4. Recognize the importance of identifying trends and patterns.
5. Conduct research and analysis into viable solutions for identified issues.
6. Evaluate viable solutions in telation to topics discussed in the course.
7. Develop a critical perspective through individual and group assignments and discussions.
8. Construct detailed arguments in relation to a specific identified issue in law enforcement and outline a proposed solution to faculty and peers.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.