Good afternoon class,

I want to take a moment to clarify expectations for the upcoming assignment so that everyone is aligned before beginning.

This assignment is a formal class research paper, and your work should reflect college-level writing, organization, and analysis. The expectations for the paper are fully outlined in the scoring rubric, which you should review carefully before you begin drafting. The rubric details how you will be evaluated across all major components, including your thesis, introduction, body development, organization, conclusion, mechanics, and use of sources .

Topic Requirement
Your paper must focus on Alternatives to Incarceration. This means you should explore approaches such as diversion programs, rehabilitation strategies, restorative justice, community-based corrections, or other evidence-based practices that serve as substitutes for traditional incarceration.Perspectives on Community-Based Corrections

ISBN: 9780197607336

Authors: Justin C. Medina, Jillian L. Eidson

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Key Expectations to Keep in Mind

• 10 Page Class Paper Assignments (25%). Title, Abstract, and Reference pages do not count as pages. APA Style Paper Required
• Your paper should include a clear, focused thesis statement that guides your analysis.
• The introduction should establish the topic and preview your structure.
• The body paragraphs must be well-developed, using research and supporting evidence.
• You are expected to demonstrate strong organization and logical flow throughout the paper.
• A conclusion should restate your thesis and synthesize your findings.
• Proper APA formatting is required, including both in-text citations and a reference page.
• You should incorporate a substantial number of scholarly sources (journal articles and/or academic books).Exceeds StandardAPA correct format with no errors. Do all your references have intext citations?Includes 15 journal articles and/or books.

Additional Suggestions

• Begin your research early and focus on peer-reviewed academic sources rather than general websites.
• Make sure your topic is specific enough (for example, instead of alternatives to incarceration, you might focus on the effectiveness of drug courts or restorative justice in juvenile systems).
• Use the rubric as a checklist while writing, not just after you finish.
• Pay close attention to grammar, sentence structure, and clarity, as these are graded components.
• If you are unsure about your topic or direction, reach out early for feedback.

If you follow the rubric closely and stay within the assigned topic, you will be on the right track.

10 Page Research Paper Rubric

10 Page Research Paper Rubric

Criteria	Ratings	Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTitle Page	10 to >8.0 ptsExceeds StandardTitle Your Name, Teachers Name, Course Name, Date, and neatly finished-no errors.8 to >7.0 ptsMeets StandardEvidence of five items, but with errors. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearly Meets StandardEvidence of four items6 to >5.0 ptsDoes Not Meet StandardEvidence of 3 items.5 to >0 ptsNo EvidenceEvidence of 2 or less items or title page is missing.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis Statement	10 to >8.0 ptsExceeds StandardClearly and concisely states the paper’s purpose in a single sentence, which is engaging, and the thought provoking.8 to >7.0 ptsMeets StandardClearly states the paper’s purpose in a single sentence. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearly Meets StandardStates the paper’s purpose in a single sentence.6 to >5.0 ptsDoes Not Meet StandardIncomplete, unclear, or unfocused.5 to >0 ptsNo EvidenceNo evidence of a thesis statement.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction	10 to >8.0 ptsExceeds StandardThe introduction is engaging, states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper.8 to >7.0 ptsMeets StandardThe introduction states the main topic and previews the structure of the paper. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearly Meets StandardThe introduction states the main topic, but does not adequately preview the structure of the paper.6 to >5.0 ptsDoes Not Meet StandardThe introduction states the main topic with few sentences and the structure of the paper is missing.5 to >0 ptsNo EvidenceNo evidence of an introduction section.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody	10 to >8.0 ptsExceeds StandardAll paragraphs have thoughtful supporting detail sentences that develop the main idea.8 to >7.0 ptsMeets StandardMany paragraphs have supporting detail sentences that develop the main idea. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearly Meets StandardSome paragraphs have supporting detail sentences that develop the main idea.6 to >5.0 ptsDoes Not Meet StandardFew paragraphs have supporting detail sentences that develop the main idea.5 to >0 ptsNo EvidenceEach paragraph fails to develop the main idea and difficult to read because of grammar, mechanics, and usage errors.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization-Structural Development of the Idea	10 to >8.0 ptsExceeds StandardWriter demonstrates logical and subtle sequencing of ideas through well-developed paragraphs; transitions are used to enhance organization.8 to >7.0 ptsMeets StandardParagraph development present but not perfected. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearly Meets StandardLogical organization; organization of ideas not fully developed.6 to >5.0 ptsDoes Not Meet StandardLittle evidence of structure or organization.5 to >0 ptsNo EvidenceNo evidence of structure or organization.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion	10 to >8.0 ptsExceeds StandardThe conclusion is engaging and restates the thesis.8 to >7.0 ptsMeets StandardThe conclusion restates the thesis. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearly Meets StandardThe conclusion does not adequately restate the thesis.6 to >5.0 ptsDoes Not Meet StandardIncomplete, unclear, or unfocused.5 to >0 ptsNo EvidenceNo evidence of a conclusion section.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics	10 to >8.0 ptsExceeds StandardNo errors in punctuation, capitalization and spelling.8 to >7.0 ptsMeets StandardFew errors in punctuation, capitalization and spelling. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearly Meets StandardSome errors in punctuation, capitalization and spelling.6 to >5.0 ptsDoes Not Meet StandardMany errors in punctuation, capitalization and spelling.5 to >0 ptsNo EvidenceMany and distracting errors in… spelling.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUsage	10 to >8.0 ptsExceeds StandardNo errors sentence structure and word usage.8 to >7.0 ptsMeets StandardFew errors in sentence structure and word usage. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearly Meets StandardSome errors in sentence structure and word usage.6 to >5.0 ptsDoes Not Meet StandardMany errors in sentence structure and word usage.5 to >0 ptsNo EvidenceMany and distracting errors in…usage.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCitation	10 to >8.0 ptsExceeds StandardAll works cited are listed in the reference section, and are done in the correct format with no errors.8 to >7.0 ptsMeets StandardMany works cited are listed in the reference section, and are done in the correct format with no errors. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearly Meets StandardSome works are cited listed in the reference section, and are done in the correct format with no errors.6 to >5.0 ptsDoes Not Meet StandardFew works cited are listed in the reference section, and are done in the correct format with errors.5 to >0 ptsNo EvidenceNo Citations or few works cited…with errors.	10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReference	10 to >8.0 pts Exceeds StandardAPA correct format with no errors. Do all your references have intext citations?Includes 15 journal articles and/or books.8 to >7.0 ptsMeets StandardAPA correct format with few errors. Do all your references have intext citations?Includes 14-12 journal articles and/or books. 7 to >6.0 ptsNearly Meets StandardAPA correct format with some errors. Do all your references have intext citations?Includes 11-10 journal articles and/or books.6 to >5.0 ptsDoes Not Meet StandardAPA correct format with many errors. Do all your references have intext citations?Includes 9- 5 journal articles and/or books.5 to >0 ptsNo EvidenceNo reference section.Do all your references have intext citations?Includes 4-1 journal articles and/	10 pts

Discussion #8 – Female Crimes

Greetings Class,

For this discussion post you will need to review the lectures from section VIII and section IX of the module.

Your task for this discussion is to read the articles from those sections and draw support from the articles to respond to the discussion questions below.

As always, make certain to review the syllabus for guidelines on discussion posts if you are uncertain on how to complete a discussion post.

1. On the first couple of pages in Section XIII the authors provide us with a couple of tables (Tables 8.1 and 8.2) to display the UCR arrest data for men versus women. First, were there any specific types of crime that women outnumbered men in, meaning more women committed that crime than men? If so, what were those crimes. Second, on Table 8.2 we see the percent changes between genders for arrest trends. Tell the class which two crimes had the largest percent change for women.

2. What do the authors attribute some of these large percent changes to? Which of the reasons offered in this section do you believe contributes the most to the large increases in women offenders.

3. Lastly, discuss the role of property crime as a means to survival and the multiple pathways to substance abuse that often contribute to these types of crimes.

Week 15 Final Assignment

Instructions: Review chapter 7

• Chapter 7. Violence: At Home, in the Classroom, on the Job

and the attachment below and complete the assignment. In completing the assignment please submit a coversheet with the title of the assignment, name of the class, your name, date, and professor name. The assignment should be typed in Times New Roman and 12 font. Also, include any references to your assignment in APA format.

Hess, K.M., Orthmann, C. H., Cho, Henry. Police Operations Theory and Practice. 6th Edition, Cengage Publishing

. Choose 2 discussion question from the list of prompts below and use content from the lectures and readings to answer them. Also, include evidence from at least 2 of the videos on either the or to support your answers.

b. Write one to two paragraphs in response to each discussion question that you select. Provide examples of research findings, legal cases, or other evidence to support your responses. Each paragraph should have at least 4 to 5 sentences.

c. Write a response to 2 of your classmates discussion posts that will stimulate debate; feel free to post supporting- or counter-arguments that are based on facts from research, legal cases, or policy decisions.

d. You can find research articles or Open Educational Resources (OER) on , , or the .

Be sure to proofread your response for errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Provide APA formatted in-text citations and a list of references used to support your responses. Also, share links to videos from documentaries, news footage, or research articles that you used to support your discussion responses.

As a friendly reminder, all students must comply with Netiquette guidelines and Classroom Standard guidelines as discussed in the .

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (choose two)

1. What is the presumption of regularity? Should prosecutors enjoy such a presumption? Explain.
2. Should states reform the money bail system? If so, how? Explain.
3. Courts place limits on a person’s right to self-representation. Should a person always be allowed to represent themselves in their own criminal trial? Explain.
4. What is an Alford plea? Do you agree with the decision in North Carolina v. Alford? Explain.
5. If you were a criminal defendant, would you prefer to have a preliminary hearing or a grand jury determine if your case should go to trial? Explain.
6. Do you agree with the decision in Ballew v. Georgia? Or, should juries in all criminal cases be composed of 12 jurors? Explain.

Write Topic Paper. Using the topics in the course, write a paper that explores issues in comparative law. This is an academic paper and must thoroughly analyze the law you select to write about. This paper is not a vehicle for you to write an opinion piece that is based on conjecture, rumors, or feelings. Your arguments will be presented using a SPECT/720 analysis based on reliable and valid resources. Use at least one SPECT factor and a 720-degree analysis:

1. Create a professional document in accordance with APA writing style.
   
2. The length must be between 3 and 4 pages in length. The mandatory Cover Page, Table of Contents, and Reference Page are not included in the page length. You will be penalized for shorter or longer papers.
3. Cite sources using footnotes or APA in-text citations.
4. You must have a minimum of five resources.
5. Use proper grammar and punctuation.

Discussion Prompt:

Please answer the following questions:

Please post your primary post in a single post with one response on top of the other. Each should be numbered to clearly show where the response to #1 ends and the response to #2 starts.

1. Compare todays new officers to those who came into the police agency 10, 20, or even 40 years ago. How are they similar? How do they differ?
2. What are the most common errors in decision making? What can the police administrator do to avoid these common errors?

Peer Reply Guidance:

A suggested response of 300 words for a participation reply to a classmate (or one of my follow up questions when asked) is traditionally needed for a substantive participation response. This word count is only a general guideline and will not affect your grade if not met.

For this short assignment, please review the witness statements, police report and evidence packet that’s attached.

*all files cannot be attached, please reach out to me for the rest*

First, choose one statement or piece of evidence that you believe is particularly important to shaping your understanding of the case. In a brief paragraph, explain how that piece of evidence could influence the overall interpretation of what happened.

Then, in a second paragraph, explain which item is most pertinent to the role you will be playing in the trial and how you will likely use or address it in your role. You response should be concise….about one double-spaced page.

For this short assignment, please review the witness statements, police report and evidence packet that’s attached.

First, choose one statement or piece of evidence that you believe is particularly important to shaping your understanding of the case. In a brief paragraph, explain how that piece of evidence could influence the overall interpretation of what happened.

Then, in a second paragraph, explain which item is most pertinent to the role you will be playing in the trial and how you will likely use or address it in your role. You response should be concise….about one double-spaced page.

using the preliminary methodology proposal that’s attached write a Methods and Analysis (Draft)

This assignment builds directly on your Preliminary Methodology Proposal.

You have already explained:

• What you would study
• How you would study it

Now, in 4 – 6 pages, you will explain:

• How you would interpret the evidence and move from findings to explanation.

This is a hypothetical but analytically grounded exercise.

You are not collecting data.
You are demonstrating how you would analyze and make meaning from it:

• Research Focus ( page)
  • Restate:
    • Your research question(s)
    • Your topic

This should be concise and consistent with your previous proposal.

• Methodological Reminder ( page)
  • Very briefly summarize:
    • your proposed method
    • the type of data you would expect

Do not repeat your full proposal. This is just context.

• Hypothetical Findings (1 1 pages)

This is the first new section.

• • Based on your research design, describe:
    • What kind of findings would you expect?
      • Explain why you would expect that findings (with credible sources).
    • What patterns might emerge?
    • What variation or differences you might see?

You are not inventing random results.

You are making reasonable, theory-informed expectations.

• Analysis and Interpretation (1 2 pages)

(THE Most Important Section)

• • Explain:
    • How would you interpret those findings?
    • What would count as meaningful vs insignificant?
    • How would your theory shape your interpretation?
  • Then address:
    • Could the same findings support more than one explanation?
    • How would you decide between competing interpretations?
• Limits and Alternative Interpretations ( 1 page)
  • Explain:
    • What your findings would NOT tell you
    • What might be missing
    • What alternative explanations could exist

NOTE: Because we do not have time to collect / run the data, you are, of course, not being evaluated on whether your findings are correct. You are being evaluated on how clearly and logically you explain how you would interpret evidence.

Put Into Practice: Applied Decision-Making Exercise

Student Instructions

This assignment requires you to apply course concepts to a fictional but realistic scenario drawn from the chapter topic. You are expected to move beyond summary and demonstrate applied reasoning, professional judgment, and analytical depth.

Read the vignette carefully and respond to all prompts using the role assigned. Your response should reflect how criminal justice decisions are made in practice, not simply how they are described in theory.

In your response, you should:

• Address each question posed in the assignment.
• Clearly explain your reasoning and decision-making process.
• Support your discussion with relevant course concepts.
• Write in a professional academic tone with clear organization.

Depth of reasoning and clarity of justification matter more than length.

Put into Practice Assignment

Imagine that you are a probation officer interviewing a person just sentenced to probation for commercial burglary. You invest significant time getting to know this individual and understanding his criminal history, current personal and social situation, and future goals. During the interaction, you mentally register several concerns about his criminal thinking; he justifies his crime by saying that his victim was a business, he did not hurt anyone, and does not see the problem with what he did. You also are worried about his living situation, which you see as problematic because he is residing very near the location of that break-in. But as part of your assessment process, you input some of this information into your departments risk and need tool and are surprised that the assessment indicates he is low risk. As a result, you are supposed to supervise him according to a protocol that requires reduced interactions between the two of you (meet every other month). But you believe that you need to be more involved in his situation than that (have biweekly meetings).

1. How would you discuss the results of the risk and need assessment with him?
2. Would your supervision plan align more with the risk and need assessment outcome or your own professional judgment?
3. Why did you decide to supervise him in that manner?
4. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks resulting from that decision for you, him, and your department?Perspectives on Community-Based Corrections ISBN: 9780197607336 Authors: Justin C. Medina, Jillian L. Eidson Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication Date: 2024-01-01