WRITING ASSIGNMENT:  OPTION 1
Community-oriented policing focuses on problem-solving. This assignment encourages students to identify policing
strategies  for  solving  crime-related  problems  in  their  communities.  Students  must  (i)  identify  a  specific  crime  or
crime-related problem in the greater San Diego area, (ii) propose a specific police strategy to address the problem,
(iii) explain why the proposed strategy should be effective, and (iv) discuss any constitutional issues or community
relations issues that might result from the implementation of the proposed strategy. 

COMPONENTS:  The paper should include the following components:

Title Page (5 points): The title page must contain: student’s names, course number and title, instructor’s name, date, and a meaningful title.

Introduction (5 points): The introduction should include your thesis and roadmap of argument.

Specific  crime-related  problem  (15  points):  Students  must  describe  a  specific  crime  or  crime-related problem (e.g., graffiti/vandalism, drug use on college campuses, or used drug needles in playground areas) as well as a description of where the problem is occurring and who it is affecting.  Students must provide a factual basis for the existence of the problem by referencing: (i) use of crime statistics for the San Diego area; (ii) newspaper articles or media reports describing multiple criminal incidents; AND/OR (iii) telephone or  Zoom  interviews  with  local  law  enforcement  personnel,  residents  or  representatives  of  community organizations. Due to the social distancing guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic, students are discouraged from conducting in-person interviews. 

Proposed  policing  strategy  (15  points):  Students  must  identify  a  specific  policing  strategy  (e.g.,  directed patrols,  zero  tolerance  policing,  predictive  policing,  safety  checks,  strategic  partnership  with  community organization) and explain how the strategy is designed to address the identified problem. 

Explanation  and  Measurement  of  Effectiveness  (30  points):  Consistent  with  evidence-based  policing, students  must  (i)  identify  research  (i.e.,  peer-reviewed  research  articles  or  successful  case  studies)  that support the likelihood of success of the proposed policing strategy, and (ii) describe how the effectiveness of the strategy will be measured and evaluated.

Constitutional/Community Relations Issues (10 points): Students must (i) anticipate any constitutional/community relations issues that might arise from implementation of the proposed strategy, and (ii) explain how those concerns will be addressed.

Conclusion (5 points): The conclusion should synthesize your arguments and offer your final thoughts.

Correct Grammar, Spelling and MLA Formatting (10 points): Use correct spelling, grammar and MLA formatting. Use an academic tone (e.g., avoid slang, passive voice, first person voice, and contractions).One point will be deducted for each error.

Works Cited Page (5 points): The works cited page must list every resource that you used to develop your
paper.