Research Paper
Instructions: This assignment should be approximately 6-7double-spaced typewritten pages. A minimum of 1500 words (not counting the title page and references). Use one-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman type.
APA format will be observed for this assignment. This means there is to be a title page, as well as a reference page. The assignment should be submitted in Word format or PDF utilizing Turnitin. This assignment is worth 30% of your grade. No late assignments will be accepted.
You are a newly assigned Police Chief in the City of Anytown, U.S.A., which has approximately 120,000 residents. Unfortunately, you have inherited a police department that was formerly under investigation by the federal government for a major scandal. Six months ago, eight police officers were arrested and convicted for both falsifying police reports and covering up citizen complaints involving excessive use of force. Consequently, Gallup polls indicate that 68% of Anytown residents do not trust police officers in their community. Unemployment has risen 27% and violent crime (e.g., murder, assaults, robberies, etc.) has increased 22% from the previous year. Domestic violence has also experienced a sudden increase, which may have caused the growing number of gang delinquency, especially in areas of low socioeconomic status. Various quality-of-life issues (e.g., graffiti, public consumption, disorderly conduct) continually rise as your police officers are underpaid and overworked. Sadly, four of the 150 sworn police officers have died by suicide this last year. Overall, department morale is at an all-time low.
As a result, you have been tasked by the Mayor to research three (3) significant theoretical perspectives covered during the semester in our textbook readings. The previous police chief (your predecessor) never introduced any of these perspectives to the department, as academia has never played a factor in addressing the systemic issues within Anytown PD. The three (3) theoretical perspectives must be selected from the list below:
3. Deterrence Theory
4. Rational Choice Theory
6. Routine activities theory
For EACH theoretical perspectives, you are REQUIRED to provide an overview/description from the textbook (a minimum of six (6) textbook citations required) AND assess their value in making a policy change. Utilize scholarly materials (a minimum of six (6) peer-reviewed journal articles required)that have empirically assessed the theories selected particularly relating to their application in a policy or program. ***It is strongly encouraged to use two (2) textbook citations and two (2) journal articles for each theory discussed.
Based on extensive RESEARCH and your CRITICAL THOUGHT, make a decision on whether or not to utilize these theoretical perspectives in your department as a foundational tool to enhance your agency.
Lastly, provide a SUMMARY of ALL decisions you’ve made. Clearly state YOUR overall objective as a leader of police officers. Remember: your objective should be to reduce the number of crimes in Anytown and increase morale within your police department.
