Faculty Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION

CJLE 2420 - Texas Peace Officer Procedures will provide students with an understanding of the techniques and procedures used by police officers on patrol.  Includes controlled substance identification, handling abnormal persons, traffic collision investigation, note taking and report writing, vehicle operation, traffic direction, crowd control and jail operations.  Prerequisite:  Texas Peace Officer Law or may be taken concurrently.

This is a four-hour credit course and is taught as lecture and lab with a minimum of 126 contact hours. This course will reinforce information that will help prepare criminal justice students to take the state license examination to be a licensed peace officer. (Credit Hours: 4, Classroom Contact Hours per week: 4, Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 4).

Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.

See calendar for mandated course attendance. These are sessions that cannot be made up so strict attendance is required. Several of the modules are taught by outside contract instructors who are content experts.  Student attendance for these sessions is mandatory to successfully meeting the class objectives, as they cannot be rescheduled, therefore the student will be withdrawn from the course.

In all areas relating to ACC policies and rules, the student must adhere to those without hesitation.

The Criminal Justice Chair will have the final decision related to all ACC-specific issues.

As for all issues related to Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensure and the Academic Alternative licensing program courses, all final decisions are consigned to the documented TCOLE Training Coordinator, as stipulated in the TCOLE rules governing Academic Alternative License. Currently, the recognized TCOLE Training Coordinator is the PSTC Director.  TCOLE holds the Training Coordinator accountable for maintaining state standards in all areas of the licensing program.

Since this program can result in a Texas Peace Officer license being awarded, strict standards of conduct, delivery, and assessment will be maintained.

Students failing to meet standards will be removed from the program.

PREREQUISITES

Students must complete CJLE 2420 Texas Peace Officer Procedures and CJLE 2421 Texas Peace Officer Law with a grade of A or B prior to enrolling into CJLE 2522 Texas Peace Officer Skills or CJLE 2424 Texas Peace Officer Capstone. If concurrently enrolled, CJLE 2522 and CJLE 2424 the student must pass both courses with a grade of an A or B, in the same semester. Failure to meet the grade of A or B, will result in the immediate withdrawal from the Texas Peace Officer Academic Alternative program. 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course will be delivered through face-to-face lecture complemented by various lab activities.  Lab activities include simulated and live dynamic law enforcement skills involving written and verbal communications, de-escalating persons in crisis, crash investigations, vehicle stops, building searches, crimes in-progress calls, de-escalation tactics, citizen interactions, active shooter, and police communications.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Health & Safety Protocols

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances. The college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus. If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit www.vaccines.gov/ to find a vaccine location near you.
• Campuses are open to faculty, staff, and students. The college and its departments and offices may invite internal and external guests to their events and activities, though access is still restricted for external parties seeking to host activities at ACC. The college’s Appian Health Screening App remains available to everyone who visits campus. This continues to be a good way to check your own health before coming to class or work. 
• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility. Testing is now widely available. To find testing locations near you, click this link.
• If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located here.
• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus. Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19. 
• The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
• Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.

Because of the ever-changing situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu for the latest updates and guidance.

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE

TCOLE Basic Peace Officer Course Objectives Manual will be issued by the Criminal Justice Department. This manual is the study guide for the sequence courses and the TCOLE licensing exam.  Students are expected to bring this manual to class each day.  Students will use this manual for ALL 4 sequence courses.

Texas Criminal and Traffic Law Manual will be issued by the Criminal Justice Department when students commence the academic alternative sequence courses. This manual is a reference text for all laws pertaining to our sequence courses and the TCOLE licensing exam.  Students are expected to bring this manual to class each day.

An internet capable computer with administrative rights is a requirement for this course. The ability to download Respondus and have access to the Blackboard learning management system for class quizzes, tests, exams, and instructional modules is required. A student needing access to a computer with these capabilities may request a computer to be loaned to them from ACC (see student technology support section of the syllabus).

Chapter 22. - Traffic Code/Crash Investigation (TIM)*Crash Investigation/TIM Only**

Chapter 24. - Written Communication                                                                                   

Chapter 25. - Verbal Communication/Public Interaction 

Chapter 28 - Force Options Theory                                               

Chapter 29. - CIT (1850)       

Chapter 35. - Patrol Skills/Traffic Stops                                                                                

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR CJLE 2420

Students will demonstrate knowledge and competencies in all areas of the TCOLE curriculum relative to police procedures required for licensure as a Texas Peace Officer. These competencies include the following:  controlled substance identification, handling abnormal persons, traffic collision investigation, note taking and report writing, vehicle operation, traffic direction, crowd control and jail operations.

Chapter 22. - Traffic Code/Crash Investigation (TIM)*Crash Investigation/TIM Only**

22.31 - Illustrate a working knowledge of the laws, methods, and techniques relative to crash investigation to include when and where the TC applies in crash investigation.

22.32 - Apply the procedures for responding to and managing the crash scene

22.33 - Describe procedures for interviewing driver, complainant, and witnesses

22.34 - Identify and apply methods of measuring the crash scene and collecting any physical evidence

22.35 - Recognize the Texas Peace Officer Crash Report CR3

22.37. Describe the legal authority to establish effective traffic flow based on situational priorities.

22.38. Review directing/controlling traffic while using appropriate positioning, signals, and equipment.

Chapter 24. - Written Communication

24.1 - Identify the Components of a Sentence:

24.2 - Identify the process of writing complete sentences.

24.3 - Recognize sentence clarity problems and correct them.

24.4 - Discuss the appropriate use of punctuation.

24.5 - Describe the critical nature of effective field notes.

24.6 - Demonstrate observation and descriptive skills.

24.7 - List the types of information that should be entered into the officer’s field notebook.

24.8 - List questions to be answered in field notes to complete a report.

24.9 - Discuss the uses and essential characteristics of police reports.

24.10 - List the eight essential criteria of a good police report.

24.11 - List the common types of police reports.

24.12 - Identify the difference between chronological and categorical ordering in report writing.

24.13 - List the three basic kinds of information necessary in police reports.

24.14 - Identify the importance of separating fact from opinion in police reports.

24.15 - Identify the statutory authority relating to confidentiality of sex offense victims.

Chapter 25. - Verbal Communication/Public Interaction

25.1 - Discuss the critical nature of effective verbal communication and the crucial components of paralinguistic, kinesics, and empathetic techniques

25.2 - Define authoritative and authoritarian.

25.3 - Discuss why the majority of arrests are made without physical force.

25.4 - Define crises.

24.5 - Define emotional intelligence (EQ) and recognize 3-essential elements of communication and 4-components of Connection.

25.6 - Discuss how the human brain is usually programmed to answer a question.

25.7 - Identify components of active listening.

25.8 - Explain why it’s not advantageous to be emotionally triggered by a citizen’s use of profanity.

25.9 - Define empathy.

25.10 - Define paraphrasing.

25.11 - Explain the concept that one cannot win an argument. 

25.12 - Explain the power of personalized respect. 

25.13 - Explain how names signify recognition and respect. 

25.14 - Define “nonverbal” and paralinguistic communication.

25.15 - Identify each of the 6 Principles of Persuasion.

25.16 - Identify the 5 Universal Truths.

25.17 - Identify common communication blunders.

25.18 - Identify a simple pattern of communication, to utilize in awkward situations,  

Chapter 28 – Force Options Theory

28.5 – Describe the psychological aspects of the Use of Force

28.6 – Identify the deciding factors for Use of Force when affecting an arrest

28.7 – Identify moral considerations and forces affecting an officer’s decision to use Deadly Force  

28.8. List and discuss force options available to peace officers.

28.9. Identify the principal considerations in applying use of force.

28.10. Discuss the impact of an officer’s professional presence.

28.11. Identify the various aspects of communication strategies used when dealing with the public.

28.12. Identify elements that an officer must recognize and control in every encounter.

28.13. Identify some helpful “tools” used in redirecting someone’s behavior using verbal persuasion.

28.14. Identify communication strategies used when dealing with violence and assault calls.

28.15. Recognize criteria relating to a professional peace officer’s use of force.

28.16. Identify typical procedures that are followed after an officer-involved shooting.

Chapter 29. – Crisis Intervention Training  (1850)

29.01 - The student will understand the origins of Crisis Intervention Training.
29.02 - Discuss the problem of mental health crisis as it pertains to law enforcement.
29.03 - Discuss SB 1849 and the legislative mandates that resulted.
29.04 - Reiterate the goal of CIT.
29.05 - Explain CIT's impact on community relations.
29.06 - Define the meaning of "crisis" as it pertains to CIT.
29.07 - List several potential causes for a mental health crisis.
29.08 - Develop an increased awareness of mental illness and the adversity that surrounds a mental health diagnosis.
29.09 - Define "insanity" and understand how the term is defined in Texas.
29.10 - Explore the concept of 'normal' versus 'abnormal' behavior.
29.11 - Review national and statewide statistics related to mental health, physical health, and the prevalence of these issues in the population.
29.12 - Explore several reasons why many people do not seek treatment for mental illness.
29.13 - Explore the concept of 'stigma.
29.14 - Describe the role and complications of psychotropic medications.
29.15 - Describe some of the reasons people stop taking medications.
29.16 - Dispel common myths regarding mental illness.
29.17 - Review various mental illnesses and the impact such illnesses can have on a person's life.
29.18 - Identify behaviors associated with personality disorders.
29.19 - Identify behaviors associated with mood disorders.
29.20 - Identify behaviors associated with thought disorders.
29.21 - Identify symptoms associated with the ingestion specific types of drugs and controlled substances.
29.22 - Identify symptoms and behaviors associated with cognitive disorders.
29.23 - Explore the causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
29.24 - Describe the symptoms and behaviors associated with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.
29.25 - Identify methods most effective in talking to someone with dementia.
29.26 - Describe developmental disorders, and recognize the symptoms and behaviors associated
with autism spectrum disorders.
29.27 - Define the term' intellectual disability' and understand what that means in terms of law enforcement interaction.
29.28 - Distinguish the degrees of intellectual disability.
29.29 - Discuss effective communication methods for individuals that have an intellectual disability.
29.30 - List some of the causes of Post-Traumatic Stress.
29.31 - Recognize symptoms and behaviors of an individual experiencing PTSD.
29.32 - Discuss the effects of trauma on veterans.
29.33 - Define a moral injury.
29.34 - Define survivor's guilt.
29.35 - Recognize the symptoms and behaviors of PTSD in a veteran.
29.36 - A. Use techniques to build rapport with veterans or others experiencing PTSD.
B. Describe the relationship between Inter-Personal Violence (IPV) and PTSD.
29.37 - Discuss the statistics and terminology of suicide and suicide prevention.
29.38 - Recognize symptoms and behaviors that indicate an increased suicide risk.
29.39 - List protective factors against suicide.
29.40 - Use a suicide risk assessment.
29.41 - Assist an individual to name and contact personal support resources.
29.42 - Discuss statistics and trends in law enforcement suicide.
29.43 - Discuss ways to change current mental health culture.
29.44 - Discuss a variety of advanced modes of communication to assist in dealing with someone
in a crisis, and be able to display them in interaction and roleplay.
29.45 - Discuss and be able to effectively utilize an initial Three-Point Assessment.
29.46 - Discuss and utilize the "5 Universal Truths of Human Interaction".
29.47 - Implement tactics for gaining trust and building rapport.
29.48 - Define the 80/20 rule.
29.49 - Discuss the LEAPS model of communication, be able to list its components, and demonstrate proficiency in its use.
29.50 - List and describe the crisis intervention skills involved in communicating with people experiencing mental illness.
29.51 - Identify examples of 'I' statements versus 'you' statements.
29.52 - Define the terms tactical transparency.
29.53 - Discuss options for responding appropriately to verbal abuse.
29.54 - Define the term "deinstitutionalization" and discuss the criminal justice system and its
relationship with those suffering from mental illness.
29.55 - Explore the relationship between homelessness, mental illness, and victimization.
29.56 - Explore legal considerations for police intervening in a mental health crisis, and learn about the provisions that pertain to law enforcement duties in the Health and Safety Code.
29.57 - Read, fill out, and demonstrate proper implementation of a Police Officer Emergency Detention.
29.58 - Discuss transportation options and officer safety.
29.59 - Define the term 'diversion' and discuss programs and options for avoiding the incarceration of those experiencing mental illness.
29.60 - Discuss Mental Health Court as a form of diversion.
29.61 - Discuss community and referral resources and options within his/her respective geographical area.

Chapter 35. - Patrol Skills/Traffic Stops

35.11 - Define vehicle stop

35.12 - Discuss the phases of traffic stops

35.13 - Describe the three general categories for vehicle stops

35.14 - Demonstrate the four basic positions for the patrol unit

35.15 - Review the 8-step tactical vehicle stop

35.16 - Explain the 7 basic tactics for making contact with the violator

35.17 - Demonstrate the 12 ambush zones

35.20 - Identify the procedures for safe responses to crimes in progress calls.

35.21 - List the procedures for safe building searches

35.26 - Define terms related to crowd management

35.27 - Discuss procedures for responding to crowd control situations

35.28 - Define selected types of crowds and mobs

35.29 - List the elements of the offenses relevant to crowd control

35.30 - Identify factors of responding to crowd control situations