These lively and stimulating ideas for use in and out of class reinforce active learning. The activities apply to individual or group projects.

LO 3-1:  Explain the importance of organizational structures in police departments

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 3-6, portray the three characteristics of a hierarchal structure:  unity of command, rank structure, span of control.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are a police chief restructuring your department. Consider the strengths and challenges of paramilitary and decentralized structures. Discuss in 500-800 words, including a justification of why you would choose one over the other.

LO 3-2:  List the duties typically associated with the operations division

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 3-5, create 3 scenarios in which patrol officers, investigators, and administrative staff are all needed to handle a crime scene. Clearly demonstrate each division’s role.
2. Writing:  Why are operations divisions necessary? In 500-800 words, discuss the distinctions, overlap, and importance of each division in police operations.

LO 3-3:  Describe the influence of Organizational Substructures, such as geography and scheduling, on the operations of police departments

1. Practicum:  In groups of 4-6, create the ideal organizational substructures for your local police department. To the best of your knowledge, what would be the optimal functional organizational design, place design, and time design? Outline and present to the class.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are a patrol officer with assigned tasks, regular beat, and routine schedule. Which aspects of this do you most appreciate and which are most challenging? Reflect in 800-1000 words.

LO 3-4:  Explain a few strategies police organizations can use to handle change favourably

1. Practicum:  In groups of 4-6, imagine you are a team of administrators handling the transition between police chiefs. Design a plan to support a positive transition. Include at least 5 points outlining you plan and present to the class.
2. Writing:  Imagine you are a veteran police. What are the benefits and challenges of a consistently evolving department? Discuss in 500-800 words.

LO 3-5:  Evaluate the extent to which police departments have become “militarized” and the implications of this

1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, outline the gradual increasing militarization of police departments, starting with the Posse Comitatus. Include relevant historical events, political players, the details of the militarization, and the impact on community relations.
2. Writing:  Why is the separation between the police and the military fundamental? Consider how militarization affects relationships with communities. What actions could be taken at this point to decrease police militarization? Consider political reforms, agency initiatives, and community efforts. Discuss in 1000-1200 words.

LO 3-6:  Identify the pros and cons of collective bargaining in police organizations

1. Role-playing:  In groups of 2-4, portray negotiations between union representatives and police administrators. Consider potential compromises, conflicts, and mutual goals.
2. Writing:  From a police officer’s perspectives what are the strengths and weaknesses of police unionization? Reflect in 500-800 words.

LO 3-7:  Describe the purported advantages of accreditation in the field of policing

1. Practicum:  In groups of 3-5, outline 2-3 action items that police agencies can execute to accomplish each goal set forth by CALEA. Present to the class.
2. Writing:  There are clear advantages to accreditation, but there may be challenges in achieving these standards. In 500-800 words, consider potential obstacles and ways to overcome them.