CRJ 3400 - CRIME, CRIM JUSTICE, AND DISASTERS

credits: 3.0
Encompasses two important and vital fields of study: criminal justice and emergency disaster management, and addresses the particular problems and situational issues related to law enforcement response during disasters. With both natural and man-made disasters, as well as the crimes that accompany them, on the increase, the need for law enforcement becomes a particularly critical and timely topic of study. Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate knowledge of the expanded role of law enforcement during times of disaster, the specific problems encountered by law enforcement during times of disaster, and the interrelationship between law enforcement officers and other first responders during emergencies. Students will develop an understanding of the importance of mitigation and long-term pre-disaster planning, for the purpose of preventing or reducing disaster-related crime (ex: sexual assaults in low-security shelters). Students will understand that during disasters, there may be conflicting interests between law enforcement and other first responders (ex: the need to search for survivors versus the need to preserve the crime scene in a terrorist attack). Will be able to discuss the various phases of disasters, and how the types and amount of crime vary from one phase to another. Students will further their understanding of various broad categories of crime, and of some of the theories of crime causation that may be plausible explanations for the occurrence of disaster-related crime. Will also develop an understanding of the victims of crimes in disaster. Method of Instruction: Lecture and class discussion. Method of Evaluation: Exams and papers.

Prerequisite(s): SENIOR OR JUNIOR STATUS and CRJ 1010 - INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE