Course coordinator
Dr Tariro Mutongwizo
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Social Science School
This course is designed to equip students with a better understanding of policing as an institution. We will examine a variety of issues relating to policing, including the role of police in society, police-community relations, the organisation of police, police behaviour and culture, and issues police face in policing diverse communities and complex issues. The course draws on contemporary Australian and international research and current issues and debates in policing.
This course aims to expose students to a variety of issues relating to policing. Through this course, we will examine concepts and explanations surrounding policing and its connection to society, and explore issues that impact on police effectiveness. Through this course, we also aim to develop your analytical skills and gain confidence in evaluating various arguments and expressing your opinion.
This course is delivered in a face-to-face, seminar format each week. The time and date of these contact classes will be arranged in consultation with the class to arrange a convenient time for the majority of students.
Course requirements
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CRIM7000, CRIM7119
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
CRIM2200
Course contact
School enquiries
Student Enquiries School of Social Science
Level 3, Michie Building (09), St Lucia campus, The University of Queensland.
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Tariro Mutongwizo
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to expose students to a variety of issues relating to policing. Through this course, we will examine concepts and explanations surrounding policing and it's connection toﾠsociety, and explore issues that impact on police effectiveness. Through this course, we also aim to develop your analytical skills and gain confidence in evaluating various arguments and expressing your opinion.
In addition to the regularly scheduled learning activities for this course, students will also have check-in sessions throughout the semester with their fellow Cyber Criminology peers. Details of these will be communicated directly to Cyber Criminology students early in the Semester.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Discussion board 1
|
15% |
18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025 |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Discussion board 2
|
15% |
22/09/2025 - 22/09/2025 |
| Examination, Quiz |
In-class Quiz
|
30% |
13/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection | Class Discussions and Worksheets | 40% |
Week 1 Mon - Week 13 Mon |
Assessment details
Discussion board 1
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Discussion forum 1 begins: Week 4 Monday 18/8/25, 8.00am - ends Friday 22/8/25, 5.00pm.
Students are required to participate in two online discussion forums via Blackboard, focusing on specific issues raised during the course and in the reading material. Students may initiate discussions, ask questions, answer them, or make comments about issues reported in the media relevant to the topic of policing. The course coordinator will help to initiate discussion and post questions in Blackboard to help generate dialogue between students.
Students must participate by logging into the CRIM7200 Blackboard site and access the Discussion Board under the Assessment content area, which will link them to the relevant discussion forum for each session. Each forum will last 5 days (see assessment schedule for start and end times and days).
You will be graded on your participation, and it is expected that you actively contribute to the forums by engaging other students, rather than just submitting one answer in response to the question the course coordinator has posted. Each forum will be worth 15%. You will be graded on your overall participation in each session and how often you participate. You will also be assessed on the quality of your contributions, including evidence of preparation and prior reading of the course reading material. Please do not leave it to the last minute to contribute. Those who make an effort to participate throughout the five days will get a better mark than those who make contributions on a single day. The aim is “participation” – to engage with your peers. Discussion is a key learning activity. A number of well-thought-out comments or questions/answers submitted throughout the 5 days will be well regarded. Students will be notified on the initiation of each discussion forum. Make sure you monitor Blackboard announcements. Students, who fail to participate due to illness, will have to complete an alternative written piece of work to get a mark. For guidance the following criteria has been set to help students understand how they will be assessed:
To pass students need to do the following:
- Show evidence of having done some preparation prior to the discussion. This might be shown by referring to the lecture content or reading material and by demonstrating some understanding of concepts raised in the discussion.
- Participate on a regular basis throughout the five days.
- Be willing to engage with other students. This could be shown by responding to other student postings.
- Show evidence of linking concepts and theories to real life situations and case studies. This might be shown by making some comment about an example covered in the media and reflecting on how it relates to course material or the discussion forum topic.
- Provide examples to ground the issue being discussed – e.g. outlining some research evidence that supports your opinion.
- Makes use of additional external material such websites or journal articles.
- Ask questions and offer your viewpoint on a topic and back this up with evidence.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Submission guidelines
In the discussion forum in the course blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assignments submitted after the final due date will accrue a late penalty of 10% per calendar day (including weekends and public holidays) of the marks available for the assessment item. Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Discussion board 2
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
22/09/2025 - 22/09/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Discussion forum 1 begins: Week 9 Monday 22/9/25, 8.00am - ends Friday 26/9/25, 5.00pm.
Students are required to participate in two online discussion forums via Blackboard, focusing on specific issues raised during the course and in the reading material. Students may initiate discussions, ask questions, answer them, or make comments about issues reported in the media relevant to the topic of policing. The course coordinator will help to initiate discussion and post questions in Blackboard to help generate dialogue between students.
Students must participate by logging into the CRIM7200 Blackboard site and access the Discussion Board under the Assessment content area, which will link them to the relevant discussion forum for each session. Each forum will last 5 days (see assessment schedule for start and end times and days).
You will be graded on your participation, and it is expected that you actively contribute to the forums by engaging other students, rather than just submitting one answer in response to the question the course coordinator has posted. Each forum will be worth 15%. You will be graded on your overall participation in each session and how often you participate. You will also be assessed on the quality of your contributions, including evidence of preparation and prior reading of the course reading material. Please do not leave it to the last minute to contribute. Those who make an effort to participate throughout the five days will get a better mark than those who make contributions on a single day. The aim is “participation” – to engage with your peers. Discussion is a key learning activity. A number of well-thought-out comments or questions/answers submitted throughout the 5 days will be well regarded. Students will be notified on the initiation of each discussion forum. Make sure you monitor Blackboard announcements. Students, who fail to participate due to illness, will have to complete a deferred written piece of work to get a mark. For guidance the following criteria has been set to help students understand how they will be assessed:
To pass students need to do the following:
- Show evidence of having done some preparation prior to the discussion. This might be shown by referring to the lecture content or reading material and by demonstrating some understanding of concepts raised in the discussion.
- Participate on a regular basis throughout the five days.
- Be willing to engage with other students. This could be shown by responding to other student postings.
- Show evidence of linking concepts and theories to real life situations and case studies. This might be shown by making some comment about an example covered in the media and reflecting on how it relates to course material or the discussion forum topic.
- Provide examples to ground the issue being discussed – e.g. outlining some research evidence that supports your opinion.
- Makes use of additional external material such websites or journal articles.
- Ask questions and offer your viewpoint on a topic and back this up with evidence.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
AI Use: This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
In the discussion forum in the course blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assignments submitted after the final due date will accrue a late penalty of 10% per calendar day (including weekends and public holidays) of the marks available for the assessment item. Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
In-class Quiz
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Examination, Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
13/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05
Task description
The In-class quiz will take place in the last hour of scheduled class time in week 11. It will have a 1-hour time limit. It will comprise multiple choice and short answer items that will assess your comprehension of the readings and class material. The quiz is closed book and is to be done individually. It will assess your knowledge of material covered in lectures and required readings. Students are strongly advised to keep up with the required readings before each class in order to perform well.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person.
Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | pen, pencil, eraser. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
completed in class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
You can request a deferred exam if you can provide evidence of unavoidable circumstances that prevented you from sitting your original exam at its scheduled date and time. Your application must include supporting evidence. The request will be assessed based on the evidence you provide when you apply.
An application on the basis of a Student Access Plan (SAP) alone will not be accepted. If you are applying on medical grounds, a medical practitioner must assess your condition and provide a signed medical certificate that covers the day of the examination. You must obtain a medical certificate no later than two business days after the date of the original examination. Further details of acceptable evidence for deferred examination can be found here.
For information on eligibility and application instructions, please view the following page on myUQ: Deferring an exam - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Class Discussions and Worksheets
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Week 1 Mon - Week 13 Mon
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Task Description: During class each week, students will be required to reflect on course readings and class activities/group discussions. At the end of each seminar, students will submit their own worksheet summarising the results of their group discussions. The worksheet must be submitted at the end of class.
Preparation: Students are required to prepare by reading the week’s assigned readings in advance of the class. Worksheets will be distributed to students in class each week.
When: Students will be required to submit worksheets in a minimum of eight (8) classes. However, it is important to note that attendance and participation is expected in all classes. Each student's best 8 worksheets will count towards the 40% mark for this assessment.
NOTE: It is important that all students actively participate in these group exercises. If a student misses a seminar they will forfeit the mark for the worksheet unless documentation is provided (e.g., a medical certificate) and in this case an alternative written assignment will be assigned. This is only an option if a student misses class due to an extenuating circumstance such as illness.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted in class at the end of each seminar.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy most or all of the basic requirements of the subject. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy some of the basic requirements of the subject. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Fails to satisfy some of the basic requirements of the subject. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies all of the basic learning requirements for the subject, such as knowledge of fundamental concepts and performance of basic skills; demonstrates sufficient quality of performance to be considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in the subject. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates the ability to use and apply fundamental concepts and skills of the subject, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance, some use of analytical skills, and some originality or insight. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtle aspects of the subject, such as the ability to identify and debate critical issues or problems, ability to solve non-routine problems, ability to invent and evaluate new ideas. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality and flair, based on proficiency in all of the learning objectives for the subject. Work is interesting, or exciting, or challenging, or erudite. |
Additional course grading information
All items of assessment must be submitted/presented. The final grade is determined by adding together the sum of all individual assessment tasks.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ.
Additional assessment information
Academic Integrity: All students must complete the Academic Integrity Modules https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/
School Guide for Written Assessments: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments
Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to students in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available to the student on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.
Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
A reading list for all other recommended and required sources is available on Blackboard. Students are encouraged to read more broadly than these readings and in particular may find it useful to stay on top of discussions that occur in the media about policing throughout the course.
ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Seminar |
Course Introduction Course overview, history of police and policing, police roles and structures. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Seminar |
Policing models I Introduction to models of policing; The Standard Model of Policing; Plural Policing. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Seminar |
Policing models II Community policing; Problem-oriented policing; Intelligence led policing; Third party policing. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Seminar |
Police Legitimacy and Effectiveness Importance of legitimacy; Police effectiveness. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Seminar |
Police Powers and Behaviour Police powers and duties; Discretion; Factors influencing police behaviour (including police culture; Police use of force, Technology). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Seminar |
Oversight, Integrity and Ethics Inquiries into police corruption; Accountability; Oversight bodies. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Seminar |
Police Investigations Process of police investigations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Seminar |
Police Operations in Context I Case studies of police and victims of crime and domestic, family and sexual violence. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Seminar |
Police Operations in Context II Case studies of policing illicit drugs and terrorism. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 10 - King's Birthday Public Holiday |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Seminar |
Policing in Diverse Communities Representativeness of the police; minority groups; engaging diverse communities. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Seminar |
Representations of Police Global perceptions and representations of police. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Seminar |
The Future of Police Practice and Policy Innovations in police; innovations in crime and changing communities. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.