Description:

Writing for Criminal Justice is designed to complement the Administration of Justice program by emphasizing the types of writing required in a criminal justice career. Students are required to gather pertinent information and then record that information by writing a variety of report narratives representative of those prepared by individuals working in a profession within the criminal justice system. Students document criminal incidents depicted in videotaped scenarios as well as participate in active information gathering during incidents simulated in class. 1 hr. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Connect writing skills learned in composition courses to technical report writing.
2. Adapt writing style and content to meet the needs of the intended audience.
3. Formulate questions and conduct interviews as required in investigative reporting.
4. Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information in order to determine appropriate content of report narratives.
5. Demonstrate an ability to write a variety of criminal justice reports.
6. Critique and revise written reports.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. The Function of Criminal Justice Reporting
   A. Identify and define the purpose and types of criminal justice
reports.
   B. Discuss the audience appropriate to the writing assignment and
analyze that audience.
   C. Explain the importance of reporting a criminal case properly.

II. The Collection of Information
   A. Demonstrate an ability to formulate questions designed to elicit
information from witnesses, victims and suspects.
   B. Demonstrate an ability to organize notes into a logical pattern.
   C. Distinguish between factual information and unsupported opinions.

III. The Mechanics of Report Writing
   A. Demonstrate writing in the first person.
   B. Demonstrate writing in the past tense.
   C. Distinguish between passive and active voice.
   D. Describe events in chronological order.
   E. Demonstrate writing with short, clear, concise and concrete words.

IV. Writing a Criminal Justice Report
   A. Cite and define the characteristics of a well written report.
   B. Define the parts of narrative paragraphs in technical report
writing.
   C. Develop a technical report narrative from a dialogue using technical
report writing skills.
   D. Revise and edit drafts using specific revising, editing, and
proofing strategies

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Two short narratives		10 points each (Total  20)
Two investigative reports	20 points
One police arrest report 	20 points
One corrections report		20 points
Writing skills activities	50 points

Total				150 points. 

Each assignment begins with an imagined scenario. The student must work
through the process: gathering information, asking questions, taking
thorough yet concise notes, and then organizing and writing the
appropriate report.  Each step of the process will be critiqued by the
instructor, and correct grammar and usage will be discussed.  A review of
writing mechanics will be included as part of the revision and editing
process. 
Grade Criteria:
  A = 90 – 100%  	 
  B = 80 –  89%		
  C = 70 –  79%		
  D = 60 –  69%		
  F =   0 –  59%	

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.