Assignment:
You are making a presentation to a group of concerned citizens, including the media. Your objective is to sway the audience into seeing the issue from a different perspective (that of the police).
You will use a PowerPoint presentation to discuss a current issue in policing to the attendees.
Content Requirements:
Choose oneof the following topics:
- Is police corruption a serious problem in America? (Is more accountability needed?)
- Community Policing--Does it really work or is it a "feel good" program?
- (Why do many minorities say they do not trust the police? What can be done about it?)
- Officer Involved Shootings: Public Perception vs. Reality
- Gun Legislation & Law Enforcement (Will increasing gun control be better or worse for police? Will it make our citizens safer? Will it reduce violent crime?)
- Use of Force--Is it excessive or is it being used to keep officers out of harms way? (De-escalation, minimizing; public perception)
- Are body cameras an invasion of privacy or necessary to hold officers more accountable?
- Is profiling justified or is it being used illegally to target certain groups?
- Why can't the police stop the violence in Miami? (Drive-by shootings; increase in violent crime; gang violence)
- Can the police agencies investigate themselves or should outside agencies (state or federal) and/or civilian review boards be instituted?
- Should the grand jury system be used for officers accused of a crime or should it be eliminated? (What would replace it?)
- Police morale--Who cares? (Why does it matter?)
Include the following:
1. Briefly describe the nature of the problem/issue. (Carefully analyze the problem: myths vs. facts; pros vs. cons.)
2. Discuss the history of the issue.
3. Describe the extent of the problem/issue (is it an actual problem or a perception).
4. Use at least two actual examples/cases to illustrate your position.
5. What are the best practices in this area?
6. What is the recommended solution?
- Do not base your position on personal opinion.
- Use research and statistics to support your position.
- The audience members should leave your presentation feeling more informed.
PowerPoint Requirements:
1. Length: 10 to 15 slides (excluding the cover slide and the reference slide).
2. Design:
- Be sure not to overcrowd your slides with information.
- Be thorough, but also be concise.
- Use bullet points to highlight main points.
- If you use graphics, be sure to condense them, so your presentation is not too large.
3. Mechanics: PowerPoint does not require that you write full sentences or paragraphs; in fact, this will detract from your presentation. However, your ideas must flow logically and your points should be presented in a consistent format. Check your spelling and use standard American English.
4. You should consult at least three (3) SCHOLARLY sources in preparing your presentation. Your last slide should be a References slide following APA format.
*Late assignments will not be accepted; however, you may turn your assignment in early.
Helpful Links:
Police Forum
MDPD 5-Year Crime Comparison
Dangerous Cities