Home

Learn more

Northern Essex Community College

Module 6 Prep Activity

Review the activity overview, learning objectives, directions, and submission expectations before submitting your work.

Overview

This activity is designed to encourage you to think critically about the future of policing in the United States and the evolving role of law enforcement leaders. You will examine current trends and recent developments to identify challenges that officers and police administrators may face over the next decade. Focusing on Massachusetts, you will analyze key components of the 2020 police reform law and evaluate how specific provisions may impact policing practices. You will also reflect on whether you agree or disagree with these changes and explain your reasoning. The goal is to connect policy reform, professional practice, and personal perspective within the context of modern policing.

Learning Objectives

(These objectives support the prep activity and are not the questions to be answered.)

  • LO1: Explain the importance of police professionalism and integrity and the means used to promote professionalism and integrity. (SLO3)
  • LO2: Explain the issues of law enforcement misconduct and use of force. (SLO1)
Prep Topic

After completing this week’s assigned readings, prepare to participate in an in-class discussion examining the future of policing and recent law enforcement reforms in Massachusetts. Before coming to class, review the 2020 Massachusetts Police Reform Law (An Act Relative to Justice, Equity and Accountability in Law Enforcement in the Commonwealth) and prepare a bulleted list (not full paragraphs) that includes:

  • At least three challenges you believe police officers and police administrators may face during the next decade.
  • Three provisions of the 2020 Massachusetts Police Reform Law that you believe will have the greatest impact on policing in the Commonwealth.
  • Why you believe each of these provisions will significantly influence law enforcement.
  • At least three arguments supporting these reforms. 
  • At least three arguments opposing or questioning these reforms.
  • Which position you currently find more persuasive, and why.
  • One question or issue you would like to discuss with your classmates.
Acceptable & Ethical Use of AI
  • Use AI to help you organize and clarify major trends and challenges facing American policing that are discussed in the course materials, supporting your thinking before writing your response.
  • Use AI to assist you in identifying and organizing key areas of the Massachusetts police reform law that may influence future policing practices, helping you structure your analysis before completing the activity.
Directions

Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your prep activity.

  • Your prep should be no longer than one page.
  • This is not a paper; it should consist of concise talking points and bullet statements for our in-class discussion.
  • An abstract is not required.
  • Sources are not required.
  • Focus on key concepts, analysis, and examples that will help guide classroom discussion.
  • Do not overthink this activity. A simple list of well-developed talking points is sufficient.
Submission Guidelines
  • Submit your prep activity through the designated submission area.
  • Accepted formats include Word or PDF unless otherwise specified.
  • Review the grading rubric before submitting your work.
  • Submissions are checked using both a plagiarism checker and AI detection software.
  • Direct quotations should not exceed 15% of the total submission.
Important Reminder

Important: All work must be your own. AI may be used only in the limited and ethical ways described above. Using AI to write your submission is considered academic dishonesty. This activity is intended to prepare you for class discussion, so focus on creating your own talking points and analysis.