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Northern Essex Community College

Research Paper

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

Overview

Throughout this course, you have examined the historical development of policing, police organizations, patrol operations, investigations, police discretion, legal constraints, police-community relations, ethics, and contemporary challenges facing law enforcement. This research paper serves as the culminating assessment for the course and provides an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of these concepts through the analysis of a significant policing controversy or case study.

You will select one of four topics involving race, policing, police discretion, public trust, and governmental authority. Using course concepts, assigned readings, and outside research, you will critically evaluate the selected topic and examine its impact on law enforcement, government institutions, and the communities involved.

Student Learning Objectives

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

  • LO1: Compare and contrast the historical development of policing and its relationship to contemporary policing issues. (SLO1)
  • LO2: Analyze policing methods, police discretion, and legal constraints within a real-world case study. (SLO2, SLO3)
  • LO3: Evaluate contemporary challenges facing law enforcement agencies, communities, and public officials. (SLO4)
Research Topic

Select ONE of the following topics:

  • Ferguson, Missouri
  • The Arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
  • Police Chokeholds and Use of Force
  • The Central Park Five

Review the assigned readings and conduct additional research as necessary.

Your paper must address the following questions:

  1. Define and explain the following concepts:
    • Structural Racism
    • Systemic Racism
    • Institutional Racism
    • Individual Racism
  2. Can these concepts be applied to your selected topic? Why or why not? Support your position with evidence.
  3. Did the governmental authorities involved in your selected topic adequately represent the demographics and interests of the community? Explain your position.
    • Consider law enforcement agencies, elected officials, courts, prosecutors, municipal leadership, and other governmental actors.
  4. Does government at the local, state, or federal level criminalize vulnerability? Explain your position and support your answer with evidence.
  5. Does police discretion and discrimination travel together? Why or why not?
  6. How did the events associated with your selected topic impact key stakeholders?
    • Law enforcement agencies
    • Community members
    • Political leaders
    • Victims
    • The criminal justice system
    • The broader public
  7. If you were the Chief of Police, what programs, policies, reforms, training initiatives, or community partnerships would you implement to address the issues raised by this case?
  8. How does your selected topic reflect larger challenges facing American policing in the 21st century?
Acceptable and Ethical Use of AI
  • You may use AI tools to help locate sources, summarize background information, or generate research questions. All information must be verified through credible sources.
  • Your analysis, conclusions, and written work must reflect your own understanding of the topic. Submitting AI-generated papers as your own violates course academic integrity policies.
Directions

Please read all instructions carefully before submitting your assignment.

  • Your paper should be 8-10 pages in length.
    • The Title Page and Reference Page do not count toward the page requirement.
  • Use APA style throughout the paper, including proper in-text citations and a Reference Page.
  • A minimum of three (3) scholarly or credible sources is required.
  • Sources should support your analysis and should not dominate the paper.
  • Use 12-point font, double spacing, and 1-inch margins.
  • Organize your paper using an introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Demonstrate your understanding of course concepts by applying them directly to your selected topic.
  • Develop original analysis rather than simply summarizing the assigned readings.
  • Submissions are checked against a Plagiarism Checker and AI Detector.
    • Direct quotes should not exceed 15% of the total paper.
    • AI Usage – you must use AI ethically. Papers written by an AI is cheating.
Submission Guidelines
  • Submit your assignment through the designated submission area.
  • Ensure your file is in Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF format.
  • Review the grading rubric before submitting your work.
Important Reminder

Important: This paper serves as the culminating assessment for CRJ103. Demonstrate your mastery of the Student Learning Outcomes by applying course concepts, legal principles, policing strategies, and contemporary policing issues to your selected topic.