Is police corruption a serious problem in America?

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