Police Science/Law Enforcement Administration

The police science/law enforcement administration major promotes the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain social order, protect individual rights, meet public needs, and uphold the laws and institutions of democracy. Students study the theoretical, ethical, judicial, and practical issues related to the operations and responsibilities of a complex law enforcement organization. Within the contexts of current events, poverty, race, ethnicity, human relations, urban expansion, and public policy, student analyze the causes of deviant behavior in juvenile and adult offenders. In addition to critical thinking problem solving and communication skills, students develop increased empathy and a greater understanding of diversity. They evaluate scientific advances and new technologies that support effective crime detection, intervention and prevention. Students explore ways to improve community relations and gain civic support for their critical mission to protect and serve. The police science bachelor of arts degree is intended for students who are graduates of a Rio Salado College-affiliated police academy and have successfully completed the community college's associate's degree in law enforcement technology. All other students pursure a bachelor's degree in law enforcement administration. Graduates of thes programs are prepared to advance in rank and leadership responsibility.

The Curriculum

Required Courses

• PLS 30000 Examination of the Criminal Justice System 
• PLS 30100 Individual Rights: Practices and Systems
• PLS 30200 Police Responsibility, Ethics and Rights
• PLS 30300 Understanding Criminal Behavior
• PLS 40000 Race, Crime and Social Policy
• PLS 40100 Public Safety Supervision
• PLS 40200 Policing in Today's Communities
• PLS 40300 Leadership in Law Enforcement
• PLS 49100 Selected Contemporary Topics in Policing (capstone course)