As a future criminal justice professional, or someone who is interested in the criminal justice system, do you want to make a positive difference in your organization and the communities you serve?  This three-credit certificate will help you enhance your communication and stress management skills; increase self-awareness and emotional intelligence; develop the ability to recognize ethical dilemmas and implicit biases; and build skills in ethically grounded organizational culture and leadership within law enforcement.  The 3 one-credit certificate courses are taught by Superior Police Chief Nicholas Alexander.

Certificate Learning Objectives

• Identify accountability measures that support the development of ethical practices and competencies in all levels of law enforcement.
• Recognize dynamics of organizational cultures, understand how they got to be that way, and identify strategies for change.
• Understand the concept of implicit bias and demonstrate the ability to regulate it within the context of law enforcement.
• Recognize the role of communication in police-community interactions and practice and apply effective communication techniques.
• Understand officer misconduct and use-of-force and the implications for law enforcement and society.
• Develop leadership strategies that support positive outcomes for the department and the community.

Certificate Requirements:

Students are required to complete all three courses listed below to receive their Certificate in Ethical Policing.  To successfully complete this certificate for credit, students must also earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in each certificate course.

Required Courses:

• CJUS 325 (901):  Foundations of Ethical Policing

This is the first in a series of three undergraduate courses that explore and develop capacity in ethical policing.  A student who successfully completes all three courses with a minimum of 2.0 GPA will receive the Certificate in Ethical Policing.  The focus in this course will be on understanding ethics in the context of law enforcement; using the Law Enforcement Personal Profile @ to gain self-awareness into personality styles and how that can impact officer interactions; and understanding implicit bias, including one's own biases and the implications for the profession.

• CJUS 326 (902):  Issues in Ethical Policing

This is the second in a series of three undergraduate courses that explore and develop capacity in ethical policing.  A student who successfully completes all three courses with a minimum of 2.0 GPA will receive the Certificate in Ethical Policing.  The focus in this course will be on communication skills such as de-escalation, positive engagement, and managing power in effective communication; trauma-informed policing, resilience and stress management among officers; and exploring officer misconduct, use-of-force, and common ethical dilemmas.

• CJUS 327 (903):  Leadership in Ethical Policing

This is the final course in a series of three undergraduate courses that explore and develop capacity in ethical policing.  A student who successfully completes all three courses with a minimum of 2.0 GPA will receive the Certificate in Ethical Policing.  The focus of this course will be on supervision and leadership and creating a healthy organizational culture of support, respect and accountability within law enforcement.