CJ 422 Syllabus

Course #: CJ 422 Willie Maye

Course Title: Crisis Management 215-823-9843

Course Credits: 3 william.maye@alvernia.edu

williemaye@msn.com

Pre-Req: CJ 101, 201, and 217 Phone: 215-823-9843

Co-Req: N/A Office Hours: By appointment

Fall /MOD 2/ 2023:

Thursdays 8pm (Online):

Course Format: ✘ Online Blended-Plus Blended Web Enhanced

Course Description
This course encompasses an overview of crisis as it affects law enforcement officials and the
criminal justice system, including dealing with suicidal individuals, barricaded subjects, hostage
takers and their hostages. Psychological and behavioral profiles of perpetrators and victims are
discussed. Protocols for dealing with the identified issues are presented. Prerequisites: CJ
101, 201 and 217, senior status or permission of instructor.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Recognize the roles of criminal justice professionals in crisis management situations.

2. Critically analyze crisis situations.
3. Articulate the critical elements in a crisis negotiation team.
4. Explain the components of risk management.
5. Discuss the mental health component of crisis situations.
6. Evaluate the effects of hostage situations on victims and crisis responders.
7. Compare and contrast crisis behaviors of inmates and the response of crisis responders.

The Criminal Justice Department has adopted five Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) which are
assessed during various semesters. The SLOs which will be assessed through this course are:

 SLO 1: Demonstrate the ability to conduct professional oral presentations and write
reports as they relate to the criminal justice profession.
 SLO 5: Demonstrate critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary for interaction in
the Criminal Justice profession.

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In addition to the Criminal Justice Department’s Student Learning Outcomes, Alvernia University
has adopted eight General Education Student Learning Outcomes (GESLOs) that will be
assessed for all students throughout their course of studies. The GESLOs that will be measured
through various course assignments change each year.

Required Course Materials

McMains, Michael J. & Mullins, Wayman C., Crisis Negotiations: Managing Critical Incidents
and Hostage Situations in Law Enforcement and Corrections, 5th edition, Anderson
Publishing.

Recommended Course Materials

American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American
Psychological Association (6th ed.): Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.

Course Format
This course is 100% online taught during a 7-week (module) course. Blackboard™ features
include: online discussion, web-links, film, podcasts, supplemental course material access,
work-group organization, and webpage activities.

Course Requirements
1. Readings
The expectation is for students to read before coming to class.
2. Attendance/Participation
Students are expected to log into Blackboard each week and complete the assignments
and blogs by the given due dates.
3. Assignments, Projects, Examinations
Students are expected to complete weekly assignments, discussion boards and
quizzes/tests. Quizzes/tests may include multiple choice, essay and short answer
questions, and will cover material covered prior to the quiz date. Quizzes/tests are NOT
open book. They are intended to measure what the student has learned during the
module.
4. Editorial Style
In accordance with nationwide Criminal Justice profession guidelines, American
Psychological Association (APA) style must be used for any written assignments.
5. Professional Standards and Guidelines
Students are expected and required to be courteous to others in all online discussions,
including the professor. Disrespectful or disruptive behavior toward either the professor
or other students will not be tolerated. It is within the professor’s discretion as to what
constitutes disrespectful or disruptive behavior.

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Grading Policy & Grading Rubrics
All participants will receive a final grade based on the following points. Students can calculate
their final grade by dividing their earned points by 8.5. Mission Moment responses should be
completed under “Blogs.” Responses outside of the module week will not be accepted for
points.

Assessment Points

Discussion Forums (7 @ 25 points each) 175

Quizzes (6 @ 50 points each) 300

Graded Assignments (6 @ 40 points & 1 @ 100 points) 340

Mission Moments (7@ 5 points each) 35

Total 850

Grading Scale

Undergraduate Grading Scale Graduate Grading Scale

A 94-100 C- 70-72 P Passing Grade A 4.0 94-100

A- 90-93 D+ 67-69 I Incomplete A- 3.7 90-93

B+ 87-89 D 63-66 WP Withdrawal/Pass B+ 3.3 87-89

B 83-86 D- 60-62 WF Withdrawal/Fail B 3.0 83-86

B- 80-82 F Failure AU Audit B- 2.7* 80-82

C+ 77-79 C 2.0 72-79

C 73-76 F 72 and below

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Course Schedule
Please note: the professor reserves the right to alter this proposed schedule. Students will be
notified of any change in the schedule.

Lesson 1: History and Response

Activities Appx. Seat Hours Due Date

(30 min increments) (in EST)

A. Discussion Forum 2 hrs Midnight Sunday 10-15-23

B. Assignment: 3 hrs Midnight Sunday 10-15-23

Paper on the topic – “Attica:
What Went Wrong?”
C. Quiz #1 1 hr Midnight Sunday 10-15-23

Lesson 2: Negotiations and Risk Assessment

Activities Appx. Seat Hours Due Date

(30 min increments) (in EST)

A. Discussion Forum 2 hrs Midnight Sunday 10-22-23

B. Assignment: 3 hrs Midnight Sunday 10-22-23

Paper on the Waco Seige and
Ruby Ridge
C. Quiz #2 1 hr Midnight Sunday 10-22-23

Lesson 3: Communications and the Mentally Ill

Activities Appx. Seat Hours Due Date

(30 min increments) (in EST)

A. Discussion Forum 2 hrs Midnight Sunday 10-29-23

B. Assignment: 3 hrs Midnight Sunday 10-29-23

Paper on Domestic Violence;
video “Telling Amy’s Story”
C. Quiz #3 1 hr Midnight Sunday 10-29-23

Lesson 4: Mental Health Issues and Special Populations

Activities Appx. Seat Hours Due Date

(30 min increments) (in EST)

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 A. Discussion Forum: 2 hrs Midnight Sunday 11-5-23
Videos: “Breaking the
Silence” and “Beneath the
Vest: Police Officer PTSD &
Mental Health”
B. Assignment: 3 hrs Midnight Sunday 11-5-23
Research two cases of elderly
suicide or murder/suicide
C. Quiz #4 1 hr Midnight Sunday 11-12-23

Lesson 5: Prisons, Correctional Facilities, and Crisis Negotiations

Activities Appx. Seat Hours Due Date

(30 min increments) (in EST)

A. Discussion Forum: 2 hrs Midnight Sunday 11-19-23

Discussion about crisis
situations and riots in
correctional facilities
B. Assignment: 3 hrs Midnight Sunday 11-19-23
Paper on “Prison Hostages”
C. Quiz #5 1 hr Midnight Sunday 11-19-23

Lesson 6: Hostages

Activities Appx. Seat Hours Due Date

(30 min increments) (in EST)

A. Discussion Forum: 2 hrs Midnight Sunday 11-26-23

Hostage Negotiations
B. Assignment: 3 hrs Midnight Sunday 11-26-23
Case History: Patty Hearst
and Stockholm Syndrome
C. Quiz #6 1 hr Midnight Sunday 11-26-23

Lesson 7: Final Project Paper

Activities Appx. Seat Hours Due Date

(30 min increments) (in EST)

A. Discussion Forum: 2 hrs Midnight Sunday 12-3-23

Important concept, practice,
and/or procedure in crisis
management
B. Assignment: 5 hrs Midnight Sunday 12-3-23
Five-part final paper of a

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 crisis scenario
C. No Quiz No Quiz- Yeay!
Paper takes the place of the
final exam.

Optional Disclaimer
The instructor reserves the right to adjust the course requirements and schedule if necessary.
Students will be given adequate notification of any alterations.

University Objectives
All courses at Alvernia University are designed to foster the core Catholic, Franciscan values of
service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality as set forth by Alvernia’s Mission
Statement, as well as to promote the General Objectives outlined in the University Catalog and
the Student Handbook.

The university community supports peace and non-violence by respecting diversity and
affirming the dignity of everyone in the community; civility and courtesy are practiced at all
times.

Class Cancellation Policy:

Understanding that each one-credit course requires 14 hours of instructional time per
semester/MOD, faculty must provide activities or make-up time appropriate to the course in the
case of class cancellation or faculty absence.

Responsibilities And Ethical Use Of Technology

The Alvernia community adheres to ethical use of technology at all times.

It is the student’s responsibility to check Alvernia email and Blackboard™ accounts on a regular
basis. Important information may be communicated by Alvernia faculty or staff through these
means. All students are highly encouraged to enroll in the electronic emergency notification
system called e2Campus™ https://www.e2campus.net/my/alvernia/

Copyright Restriction
Materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection under Title
17 of the United States Code. Under certain Fair Use circumstances specified by law, copies
may be made for private study, scholarship, or research. Electronic copies should not be shared
with unauthorized users. If a user fails to comply with Fair Use restrictions, he/she may be liable
for copyright infringement. For more information, including Fair Use guidelines, see the Alvernia
University Copyright & Fair Use Policy: https://alvernia.libguides.com/c.php?
g=22381&p=132033

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Technology Requirements
Students who enroll in Alvernia online courses must possess basic computer skills and have
regular access to appropriate computer hardware, software, speakers & microphone, webcam,
and Internet connectivity in order to fully participate in coursework. Alvernia students taking
courses with online components are responsible for technology hardware (e.g. computer,
laptop, table, pc, etc.), communication software and internet services.

For the recommended and minimum technology requirements visit the FAQ at:
https://web.alvernia.edu/faq/index.php?
action=artikel&cat=95&id=66&artlang=en&highlight=technology+requirements

Blackboard Information
The Blackboard™ learning management system, where students access this course’s online
portion (if applicable), is accessible through the Alvernia website at
http://www.alvernia.edu/logins/

It is very important that students who elect to take this course in an online format do the
following as soon as possible:

 Ensure that you are able to Login to Blackboard™ at http://www.alvernia.edu/logins/

 If this is the first time you are using Blackboard™, please review the Student Resources
located at https://web.alvernia.edu/faq/index.php?action=show&cat=4
 If you require assistance please contact our 24/7 Service Desk via phone 610-927-2008,
toll free at 855-402-3828, or email directly servicedesk@alvernia.edu
 Actively engage and contribute positively to discussions – read assigned
chapters/reading before participating in discussion and complete all required class
activities/assignments
 Read all assigned materials thoroughly/critically and participate actively in all group
activities
 Collaborate with peers to complete small group activities and discussion. It is important
that you plan accordingly and invest sufficient time to complete all assignments to the
best of your ability

University Course Requirements

Course Delivery Format:
At Alvernia University online courses are divided into different categories based on the
percentage of the course delivered in an online format.

 Online Course: This is a course that delivers more than 75% of its content electronically.
 Blended-Plus Course: This is a course that delivers approximately 51% – 75% of its
content electronically.
 Blended Course: This is a course that delivers approximately 30% – 50% of its content
electronically.
 Web Enhanced: This is a course that may deliver up to 30% of its content electronically

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  All formats deliver a minimum total of 14 hours instructional time per credit hour.

Academic Honesty
All students are expected to adhere to the university’s Academic Honesty Policy, as outlined in
the Undergraduate Student Handbook
(http://www.alvernia.edu/current-students/PDF/StudentHandbookRev010812.pdf or Graduate
Student Catalog http://www.alvernia.edu/academics/catalogs/Catalog_2015-16/15-
16GraduateCatalog.pdf

Breaches of honesty include but are not limited to:

 Copying another student’s work

 Plagiarizing the published work of another
 Facilitating the dishonesty of another student
 Cheating on an examination
 Collaborating with a student to complete on-line tests

It is the student’s responsibility to read and understand the policy; failure to do so does not
excuse the student from the consequences of the policy.

Explain consequences for plagiarism and dishonesty, for example: Any plagiarized assignment
will receive a grade of zero.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act
(“ADA”), the University offers accommodations to students with documented learning, physical
and/or psychological disabilities. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Disability
Services Coordinator, preferably prior to the beginning of the semester, to initiate the
accommodation process. Once accommodations are granted, it is the students’ responsibility to
provide each professor with their letter of accommodation and have a discussion with their
professor about these accommodations so they can be implemented as quickly as possible.
Students needing assistance should contact the Disability Services Office in BH 105 (inside the
Learning Center), for an intake meeting. Please contact Darla Timberlake by phone
(610.568.1499), fax (484-335-4486), or e-mail @ disability.services@alvernia.edu. Please note,
accommodations are not retroactive.

Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center (ASC) offers advising services, disability services, course-
specific tutoring, writing support, academic skills coaching, and Supplemental Instruction for
select courses.

We encourage you to access our writing support throughout the semester to help build a strong
foundation for writing in all of your courses. Our writing tutors will work with you at any stage of
the writing process, from developing and organizing ideas to revising and editing drafts. Rather
than editing your work for you, writing tutors will actively engage you in meaningful
conversations about your writing and help you learn new strategies.

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The ASC is located in the Bernardine Hall 105. For general ASC inquires, call 610-796-8263. To
schedule tutoring appointments, call 610-568-1494 or email academic.support@alvernia.edu.
You can view the current schedule and make tutoring appointments through our online
appointment system at https://alvernia.mywconline.com or visit us in person for assistance.

The Office for Multilingual Student Success

The Office for Multilingual Student Success offers academic support to culturally and
linguistically diverse students. The Office is located in Room 203, Franco Library.

If English is your second language, we will help you with writing papers, preparing
presentations, communicating with professors and peers, and managing your studies at
Alvernia. Sessions are conducted in the Office, via video conferencing, and e-mail. To schedule
an appointment, please e-mail multilingual.support@alvernia.edu.

Tk20 Notice
Submission: Alvernia University strives to provide a quality educational experience through
ongoing efforts to evaluate student learning outcomes. As part of this process, students may be
asked to submit an electronic version of work by uploading one or more documents into Tk20
for assessment purposes. Assignments will be designated by the course faculty member.
Additional information about Tk20 login and submission process is available on the student
portal.

Confidentiality: Data gathered for assessment purposes are analyzed in aggregate form. No
personal or student identifying information is revealed in disseminated reports. Alvernia
University uses assessment related information to better understand what students are learning
in relation to general education and student learning outcomes and improve understanding of
the institution itself.

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