Program Overview

Program Overview

The subject POL106 Government and Police is designed to develop an understanding of the relationship between government and policing, with a particular emphasis on policing in liberal democracies. The main focus will be on Australian police organisations and Australian governments, with some comparative analysis, including the relationship between policing and government in the USA and the UK.

Subject Information

Grading System

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

This subject is offered by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is not available to students who have completed POL101.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• explain modern Australian policing in its institutional context
• demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between liberal democratic government and policing
• demonstrate an understanding of the sources of legitimacy of the police officer's role
• demonstrate an understanding of the Police Commissioner's role

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• the Australian system of government as it impacts on policing
• origins of modern policing and its evolution in Australia
• the relationship between policing and government
• liberal democracy and the Australian system of government
• accountability within the Australian system of government
• implications of policing for minority groups

Additional Information

The information contained in the university handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2019. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.