Summer 1 2016 URGV - Department of Criminal Justice

Private Security & Loss Prevention

Instructor:                              Dr. Joseph A-Gyamfi

Office:                                    SBS 319A

Tel:                                         665-7061

Email                                      joseph.appiahenegyamfi@utrgv.edu

Meeting Days & Times:        M-F 8.00AM - 09:30AM

Classroom:                             SBS 121

Office hours:                          M-W 9.30.00PM – 10.30AM

Course Syllabus: This course introduces the student to private and industrial security systems in the Western industrialized world. We discuss the historical developments or evolution to the present, and the trends and patterns, structure(s), theories, rationale(s), modes of operations of the private security industry. We distinguish between the proprietary/in-house and contractual systems; sources of conflict and cooperation between private security and public policing. Also to be discussed will be perimeter security, lighting, locks, detection systems, types of fire and fire prevention techniques, types of emergencies and disaster management techniques, the law and private security; organizational structures of private - role of supervisors, line and staff, qualifications, selection and training, licensing, and publics’ perceptions of private security; and sources and areas of conflict and cooperation with public security/police and the future of the private security industry. Finally, we examine the role of private security in ‘topical’ crimes. Classes will comprise of lectures.

Required textbooks

1. Dempsey, J. S. (2011). Introduction to Private Security. 2^nd Edition. Wadsworth/Cengage

Important Dates:

Monday 06 June 2016                                                First day of classes

Tuesday June 7, 2016                                     Last day to add a class or register

Monday June 6 to Wednesday June 8, 2016  Last day to withdraw for 80% refund

Thursday June 9, 2016                                    Census day

Thursday June 9 to Monday 13, 2016                        Last day to withdraw for 50% refund

Friday July 1, 2016                                         Last day to drop (DR) or withdraw (W)

Monday July 4, 2016                                      Independence Day – No Classes

Monday July 11, 2016                                    Study day – No classes

Tuesday July 12, 2016                                    Final Exam

Examination dates

Exam # 1                                                        Monday June 13,

Exam # 2                                                        Monday June 20

Exam # 3                                                        Monday June 27

Final Exam                                                    Tuesday July 12 @ 8.00 AM – 9.15 AM

Course evaluation

Attendance                                                     5%

Exam # 1                                                        20%

Exam # 2                                                        20%

Exam # 3                                                        20%

Final Exam                                                    35%

Exam Chapters

Exam #1

Chapter 1: The History and Professionalization of Private Security

Chapter 2: The Business of the Private Security Industry

Chapter 3: Private Security Concepts, Tools, and Systems Convergence

Exam #2

Chapter 4: Private Security Laws

Chapter 5: Premises Security

Chapter 6: Business Security

Exam # 3

Chapter 7: Retail Security and Loss Prevention

Chapter 8: Personal Security

Chapter 9: Employment -Related Security

Chapter 10: Information and Computer Security

Final Exam

Chapter 11: Investigative Security

Chapter 12: Surveillance and Undercover Operations

Chapter 13: Private and Public Partnerships for Security

Chapter 14: Homeland Security

Examination Policy: All the exams are in-class, and are based on the books, lectures and discussions/presentations. Each exam will consist of multiple-choice and short answer questions of no less than 60 questions each, except the midterm and final exams, which will be no less than 75 questions each. If you miss a scheduled exam due to illness or any serious personal problems, inform me before the date. Absence due to illness requires a medical certificate or doctor’s report. Where this policy has been complied with, alternative arrangements may be made on individual basis. Absence/lateness without compelling justification will be self-penalizing. Students may be permitted to write any missed exam only under extenuating circumstances.

Final Grade Policy: You must complete every course requirement including attending class in order to receive a final grade. Defaulters in any one requirement will fail the course regardless of grades received so far.

• Extra credit/make-up assignments are not entertained in this course. As well, the final grade is NOT curve. You earn what you work. Students need to complete all of the course requirements, including full attendance and participation, to earn their final grade.

Attendance Policy: This is not online course. Your physical presence in class is mandatory. Two absences will be considered as a withdrawal from the course. That is, if you absent yourself two times and do not withdraw, you will fail the course no matter your current grade. As an incentive, students who attend every class time will receive (5) five percent of the final grade. Students are responsible to withdraw from the course. Persistent lateness to class, (ten minutes late, three times) will be classified as being absent. In other words, absence(s) and or lateness to class without compelling justification will be self-penalizing.

Cellphone Policy: It is said, “Courtesy costs nothing, but pays much.” Those who are in the habit of leaving their cellphones on should know that it is not only a nuisance to me, but also distracting to other students. Please turn it off when in class. It is unacceptable. Two points will be deducted if you leave your cellphone on.

Talking in class Policy: Class participation is encouraged, but talking, scribbling notes around, making signs, gestures and sometimes laughing aloud to the hearing of the class when lecture is in progress is not. Two points will be deducted when caught doing any of these.

“Sleeping” Policy: Do not “sleep” in class. You will be asked to leave the classroom and two points deducted from your final grade if found to be sleeping, dosing or inattentive.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which affects your academic performance) and would like to receive academic accommodations, please inform your instructor and contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule an appointment to initiate services. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility Services before classes start. However, accommodations can be provided at any time.

Brownsville Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in Cortez Hall Room 129 and can be contacted by phone at (956) 882-7374 (Voice) or via email at accessibility@utrgv.edu.

Edinburg Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in 108 University Center and can be contacted by phone at (956) 665-7005 (Voice), (956) 665-3840 (Fax), or via email at accessibility@utrgv.edu.

MANDATORY COURSE EVALUATION PERIOD: Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your UTRGV account (http://my.utrgv.edu); you will be contacted through email with further instructions. Online evaluations will be available from April 13 to May 4, 2016 for the regular spring semester. Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades.

SCHOLASTIC INTEGRITY: As members of a community dedicated to Honesty, Integrity and Respect, students are reminded that those who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, and collusion; submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an examination for another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student; or the attempt to commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced (Board of Regents Rules and Regulations and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All scholastic dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DISCRIMINATION, and VIOLENCE: In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a “responsible employee” for reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a student’s time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual harassment about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found at www.utrgv.edu/equity, including confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination. 

COURSE DROPS: According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of DR until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware of the “3-peat rule” and the “6-drop” rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate students may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time.