Police and Society
Lifelong Learning | Registration closed 11/22/2024
This course reviews current issues and problems in law enforcement and inter relations with society at large and cultural/ethnic sub-groups. It examines informal exercise of police authority or use of force, governmental/agency policies, legal requirements, role demands, and conflicts faced by police officers. This course is an abridged version of LRUs CRIM/SOCL 2016.
Over 5 classes students will learn and discuss challenges facing law enforcement’s role in communities with respect to historical and current theories and approaches. Students will also learn and discuss 4th and 5th Amendment issues regarding authority and the use of force. Through the use of video and discussion, students will attempt to apply 4th and 5th Amendment rulings and agency policies to evaluate real-world use of force events.
Michael Opferman
Michael Opferman (Opie) has spent his career in federal law enforcement. He focused on immigration, customs, criminal fraud, human smuggling and trafficking, among others. He is currently an adjunct professor for La Roche’s Criminal Justice Department. In his spare time, he teaches Olympic line fencing, chess, and defensive tactics. He is also an amateur photographer.