MCCCD Program Description

Community Relations

Course: AJS270

First Term: 2025 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Examination of community problems; community action programs and trends; human behavior, conflict and communication; and the relationship between the criminal justice system and community.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Identify the factors that influence American communities. (I) 2. Trace the development of community policing. (II) 3. Describe the use and role of police authority and discretion. (II, IX) 4. Describe the relationship between the justice system (cops, courts and corrections) and community. (III) 5. Analyze the relationship between the justice system and community politics. (III) 6. Describe psychological and sociological variables that influence human behavior and conflict. (IV, V) 7. Describe the role of communication in community policing. (VI) 8. Describe types of community programs utilized by criminal justice organizations. (VII) 9. Discuss emerging trends in community relations. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. The American community A. Geographic influence B. Ethnic, racial, cultural, and religious influence C. Functions of the community D. Community interactions E. The changing community F. Socioeconomic class II. Law enforcement and community relations A. History of law enforcement B. Development of community relations C. Use of authority by police D. Police as a symbol of authority III. The criminal justice system and community politics A. Politics and the relationship of the courts and the community B. Politics and the relationship of corrections and the community C. Conflicting community expectations D. Finances E. Politics and the role of the police IV. Human behavior A. Psychological variables B. Sociological variables V. Human conflict/victimology A. Intra-psychic B. Interpersonal C. Groups D. Cultures E. Adaptations VI. Communication A. Purposes B. Meaning and interpretation C. Verbal D. Non-Verbal E. Barriers to effective communication VII. Community relations programs A. Organization B. Function C. Citizen involvement D. Improvement of services E. Programs VIII. Future trends in community relations A. Issues for improvement B. Problem solving/change issues C. Police discretion D. Diversion programs E. Reduced police hostility F. Planning and evaluation

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 25, 2024

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.