Syllabus for Traffic Law and Investigation

CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
SYLLABUS FOR CJLE 1333
TRAFFIC LAW AND INVESTIGATION

Semester Hours Credit: 3

INSTRUCTOR:

OFFICE HOURS:

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Instruction in the basic principles of traffic control, traffic law enforcement, court procedures, and traffic law. Emphasis on the need for a professional approach in dealing with traffic law violators and the police role in accident investigation and traffic supervision.

B. This course is an elective course for an Associate in Applied Science degree program.

C. This course is occupationally related and serves as preparation for careers in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, and Corrections.

D. Prerequisites:

E. Alphanumeric coding used throughout the syllabus denotes the integration of SCANS occupational competencies (C5,6,7,9,13,14,18,19) and Fundamental skills (F1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,15,16,17).

II. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, Fundamentals of Criminal Law, the student will:

A. Identify background and underlying principles of the traffic law enforcement effort.

B. Describe the legal requirements which govern and control the making and enforcement of criminal laws, and traffic laws in particular.

C. Explain the procedures to maximize the individual officer=s personal safety during a stop, particularly in a criminal situation.

D. Explain the factors which influence the officer and violator during their face-to-face contact.

E. Explain the importance of meeting the objectives of a traffic program, i.e. reduction of traffic fatalities and prosecution of traffic offenses.

F. Identify the various enforcement activities that lead to achieving an effective traffic program.

III. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL

A. The instructional materials identified for this course are viewable through www.ctcd.edu/books

B. Supplementary Reading: (None)

C. References:

1. Lyman, Michael D, Criminal Investigation: The Art and the Science, 7th Ed., Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2013.

2. Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents, Department of Public Safety (current) www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/accident_records/mvta2000/mvta2000.pdf

3. Dix, Jay, Michael Graham, Randy Hanzlick., Investigation of Road Traffic Fatalities: An Atlas, CRC Press, 2000.

D. Audio-Visual aids: Power point presentations and videos at the discretion of the instructor.

E. Other Instructional Material: (None)

IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

A. Your first responsibility is scholarship. The grade you receive will be the result of your efforts, not a gift from the instructor.

B. You should attend class regularly and be prepared to participate in classroom discussions and to take unannounced quizzes relating to text assignments and lecture material presented from the beginning of the course.

C. You are encouraged to give your best effort throughout the semester. From the beginning, you should plan a steady, organized, and continuous effort, which in the long run will prove more effective for you final grade than a last minute crash-cram policy. Your course grade is not determined solely by exam grade. Such factors as class participation, initiative, attendance, and individual research papers will be considered in grade computation.

D. From time to time, special library and other assignments may be made to members of the class, individually, and in groups. You are expected to read all assignments and fulfill your responsibilities to any group assignments.

E. You are expected to read all assigned material and bring your textbook to class. Keep up to date and informed on assignments, especially after a period of absence.

F. Good class notes are indispensable for earning a good grade since both the material assigned and discussed will be the basis for examination material. Regular attendance is essential for the same reason.

G. Special Work: A term paper or a book report (as per requirements of the instructor) will be required. The subject must be appropriate for the course material. Check with the instructor when you have made a selection of topic.

V. EXAMINATIONS

A. There will be a minimum of three major examinations as follows:

1. Three-week exam

2. Mid-term exam

3. Twelve-week exam (optional)

4. Final exam

B. A student must be present for all examinations. No make-up examinations will be given. Students who know in advance that they will be absent from an examination due to valid reasons must arrange to take an early examination. Unexpected absences due to illness or extenuating circumstances will require the student to see the instructor about individual make-up work.

C. Students without excused absences will be given a zero for the missed examination.

D. Examinations will consist of both objective (true/false, multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and matching) or subjective (short answer essay) questions, or a combination of both types. Students majoring in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement must be able to communicate both orally and in written form, thus some questions requiring the composition and writing of an essay answer will be required.

VI. SEMESTER GRADE COMPUTATION

VII. NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM COURSE INSTRUCTOR

A. Withdrawal from course: It is the student's responsibility to officially drop a class if circumstances prevent attendance. Any student who desires to or must, officially withdraw from a course after the first scheduled class meeting must file a Central Texas College Application for Withdrawal (CTC Form 59). The withdrawal form must be signed by the student.

CTC Form 59 will be accepted at any time prior to Friday of the 12th week of classes during the 16 week fall and spring semesters. The deadline for sessions of other lengths is as follows:

The equivalent date (75% of the semester) will be used for session of other lengths. The specific last date to withdraw is published each semester in the Schedule Bulletin.

Students who officially withdraw will be awarded the grade of "W," provided the student's attendance and academic performance are satisfactory at the time of official withdrawal. Student must file a withdrawal application with the college before they may be considered for withdrawal.

A student may not withdraw from a class for which the instructor has previously issued the student a grade of "F" or "FN" nonattendance.

B. Administrative Withdrawal: An administrative withdrawal may be initiated when the student fails to meet college attendance requirements. The instructor will assign the appropriate grade on the Administrative Withdrawal Form for submission to the registrar.

C. Incomplete Grade: The College catalog states, "An incomplete grade may be given in those cases where the student has completed the majority of the course work but, because of personal illness, death in the immediate family, or military orders, the student is unable to complete the requirements for a course..." Prior approval from the instructor is required before the grade of "I" is recorded. A student who merely fails to show for final examination will receive a zero for the final and an "F" for the course.

D. Cellular Phones and Beepers: Cellular phones and beepers will be turned off while the student is in the classroom or laboratory.

E. Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA): Disability Support Services provide services to students who have appropriate documentation of a disability. Students requiring accommodations for class are responsible for contacting the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) located on the central campus. This service is available to all students, regardless of location. Explore the website at www.ctcd.edu/disability-support for further information. Reasonable accommodations will be given in accordance with the federal and state laws through the DSS office.

F. Instructor Discretion: The instructor reserves the right of final decision in course requirements.

G. Civility: Individuals are expected to be cognizant of what a constructive educational experience is and respectful of those participating in a learning environment. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

VIII. COURSE OUTLINE

A. Chapter One: The Growth and Development of Motor Vehicles

B. Chapter Two: Purposes and Methods of Traffic Enforcement

C. Chapter Three: Discretion, Ethics, and Professional Conduct in Traffic Enforcement

D. Chapter Four: Licensing and Registering Drivers and Motor Vehicles

E. Chapter Five: Traffic Law – Part One

F. Chapter Six: Traffic Law – Part Two

G. Chapter Seven: Alcohol: Background of the Problem and the Struggle Against Impaired Driving

H. Chapter Eight: Detection and Enforcement Action Against the Impaired Driver

I. Chapter Nine: Field Sobriety Testing for Suspected Impaired Drivers

J. Chapter Ten: The Arrest and Processing of DUI Offenders

K. Chapter Eleven: Reporting, Preparing, and Testifying

L. Chapter Twelve: Crash Investigations – Part One: Responding to a Crash Scene

M. Chapter Thirteen: Crash Investigations – Part Two: Recording and Reporting

N. Chapter Fourteen: Special Issues and Trends in Traffic Safety and Enforcement