Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   Parks Law Enforcement Academy (PLEA) Module 5

 Title Abbreviation:   PLEA - MODULE 5

 Department:    CJ

 Course #:    245

 Credits:    6

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    7.5

 CIP:    030208

 EPC:    129

 REV:    2018


 Course Description  

Study and application of patrol skills and procedures, investigative techniques, criminalistics, crime scene management, and death investigation. Also covers bombs and explosives ordnance, gangs, domestic violence response, juvenile handling and procedures, environmental crimes awareness, Amber alert development and response, physical security and crime prevention.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: Extensive background and criminal history check/drug analysis and Dept Chair/Committee Approval.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 33

Lab: 66

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for certificate  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
N/A

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Understand how the park design often influences park physical security and promotes crime within.
  2. Name common precursor chemicals, materials, and compounds that are commonly used in the illicit manufacture of methamphetamine.
  3. Discuss strategies for oil spill responses and searches/rescues in remote park lands.
  4. Differentiate between point and non-point sources of pollution and give examples.
  5. Know the difference between Folk Nation and People Nation gangs, including many of the characteristics of their symbols, graffiti, manner of dress, and organization.
  6. Discuss strategies for dealing with outlaw motorcycle gangs and White Supremacist organizations.
  7. Understand basic principles of conducting crime scene investigations.
  8. Know the method of delivering a death notification.
  9. Differentiate between a coroner and a medical examiner.
  10. Define, and give examples of, presumptive tests and conclusive tests.
  11. Describe various methods, and tools employed in, the sketching of crime scenes.
  12. Describe various methods and tools involved in photographing crime scenes.
  13. Demonstrate building search techniques and awareness.
  14. Demonstrate tactical awareness and ability in unknown, transitional, and known risk stops and contacts.
  15. Know the phonetic alphabet as it relates to radio communication.
  16. Demonstrate proficiency on a portable radio during scenario-based exercises.
  17. Know the requirements for implementing an Amber Alert.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

0. Application and Integration

Definition: Applying information from one or more disciplines and/or field experiences in new contexts (Outcome 0.1); developing integrated approaches or responses to personal, academic, professional, and social issues (Outcomes 0.2-0.5).

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
0.3 Identify and evaluate the relationships among different perspectives within a field of study and among different fields of study.

1. Information Literacy

Definition: Recognizing when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
1.1 Determine the extent of information needed.
1.2 Access the needed information effectively, efficiently, ethically, and legally.
1.3 Evaluate information and its sources critically.
1.4 Evaluate issues (for example economic, legal, historic, social) surrounding the use of information.
1.5 Effectively integrate and use information ethically and legally to accomplish a specific purpose.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.
2.2 Analyze issues and develop questions within a discipline.
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.
2.4 Evaluate decisions by analyzing outcomes and the impact of actions.
2.5 Identify similarities and differences in the ways in which data is collected and analyzed in different disciplines.
2.6 Recognize how the value and biases in different disciplines can affect the ways in which data is analyzed.
2.7 Identify and evaluate connections and relationships among disciplines.
2.8 Describe how one’s own preconceptions, biases and values affect one’s response to new and ambiguous situations.
2.9 Apply and/or create problem-solving strategies to successfully adapt to unpredictable and/or changing environments.

3. Communication

Definition: Understanding and producing effective written, spoken, visual, and non-verbal communication.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
3.1 Recognize, read, and comprehend academic and/or professional writing.
3.3 Demonstrate effective listening skills.

6. Individual Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding, managing, and taking responsibility for one’s learning and behavior in varied and changing environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
6.2 Demonstrate standards of professionalism in manner, appearance, and setting appropriate to the context, including the classroom, workplace, and community.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.1 Analyze problems to determine what mathematical principles apply.
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).
8.4 Communicate mathematical information effectively.

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.1 Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts.
9.2 Demonstrate their understanding of the principles of scientific methods, analysis, and reasoning.
9.3 Analyze, apply, and communicate scientific concepts and principles in context (for example, in technological, personal, and/or professional situations).
9.4 Use scientific concepts and principles to understand the natural world, human behavior and culture, and relationships between humans and the rest of the natural world.
9.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the political and ethical issues in science.

10. Technology

Definition: Understanding the role of technology in society and using technology appropriately and effectively.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
10.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the development and impact of technology in human experience (history, global, and local).
10.2 Demonstrate an understanding of legal, ethical, and environmental issues in the use and misuse of technology.
10.3 Use technology appropriate to the context and task to effectively retrieve and manage information, solve problems, and facilitate communication.
10.4 Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of technology in one’s personal and professional life.

Course Contents

  1. Patrol skills/procedures 1. Patrol skills/procedures 2.
  2. Gang Awareness. Physical Security and Crime Prevention.
  3. Crime Scene Management and Investigation. Radio Communications.
  4. Death Investigation. Environmental Crimes Awareness.
  5. Amber Alert. Search and Rescue Awareness.
  6. Building Searches. Bombs and Explosives.
  7. Evidence Collection, Packaging and Impressions Casting. First Responders and Digital Evidence.
  8. Basic Law Enforcement Photography and Video. Recognizing Clandestine Labs.
  9. Audio-Video Recording Devices. Traffic Accident Reporting.
  10. Continuing Case Operations Phases 1-5.