Student & Police Partnerships: Utilizing Service-Learning & Experiential Learning in Criminal Justice Education

• In Event: Teaching Criminology Beyond the Classroom: Working with Prisons, Police, and Case Studies

Abstract

Scholarship on service-learning and experiential learning increasingly demonstrates benefits for students and community partners. This case study examines a university Police & Society course that partners with four local and state police departments to use both experiential learning and service-learning. Students engage in ride-alongs, simulation trainings, written and physical police entrance examinations, a police-community relations teddy bear drive, and a police-community relations event. Focus groups of students and community partners showcase how service-learning and experiential learning impact police-community relations by creating a learning opportunity for students and departments, humanizing officers, and building public understanding and trust.

Authors

• Sherry Lynn Skaggs, University of Central Arkansas

• Lesley Graybeal, University of Central Arkansas