The following is an assignment I typically give as extra credit each semester, with modifications for the OpenLab
- Determine your resident police precinct (can be done on NYC.gov).
- Review crime and quality of life statistics for your resident precinct.
- Attend a police-community council meeting – these are typically held once per month.
Observe and report the following in a Post under “Assignments”:
- What precinct community council meeting did you attend? What was the date/time/location? How many police officers were in attendance? How many members of the public were in attendance?
- List and describe three community complaints/issues discussed?
- What solutions to those complaints did the police offer?
- How would you describe the tone of the meeting? How would you characterize the relationship between the police and that community?
- What did you learn about policing and the community that you didn’t know before?
You must include a photo of yourself at the event to receive credit.
(Pic is labeled for reuse, just in case anyone was wondering)
This assignment is a great idea for students to learn about police-community relations and responsibilities. ( These meetings are likely to be very lively at present, but also unfortunately, likely to be online!)
Hi Jason,
I really like the way you have kept your instructions in this assignment straightforward and to the point. The actions and expectations are clear and direct, and the requirement to add a photo is important.
I mentioned when you shared this assignment in the breakout room that I think this is just an incredible and transformational assignment that is worthy of a large-scale presentation based on your results.
With extra credit, I often wonder how other professors manage it. For example, if some students are already doing really well and don’t need extra credit, is it possible that they could miss out on doing this important assignment?