This subject draws upon Victorian, Australian and international examples, to address critical issues relating to the history, expansion, role and performance of police in society. Throughout the subject, we will consider questions such as: what does the way a society is policed tell us about that society? Does policing represent the interests of all members of society? Is policing a positive force of social cohesion? What are the broader implications of policing? Topics canvassed in this subject include: law and order policing; the making of police - their training and culture; the use of force; police corruption and accountability; paramilitary policing; the policing of diverse communities; and the "fact" of policing versus the "fiction" of policing.

Subject rules

Readings