CSS 203: Comparative Police and Policing Systems

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1. discuss the structure, organization, types, functions of police and policing in different countries;
2. analyse the different philosophies and styles of policing;
3. discuss the factors that affect police effectiveness, legitimacy and deviance; and
4. explain significance of police reform, oversight and accountability.

Course Contents

Definitions and distinction between police and policing. Evolution of police force in Nigeria. Purpose of policing and police. Powers of police. Structure and organization of police and policing. Types of police and policing. Police legitimacy and deviance. Philosophy and styles of policing. Human rights and policing. Police reform. Police occupational culture. Transnational policing. Evolution of police organizations and system in selected countries. Contemporary comparative development in police organisations and powers. International, regional and national police organisations and associations. Oversight and accountability of police. Traditional and informal mechanisms for the control of crime and insecurity in Nigerian societies and elsewhere will be considered.