Welcome!

My name is Sue Thibault, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to our Criminal Justice program. As an enthusiastic and dedicated educator, I strive to nurture talent, inspire curiosity, and support both your personal and professional growth.

I bring over 34 years of experience with the Massachusetts Department of Correction, where I retired as Superintendent of one of the state’s major correctional facilities. My journey in education began over 15 years ago with Quincy College, first as a member of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, then as an adjunct professor, and now as a proud full-time faculty member.

In addition to my corrections background, I am a retired Major with 25 years of service in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. These experiences have shaped my passion for justice, leadership, and mentorship.

I am confident that my diverse background—as an educator, criminal justice professional, and correctional administrator—will enrich your learning experience and help guide you toward your academic and career goals.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy playing pickleball, participating in a bowling league, reading, watching movies, and spending quality time with family and friends.

I’m honored to be part of your journey and look forward to supporting you throughout your time at Quincy College and beyond.

Instructor Contact Information

Instructor: Suzanne Thibault
Office Location: Quincy College, President's Place, Room 431
Office Hours: See course syllabus
Phone: (617) 405-5943
Email: suzanne.thibault@quincycollege.edu

Course Description

This course will examine law enforcement as a social institution focusing on legal, theoretical, and practical issues related to exercising social control with an emphasis on evidence-based practices and procedural justice. Models and trends in policing, including initiatives such as community policing, problem-oriented policing and technological advances will be explored.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Summarize the history and evolution of policing in the United States. (CLO 1)
2. Explain the structure, function and administration of law enforcement agencies. (CLO 2)
3. Contrast community police, police and community relations, and community-oriented policing. (CLO 3)
4. Examine police subculture and discretionary decision making. (CLO 4)
5. Describe the factors that shape contemporary policing. (CLO 5)

(CLO = Course Learning Outcome)

Course Materials

Course Textbook:

Walker, S., & Katz, C. M. (2022). The Police in America: An introduction (10th ed.). McGraw Hill. ISBN 978-1260236996

Quincy College Bookstore:

1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169-5103 (3rd floor on the left from the elevator)
Phone: 617.328.1602 Website: Quincy College Barnes & Noble

Third-party Software:

During this course, you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you should not provide personal information about yourself or your classmates on a public site. Where appropriate, you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personal information. If you have any concerns about this process, please contact your instructor.

Course Syllabus

Course Syllabus

Academic Integrity

Please read and familiarize yourself with the following Quincy College academic integrity policies:

Student Code of Conduct: Students at Quincy College are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards. Academic dishonesty is considered a serious breach of these ethical standards because it interferes with the College mission to provide a high-quality education in which no student enjoys an unfair advantage over any other. Please refer to Policy 6.16: Student Code of Conduct Policy in the QC Policy Manual.
Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty is also destructive to the College community, which is grounded in a system of mutual trust and places a high value on personal integrity and individual responsibility. Please refer to Policy 5.15: Academic Integrity Policy in the QC Policy Manual.
The Quincy College Policy Manual: For detailed information about the mission, vision, commitment to excellence, and general policies of Quincy College, please refer to the QC Policy Manual.

Accessibility & Privacy Policies

Various tools and technologies will be utilized throughout this course. For information on the privacy and accessibility standards of specific technologies, please refer to the following policies:

QC Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic support, accommodations, and many other services to meet student accessibility needs. For further information, or if you feel you require support, please contact Student Accessibility Services.

QC Student Success

Need Help?

Free support services are available for QC's students. You can access resources and assistance through QC's Student Services.

Next Step: Begin This Course

Complete the following:

Complete Start Here Module and review Course Resources Module.

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