POLC2231 MN Criminal and Traffic Codes
This course is an overview of the Minnesota Criminal Code and Minnesota Traffic Laws. Emphasis is on coverage of statutes emphasized in Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) learning objectives. The course combines characteristics of two POST secondary learning attitudes; academic education and vocational-oriented training. The course will enhance both knowledge of criminal and traffic laws the student will use as an officer and understanding of how our laws are affected by case law.
Prerequisite
Admission into the Peace Officer Program
Course Requirements and Evaluation
Refer to Course Syllabus for detailed information regarding the requirements and evaluation standards for this course. The Course Syllabus will be distributed the first week of the course.
Learning Outcomes
The following outcomes will be addressed in the course:
Apply knowledge of criminal and traffic codes in the daily functions of a police officer
Demonstrate knowledge of MN criminal codes and traffic laws
Examine key terms defined in criminal and traffic laws of Minnesota
Justify the appropriate use of discretion by an officer
Differentiate between the penalty classifications from petty misdemeanors to felonies
Identify the difference between state statutes and city ordinances and their interrelationship
Select appropriate multiple counts for criminal acts and enhancements for repeat offenders
Apply MN Peace Officer mandated duties associated with specific state statutes
Identify MN statutes that apply to bias-motivated hate crimes
Differentiate between the elements of domestic abuse, assault, harassment and stalking
Distinguish between domestic-related court orders
Explain mandated reporting of suspected abuse to children and vulnerable adults
Discuss criminal liability for police officers
Interpret probable cause, criminal statutes and traffic laws
Analyze how traffic laws apply to driving conduct in traffic and impaired driving situations
Distinguish between types and classes of driver's license, endorsements, permits and exemptions
Summarize the different types of vehicle registration and insurance requirements
Apply appropriate MN traffic laws to traffic accident investigations
Text and References
A list of textbooks required for this course is available at the
campus store and in eServices.
Course Scheduling
The scheduled hours of instruction include sixteen hours for each lecture credit, thirty two hours for each lab credit and forty hours for each credit of supervised occupational experience (SOE). Lecture credit may include formal or impromptu lectures, demonstrations or discussions with the entire class or with small groups or individuals. Refer to the Credit Details section of this course outline for the credit breakdown.
Accommodations Statement
Access Services - Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified students with documented disabilities. Upon attending an intake meeting with Access Services, qualified students will receive a letter listing the approved accommodations that they may provide to their instructors. If you have a documented disability that may require accommodations, contact HTC Access Services at
AccessServices@hennepintech.edu or
https://hennepintech.edu/current-students/access-services/index.html.
Campus
Brooklyn Park Campus: 952-995-1300
Credit Details