Week 1 561

rubric.pdf

Short Assignment 1 Rubric Course: MSCJ 561 BDE - CRISIS INTERVENTION

Criteria Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Level 0 Criterion Score

Culturally

Responsive

Communication

Strategies

/ 10

Intervention

Strategies for

Diverse

Populations

/ 10

Training and

Resources for

Officers

/ 5

Clarity and

Organization of

Memo

/ 5

Formatting,

Grammar, and

Mechanics

/ 5

10 points

Clearly identifies

and thoroughly ex-

plains multiple cul-

turally responsive

communication

strategies with de-

tailed examples of

high-context and

low-context com-

munication

adjustments.

8 points

Identifies and ex-

plains several cul-

turally responsive

communication

strategies with ex-

amples of high-con-

text and low-con-

text communication

adjustments.

7 points

Identifies and ex-

plains some cultur-

ally responsive

communication

strategies but pro-

vides limited exam-

ples or lacks con-

nection to commu-

nication styles.

6 points

Mentions a few cul-

turally responsive

communication

strategies but lacks

explanation or

examples.

0 points

Fails to identify or

explain culturally

responsive commu-

nication strategies

or examples.

10 points

Outlines specific,

innovative, and

practical interven-

tion strategies tai-

lored to diverse

populations, with

examples of imple-

mentation and

impact.

8 points

Proposes several

specific interven-

tion strategies for

diverse populations

with some exam-

ples of implementa-

tion and potential

impact.

7 points

Suggests a few in-

tervention strate-

gies for diverse

populations but

lacks specificity, ex-

amples, or consid-

eration of imple-

mentation and

impact.

6 points

Mentions interven-

tion strategies but

provides minimal

detail, lacks speci-

ficity, and does not

address implemen-

tation or impact.

0 points

Fails to suggest in-

tervention strate-

gies or addresses

them in a vague or

irrelevant manner.

5 points

Recommends com-

prehensive training

and resource plans

with detailed de-

scriptions of sce-

nario-based train-

ing, partnerships,

and ongoing

workshops.

4 points

Recommends rele-

vant training and

resource plans with

examples such as

scenario-based

training, partner-

ships, or

workshops.

3.5 points

Recommends basic

training or re-

sources but lacks

detail or fails to ad-

dress critical com-

ponents like sce-

nario-based training

or community

partnerships.

3 points

Mentions training

or resources but

provides minimal

details and fails to

connect them to

improving cultural

competency.

0 points

Fails to recommend

training or re-

sources, or sug-

gestions are irrele-

vant or

inappropriate.

5 points

The memo is excep-

tionally well-orga-

nized, concise, and

clearly written, with

logical flow and

professional tone.

4 points

The memo is well-

organized and

clearly written, with

minor lapses in flow

or tone.

3.5 points

The memo is some-

what organized but

includes lapses in

clarity, logical flow,

or professional

tone.

3 points

The memo lacks

clear organization

or professional tone

and is difficult to

follow.

0 points

The memo is disor-

ganized, unclear,

and unprofessional.

5 points

Exemplary use of

formatting and

flawless grammar,

punctuation, and

spelling throughout

the memo.

4 points

Proper use of for-

matting with minor

errors and mostly

correct grammar,

punctuation, and

spelling.

3.5 points

Some errors in for-

matting, grammar,

punctuation, or

spelling that do not

significantly hinder

understanding.

3 points

Frequent errors in

formatting, gram-

mar, punctuation,

or spelling that

somewhat hinder

understanding.

0 points

Numerous errors in

formatting, gram-

mar, punctuation,

or spelling that

make the memo dif-

ficult to

understand.

3/2/26, 8:01 AM Short Assignment 1 - MSCJ 561 BDE - CRISIS INTERVENTION - Columbia College of Missouri

https://ccis.ucourses.com/d2l/lms/dropbox/user/folder_submit_files.d2l?db=2119053&grpid=0&isprv=0&bp=0&ou=1049510 1/4

week1524.docx

Discussion 250 words each

Provide an example of a specific, existing criminal justice program or policy and state whether it is implemented at a federal, state, or local level, or a combination of the three. Analyze the policy using the seven essential criteria for good policy as outlined by Foster on pages 14 - 16 of Reddington and Bonham text.

Do you believe it is a good policy? Why or why not? If you do not believe this is a good policy, what recommendations would you make to improve it?

Discussion 2

The Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) provides direct funding and technical assistance to states to improve the quality and access to criminal history records. Review the description of NCHIP. What is the overall success of this program, both at a national level and in your state? Is the program meeting its objectives? Why or why not? What alternatives would you recommend? In your responses to classmates, discuss your view of the program, including whether it is meeting objectives in your state.

Books

Welsh, W. N., & Harris, P. W. (2016). Criminal Justice Policy and Planning (5th ed.). Taylor & Francis. https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9781317271550

Jr., F.P.R. B. (2019). Flawed Criminal Justice Policies: At the Intersection of the Media, Public Fear and Legislative Response (2nd ed.). Carolina Academic Press. https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9781531011376

week1561.docx

2

300-400 words for discussion

Discussion

Domestic Dispute Escalation and Officer Trauma

Officer Jane Harris, a five-year veteran, responds to a domestic violence call. The caller, a young woman, reports that her partner has threatened her with a weapon and is in a volatile mental state. As Officer Harris arrives on the scene, she hears shouting from within the house and attempts to de-escalate the situation. Despite her best efforts to calm the suspect, the encounter quickly escalates, and the suspect brandishes a weapon. In the process of defending herself and the victim, Officer Harris is forced to use lethal force.

Though cleared of any wrongdoing, she struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, including insomnia, isolation, and doubts about her career. Her department offers limited mental health resources, and she fears seeking outside help due to potential stigma from peers. The ongoing media attention only adds to her stress.

Initial Post:

Reflecting on the scenario above, consider the challenges officers face when dealing with trauma after high-stress incidents. In your initial post, address the following:

1. What strategies could Officer Harris’s department implement to better support officers experiencing trauma after high-stress incidents, and how can they address mental health stigma within the force? What barriers might officers like Officer Harris encounter when seeking mental health support within their department?

2. How should officers such as Officer Harris balance their duty to the community with their personal mental health needs, given the pressures of their profession?

3. What steps could law enforcement departments take to foster a culture that acknowledges the psychological impact on officers involved in high-risk incidents, enhancing resilience and recovery?

Memo 500-600 words

Policy Memo - Cultural Sensitivity in Crisis Intervention

A recent altercation occurred between police officers and a group of young individuals in a neighborhood predominantly populated by recent immigrants from various cultural backgrounds. The police were called to respond to a minor incident, but tensions quickly escalated due to language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. Some community members perceived the officers’ actions as disrespectful or overly aggressive, interpreting certain behaviors as lacking cultural sensitivity.

To prevent similar situations in the future, your task as a policy advisor is to compose a 2-page memo outlining strategies for culturally responsive crisis intervention in law enforcement. These strategies should consider varying communication styles, beliefs, and values to foster an inclusive approach that builds trust and ensures effective support during crises.

In your memo, address the following points:

1. Identify Culturally Responsive Communication Strategies Describe how officers can adjust their communication techniques to be more culturally sensitive and inclusive in a crisis. Consider different communication styles, such as high-context versus low-context communication, and specific actions officers can take to show respect for diverse values and beliefs.

2. Outline Specific Intervention Strategies for Diverse Populations Propose intervention strategies that adapt to the values, beliefs, and unique needs of immigrant or culturally diverse communities. These could include practical steps such as utilizing cultural liaisons, adapting non-verbal cues, or ensuring access to interpreters. How might these strategies reduce misunderstandings and de-escalate tensions?

3. Recommend Training and Resources for Officers Suggest types of training or resources that should be made available to officers to improve cultural competency in crisis situations. How can this training prepare officers to handle crises more effectively with culturally diverse communities? Consider including elements such as scenario-based training, partnerships with community leaders, or ongoing cultural sensitivity workshops.

Please review the grading rubric carefully and ensure that your memo aligns with the outlined criteria to meet all expectations for this assignment.

Textbook

Shane, J. (2019). Stress Inside Police Departments. Taylor & Francis. https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9781000762891

James, R. (2024). Crisis Intervention Strategies (9th ed.). Cengage Learning US. https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9798214125787

rubric.pdf

Short Assignment 1 Rubric Course: MSCJ 561 BDE - CRISIS INTERVENTION

Criteria Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Level 0 Criterion Score

Culturally

Responsive

Communication

Strategies

/ 10

Intervention

Strategies for

Diverse

Populations

/ 10

Training and

Resources for

Officers

/ 5

Clarity and

Organization of

Memo

/ 5

Formatting,

Grammar, and

Mechanics

/ 5

10 points

Clearly identifies

and thoroughly ex-

plains multiple cul-

turally responsive

communication

strategies with de-

tailed examples of

high-context and

low-context com-

munication

adjustments.

8 points

Identifies and ex-

plains several cul-

turally responsive

communication

strategies with ex-

amples of high-con-

text and low-con-

text communication

adjustments.

7 points

Identifies and ex-

plains some cultur-

ally responsive

communication

strategies but pro-

vides limited exam-

ples or lacks con-

nection to commu-

nication styles.

6 points

Mentions a few cul-

turally responsive

communication

strategies but lacks

explanation or

examples.

0 points

Fails to identify or

explain culturally

responsive commu-

nication strategies

or examples.

10 points

Outlines specific,

innovative, and

practical interven-

tion strategies tai-

lored to diverse

populations, with

examples of imple-

mentation and

impact.

8 points

Proposes several

specific interven-

tion strategies for

diverse populations

with some exam-

ples of implementa-

tion and potential

impact.

7 points

Suggests a few in-

tervention strate-

gies for diverse

populations but

lacks specificity, ex-

amples, or consid-

eration of imple-

mentation and

impact.

6 points

Mentions interven-

tion strategies but

provides minimal

detail, lacks speci-

ficity, and does not

address implemen-

tation or impact.

0 points

Fails to suggest in-

tervention strate-

gies or addresses

them in a vague or

irrelevant manner.

5 points

Recommends com-

prehensive training

and resource plans

with detailed de-

scriptions of sce-

nario-based train-

ing, partnerships,

and ongoing

workshops.

4 points

Recommends rele-

vant training and

resource plans with

examples such as

scenario-based

training, partner-

ships, or

workshops.

3.5 points

Recommends basic

training or re-

sources but lacks

detail or fails to ad-

dress critical com-

ponents like sce-

nario-based training

or community

partnerships.

3 points

Mentions training

or resources but

provides minimal

details and fails to

connect them to

improving cultural

competency.

0 points

Fails to recommend

training or re-

sources, or sug-

gestions are irrele-

vant or

inappropriate.

5 points

The memo is excep-

tionally well-orga-

nized, concise, and

clearly written, with

logical flow and

professional tone.

4 points

The memo is well-

organized and

clearly written, with

minor lapses in flow

or tone.

3.5 points

The memo is some-

what organized but

includes lapses in

clarity, logical flow,

or professional

tone.

3 points

The memo lacks

clear organization

or professional tone

and is difficult to

follow.

0 points

The memo is disor-

ganized, unclear,

and unprofessional.

5 points

Exemplary use of

formatting and

flawless grammar,

punctuation, and

spelling throughout

the memo.

4 points

Proper use of for-

matting with minor

errors and mostly

correct grammar,

punctuation, and

spelling.

3.5 points

Some errors in for-

matting, grammar,

punctuation, or

spelling that do not

significantly hinder

understanding.

3 points

Frequent errors in

formatting, gram-

mar, punctuation,

or spelling that

somewhat hinder

understanding.

0 points

Numerous errors in

formatting, gram-

mar, punctuation,

or spelling that

make the memo dif-

ficult to

understand.

3/2/26, 8:01 AM Short Assignment 1 - MSCJ 561 BDE - CRISIS INTERVENTION - Columbia College of Missouri

https://ccis.ucourses.com/d2l/lms/dropbox/user/folder_submit_files.d2l?db=2119053&grpid=0&isprv=0&bp=0&ou=1049510 1/4

week1524.docx

Discussion 250 words each

Provide an example of a specific, existing criminal justice program or policy and state whether it is implemented at a federal, state, or local level, or a combination of the three. Analyze the policy using the seven essential criteria for good policy as outlined by Foster on pages 14 - 16 of Reddington and Bonham text.

Do you believe it is a good policy? Why or why not? If you do not believe this is a good policy, what recommendations would you make to improve it?

Discussion 2

The Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) provides direct funding and technical assistance to states to improve the quality and access to criminal history records. Review the description of NCHIP. What is the overall success of this program, both at a national level and in your state? Is the program meeting its objectives? Why or why not? What alternatives would you recommend? In your responses to classmates, discuss your view of the program, including whether it is meeting objectives in your state.

Books

Welsh, W. N., & Harris, P. W. (2016). Criminal Justice Policy and Planning (5th ed.). Taylor & Francis. https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9781317271550

Jr., F.P.R. B. (2019). Flawed Criminal Justice Policies: At the Intersection of the Media, Public Fear and Legislative Response (2nd ed.). Carolina Academic Press. https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9781531011376

week1561.docx

2

300-400 words for discussion

Discussion

Domestic Dispute Escalation and Officer Trauma

Officer Jane Harris, a five-year veteran, responds to a domestic violence call. The caller, a young woman, reports that her partner has threatened her with a weapon and is in a volatile mental state. As Officer Harris arrives on the scene, she hears shouting from within the house and attempts to de-escalate the situation. Despite her best efforts to calm the suspect, the encounter quickly escalates, and the suspect brandishes a weapon. In the process of defending herself and the victim, Officer Harris is forced to use lethal force.

Though cleared of any wrongdoing, she struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, including insomnia, isolation, and doubts about her career. Her department offers limited mental health resources, and she fears seeking outside help due to potential stigma from peers. The ongoing media attention only adds to her stress.

Initial Post:

Reflecting on the scenario above, consider the challenges officers face when dealing with trauma after high-stress incidents. In your initial post, address the following:

1. What strategies could Officer Harris’s department implement to better support officers experiencing trauma after high-stress incidents, and how can they address mental health stigma within the force? What barriers might officers like Officer Harris encounter when seeking mental health support within their department?

2. How should officers such as Officer Harris balance their duty to the community with their personal mental health needs, given the pressures of their profession?

3. What steps could law enforcement departments take to foster a culture that acknowledges the psychological impact on officers involved in high-risk incidents, enhancing resilience and recovery?

Memo 500-600 words

Policy Memo - Cultural Sensitivity in Crisis Intervention

A recent altercation occurred between police officers and a group of young individuals in a neighborhood predominantly populated by recent immigrants from various cultural backgrounds. The police were called to respond to a minor incident, but tensions quickly escalated due to language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. Some community members perceived the officers’ actions as disrespectful or overly aggressive, interpreting certain behaviors as lacking cultural sensitivity.

To prevent similar situations in the future, your task as a policy advisor is to compose a 2-page memo outlining strategies for culturally responsive crisis intervention in law enforcement. These strategies should consider varying communication styles, beliefs, and values to foster an inclusive approach that builds trust and ensures effective support during crises.

In your memo, address the following points:

1. Identify Culturally Responsive Communication Strategies Describe how officers can adjust their communication techniques to be more culturally sensitive and inclusive in a crisis. Consider different communication styles, such as high-context versus low-context communication, and specific actions officers can take to show respect for diverse values and beliefs.

2. Outline Specific Intervention Strategies for Diverse Populations Propose intervention strategies that adapt to the values, beliefs, and unique needs of immigrant or culturally diverse communities. These could include practical steps such as utilizing cultural liaisons, adapting non-verbal cues, or ensuring access to interpreters. How might these strategies reduce misunderstandings and de-escalate tensions?

3. Recommend Training and Resources for Officers Suggest types of training or resources that should be made available to officers to improve cultural competency in crisis situations. How can this training prepare officers to handle crises more effectively with culturally diverse communities? Consider including elements such as scenario-based training, partnerships with community leaders, or ongoing cultural sensitivity workshops.

Please review the grading rubric carefully and ensure that your memo aligns with the outlined criteria to meet all expectations for this assignment.

Textbook

Shane, J. (2019). Stress Inside Police Departments. Taylor & Francis. https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9781000762891

James, R. (2024). Crisis Intervention Strategies (9th ed.). Cengage Learning US. https://ccis.vitalsource.com/books/9798214125787

rubric.pdf

Short Assignment 1 Rubric Course: MSCJ 561 BDE - CRISIS INTERVENTION

Criteria Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1 Level 0 Criterion Score

Culturally

Responsive

Communication

Strategies

/ 10

Intervention

Strategies for

Diverse

Populations

/ 10

Training and

Resources for

Officers

/ 5

Clarity and

Organization of

Memo

/ 5

Formatting,

Grammar, and

Mechanics

/ 5

10 points

Clearly identifies

and thoroughly ex-

plains multiple cul-

turally responsive

communication

strategies with de-

tailed examples of

high-context and

low-context com-

munication

adjustments.

8 points

Identifies and ex-

plains several cul-

turally responsive

communication

strategies with ex-

amples of high-con-

text and low-con-

text communication

adjustments.

7 points

Identifies and ex-

plains some cultur-

ally responsive

communication

strategies but pro-

vides limited exam-

ples or lacks con-

nection to commu-

nication styles.

6 points

Mentions a few cul-

turally responsive

communication

strategies but lacks

explanation or

examples.

0 points

Fails to identify or

explain culturally

responsive commu-

nication strategies

or examples.

10 points

Outlines specific,

innovative, and

practical interven-

tion strategies tai-

lored to diverse

populations, with

examples of imple-

mentation and

impact.

8 points

Proposes several

specific interven-

tion strategies for

diverse populations

with some exam-

ples of implementa-

tion and potential

impact.

7 points

Suggests a few in-

tervention strate-

gies for diverse

populations but

lacks specificity, ex-

amples, or consid-

eration of imple-

mentation and

impact.

6 points

Mentions interven-

tion strategies but

provides minimal

detail, lacks speci-

ficity, and does not

address implemen-

tation or impact.

0 points

Fails to suggest in-

tervention strate-

gies or addresses

them in a vague or

irrelevant manner.

5 points

Recommends com-

prehensive training

and resource plans

with detailed de-

scriptions of sce-

nario-based train-

ing, partnerships,

and ongoing

workshops.

4 points

Recommends rele-

vant training and

resource plans with

examples such as

scenario-based

training, partner-

ships, or

workshops.

3.5 points

Recommends basic

training or re-

sources but lacks

detail or fails to ad-

dress critical com-

ponents like sce-

nario-based training

or community

partnerships.

3 points

Mentions training

or resources but

provides minimal

details and fails to

connect them to

improving cultural

competency.

0 points

Fails to recommend

training or re-

sources, or sug-

gestions are irrele-

vant or

inappropriate.

5 points

The memo is excep-

tionally well-orga-

nized, concise, and

clearly written, with

logical flow and

professional tone.

4 points

The memo is well-

organized and

clearly written, with

minor lapses in flow

or tone.

3.5 points

The memo is some-

what organized but

includes lapses in

clarity, logical flow,

or professional

tone.

3 points

The memo lacks

clear organization

or professional tone

and is difficult to

follow.

0 points

The memo is disor-

ganized, unclear,

and unprofessional.

5 points

Exemplary use of

formatting and

flawless grammar,

punctuation, and

spelling throughout

the memo.

4 points

Proper use of for-

matting with minor

errors and mostly

correct grammar,

punctuation, and

spelling.

3.5 points

Some errors in for-

matting, grammar,

punctuation, or

spelling that do not

significantly hinder

understanding.

3 points

Frequent errors in

formatting, gram-

mar, punctuation,

or spelling that

somewhat hinder

understanding.

0 points

Numerous errors in

formatting, gram-

mar, punctuation,

or spelling that

make the memo dif-

ficult to

understand.

3/2/26, 8:01 AM Short Assignment 1 - MSCJ 561 BDE - CRISIS INTERVENTION - Columbia College of Missouri

https://ccis.ucourses.com/d2l/lms/dropbox/user/folder_submit_files.d2l?db=2119053&grpid=0&isprv=0&bp=0&ou=1049510 1/4

week1524.docx

week1561.docx

rubric.pdf

week1524.docx

week1561.docx

rubric.pdf

week1524.docx