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Technologies in Public Safety unit (CPS102)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Online

Introduction

You will explore how technologies are used across policing, emergency management, intelligence, community safety and other public safety contexts, while also considering the social, political, ethical and governance issues that arise from their use.

You will examine technologies such as surveillance systems, facial recognition, data analytics, digital communications, body-worn cameras, drones, artificial intelligence and other emerging tools used to identify, prevent and respond to public safety issues. You will consider how these technologies can support evidence-informed decision-making, enhance public safety responses, and contribute to public safety more broadly. Further, you will examine how they may contribute to unintended harms, including discrimination, over-policing, reduced privacy, misuse of authority and the restriction of individual freedoms.

Through local, national and international case studies, you will explore the complex relationship between technology, public trust, accountability, human rights and community safety. You will be encouraged to think critically about how public safety problems are identified, how technological solutions are justified, and what happens when these systems fail to protect the communities they are intended to serve.

Summary

Unit name Technologies in Public Safety
Unit code CPS102
Credit points 12.5
College/School Health
School of Paramedicine and Public Safety
Discipline Policing and Emergency Management
Coordinator Doctor James Dwyer
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Trimester This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 05/07/2027 27/07/2027 30/08/2027 24/10/2027
Trimester 01/11/2027 23/11/2027 23/12/2027 13/02/2028
Semester 1 22/02/2027 16/03/2027 19/04/2027 13/06/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify contemporary public safety problems associated with technology use.
  • Examine ethical tensions, community risks and relevant authority that inform decisions about the deployment of public safety technologies.
  • Interpret evidence about the community impacts of public safety technologies and system failures.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
029999 $1,235.00 $1,235.00 not applicable $3,065.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

1 x 1 hour lecture, weekly.
1 x 30 minutes discussion forums, weekly.
2 x 1 hour drop in sessions, per semester.
8 x hours of independent learning, weekly.

AssessmentTechnology Problem Identification Brief (25%)|Rights vs. Safety Case Critique (35%)|Under the Lens: Live Scenario Viva (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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