2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Online
Introduction
This unit examines complex social issues undermining public order and safety and the social, psychological, and physical risks posed to individuals, groups and the community by disorderly behaviour. The management of these risks concerning such matters as alcohol and drug intoxication, indecency, loitering offences, protest gatherings, and noise pollution is analysed and assessed. Policing policies and legal implications relevant to these matters are critically analysed and assessed, with particular attention paid to street-level discretion and controversial policing theories and practices associated with the "Fixing Broken Windows" thesis and "zero-tolerance policing".
Summary
| Unit name | Preventing Public Disorder and Maintaining Social Order |
| Unit code | PEM102 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health School of Paramedicine and Public Safety |
| Discipline | Policing and Emergency Management |
| Coordinator | Professor Isa Bartkowiak-Theron |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | |
| 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 | ||
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| Online | Police Study Period 1 |
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| Online | Police Study Period 2 |
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| Online | Police Study Period 3 |
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| Online | Trimester |
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- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
International students- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police Study Period 1 | 1/1/2026 | 18/5/2026 | 19/5/2026 | 26/9/2026 |
| Trimester | 1/11/2026 | 23/11/2026 | 23/12/2026 | 13/2/2027 |
| Police Study Period 2 | 1/3/2026 | 3/8/2026 | 4/8/2026 | 26/12/2026 |
| Police Study Period 3 | 31/5/2026 | 30/11/2026 | 1/12/2026 | 29/5/2027 |
* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the key concepts and theories of public disorder and social order.
- Identify how different approaches to public disorder and social order shape outcomes in policing.
- Describe the influence of societal factors on policing disorder structures.
- Apply strategies to reduce public disorder and strengthen social order.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 091105 | $2,174.00 | $1,020.00 | not applicable | $2,249.00 |
- 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 | Workshop, 40 minutes, 105 times |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Quiz (10%)|Essay (20%)|Direct Observations of Procedural Skills (DOPS) (30%)|Examination - invigilated (internally) (40%) |
| Timetable | View 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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The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.