Online
Introduction
This unit examines the complex social issues associated with deprivation, diversity and discrimination based on a variety of vulnerability attributes (social determinants of health) and their relevance to policing. The challenges faced by police organisations, and by frontline officers in particular, in the provision of appropriate policing services to address the needs of vulnerable people are explored. Attention is focused on the role first-responders play on a large public health continuum, and their role as gate keepers to the criminal justice system. Focus is placed on timely, collaborative and tailored interventions to alleviate particular social problems or to refer the case to other appropriate individuals or agencies. Restorative justice principles and youth intervention and diversionary strategies are also taught.
Summary
| Unit name | Law Enforcement and Public Health |
| Unit code | PEM206 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Health School of Paramedicine |
| Discipline | Policing and Emergency Management |
| Coordinator | Associate Professor Isa Bartkowiak-Theron |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | |
| Level | Intermediate |
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 | Half Year Period 2 |
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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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- 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 2 | 13/4/2025 | 26/5/2025 | 29/7/2025 | 13/11/2025 |
| Half Year Period 2 | 29/6/2025 | 28/8/2025 | 5/10/2025 | 6/12/2025 |
| Police Study Period 2 | 18/5/2025 | 23/6/2025 | 16/8/2025 | 13/11/2025 |
| Police Study Period 3 | 5/10/2025 | 20/11/2025 | 28/1/2026 | 23/5/2026 |
| Police Study Period 1 | 12/1/2025 | 3/3/2025 | 6/5/2025 | 21/8/2025 |
* 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 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the theory, legislation, policy, procedures and protocols for dealing with vulnerable and at risk (AR) people and juvenile offenders.
- Identify the personal biases and the influence these can have on a policing practice.
- Document and manage information associated with the policing of vulnerable and AR people and juvenile offenders in accordance with current legislation and TPM requirements.
- Explain the nexus between law enforcement and public health.
- Apply best practice in interactions with vulnerable and AR people, juvenile offenders and external reporting agencies in accordance with current legislation and TPM policy.
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 | $2,124.00 | $996.00 | not applicable | $2,142.00 |
- 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 | This Unit is offered face to face (for Tasmania Police Recruits), with online support. You will be asked to study required readings and address the assignment question/topic as laid out in the assignment description. In this unit, you will be essentially communicating with other students and your lecturers via the Police Academy or the University (in which case, email is best). Your assessment guidelines are available through the MyLO website at the beginning of the semester. This gives you plenty of time to discuss the topics introduced in this Unit. |
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| Assessment | Applied knowledge of working with vulnerable people (15%)|practical demonstration of skills required to work with vulnerable people, including YCAN and YJAR activities (15%)|Determination of vulnearbilities in the context of problem-oriented policing (30%)|Vulnerable people, youth and juvenile justice (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
There is no printed reader or required text for this unit. Students are encouraged to reference relevant police studies literature encountered during other units. Relevant resources will be made available on MyLO by the Unit Coordinator. |
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| Recommended | As per each lecture, students will be presented with required reading as well as recommended reading on the MyLO Website. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.