***PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE GRADING RUBIC***

Research Paper

Each student will submit an eight- to ten-page paper (exclusive of title and reference page) on a topic from the list below. The student should be creative in choosing a topic that peaks their interest and can be sufficiently supported with research, data, and substantiated theory or application and allows them to illustrate their critical thinking and writing skills developed throughout the course.

• Problem-Oriented Policing
• Leadership Effectiveness in Community Policing
• Maximizing Law Enforcement Operation Effectiveness
• Building Community Support for Policing Efforts
• Community Policing Models
• Leadership Dilemmas Encountered in Community Policing
• The Effectiveness of Community Policing
• Organizational Development to Enhance Community Policing
• Budget Constraints in Community Policing
• Grant Funding of Community Policing Programs
• Exercising Community Involvement in Community Policing Efforts

The purpose of the Research Paper is for the student through the use of research and the exercise of critical thinking skills to examine current problems, issues, and factors that influence community-oriented policing models both now and into the future. The emphasis of the paper should center on the importance of the topic with regard to law enforcement administration, leadership, and management of successful community policing organizations. At a minimum, the student’s research and information shall include the following:

1. A consolidated thesis statement identifying the direction and focus of the paper.
2. A detailed description of the history and development of the topic.
3. A comprehensive discussion of the impact or potential impact on community policing effectiveness.
4. A critical analysis of the topic with regard to community policing.
5. An assessment of the topic’s effectiveness in addressing organizational and administrative issues within the community policing model. A statistical analysis is included, if applicable.
6. A discussion on the future effects to community policing and discuss how it will be possible.

The paper must be eight to ten pages in length and formatted according to APA style. You must use at least five scholarly resources (at least two of which can be found in the Ashford Online Library) other than the textbook to support your claims and subclaims. Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.
 
Writing the Research Paper
The Research Paper:

1. Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA (6th edition) style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.
2. Must use at least five professional resources in addition to the text, at least two of which are found in Ashford Online Library.
3. Must use APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide to document all sources.
4. Must include a cover page that includes:
   • Title of Paper
   • Student’s name
   • Course name and number
   • Instructor’s name
   • Date submitted
5. Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.
6. Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
7. Must include a Reference Page that is completed according to APA (6th edition) style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.