Inherent Requirements
INHERENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
The statements below specify the course requirements of the Associate Degree of Criminal Justice for student admission and progression. The statements are clustered under four domains consisting of ethical behaviour, behavioural stability, communication and cognition. Many of the activities associated with the professional practice in the area of criminal justice, for example law enforcement and legal work, are time sensitive, where the capacity to perform certain activities within specified time limits is required to reduce or avoid risks to client safety and wellbeing. The safety and wellbeing of you and others is always of paramount importance. The statements below should be read in conjunction with other information, such as the course guide.
What is it like to do this course?
It may be helpful for you to understand what it is like to complete the Associate Degree of Criminal Justice. Further information about the course is available in the course guide and we recommend you familiarise yourself with the information there.
What about when I finish my course?
Successfully completing the course may enable you to work in the criminal justice system as well as to pursue further study in criminology, law, or related areas. If you are undertaking the Associate Degree of Criminal Justice in order to complete subsequent higher education study it is important to ensure that you are also familiar with the inherent requirements of those courses. As you commence your studies you may also find it helpful to familiarise yourself with any requirements to work in a professional capacity in the criminal justice system to assess your capacity to meet the inherent requirements of such a role following graduation.
Inherent requirement domains
There are four domains of inherent requirements in the Associate Degree of Criminal Justice.
- Ethical behaviour
- Behavioural stability
- Communication
- Cognition
Inherent requirement statements
- Students need to understand and act in ways consistent with the recognised values of society, including abiding by the ACAP Code of Conduct.
- Student demonstrates knowledge of, and engages in, ethical behaviour in practice.
Why is ethical behaviour an inherent requirement?
3. Compliance with the recognised ethical values of society facilitates safe, competent interactions and relationships for students and/or the people with whom they engage. This supports the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all.
4. Adjustments must support the recognised values of society, and adjustments cannot be made where they would result in an ethical breach.
Examples of ways in which ethical behaviour applies to this course
5. Appropriately acknowledging sources in the preparation of written assignments
Inherent requirement statements
- Behavioural stability is required to function effectively in a program of study on Criminal Justice.
- Student demonstrates behavioural stability to work constructively in academic environments.
Why is behavioural stability an inherent requirement?
3. Behavioural stability is required to work individually and in groups in academic environments. Criminal Justice students will be required to have behavioural stability to manage their academic responsibilities.
4. Adjustments must support stable, effective and professional behaviour in academic settings.
5. Examples of ways in which behavioural stability applies to this course
a. Being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive feedback.
b. Coping with own emotions and behaviour effectively and displaying professional conduct in academic settings.
This course requires effective, verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
Verbal
Inherent requirement statements
- Effective verbal communication, in English, is an essential requirement for the Criminal Justice course.
- Student demonstrates:
Sensitivity to individual and/or cultural differences
The ability to understand and respond to verbal communication accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner
The ability to provide clear instructions in the context of the situation
Timely clear feedback and reporting
Why is verbal communication an inherent requirement?
3. Communicating in a way that displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships
» Effective interactive communication with peers, academic staff, and other relevant parties in academic settings is fundamental to Criminal Justice study and functionality.
4. Adjustments must address effectiveness, clarity and accuracy issues to ensure safety and appropriate response.
5. Examples of ways in which verbal communication applies to this course
a. Delivering oral presentations with peers
b. Responding appropriately to an information request in the classroom
c. Using appropriate language with College staff
Non-verbal
Inherent requirement statements
- Effective non-verbal communication is fundamental to Criminal Justice practice and needs to be respectful, clear, attentive, empathetic and non-judgmental.
- Student demonstrates:
The capacity to recognise, interpret and respond appropriately to behavioural cues.
Consistent and appropriate awareness of own behaviours.
Sensitivity to individual and / or cultural differences.
Why is non-verbal communication an inherent requirement?
3. a. The ability to observe and understand non-verbal cues assists with building rapport with people and gaining their trust and respect in academic and professional relationships.
b. Displaying consistent and appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, being mindful of space, time boundaries and body movements and gestures promotes trust in academic and professional relationships
c. Being sensitive to individual and/or cultural differences displays respect and empathy to others and develops trusting relationships that are essential for effective professional practice
4. Adjustments must enable the recognition, appropriate response or initiation of effective non-verbal communication in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Examples of ways in which non-verbal communication applies to this course
Recognising and responding appropriately to non-verbal cues in classroom situations.
Demonstrating awareness of cross-cultural differences in non-verbal communication.
Written
Inherent requirement statements
- Effective written communication, in English, is a fundamental Criminal Justice student responsibility.
- Student demonstrates capacity to construct coherent written communication appropriate to the circumstances.
Why is written communication an inherent requirement?
3. Construction of text-based assessment tasks to reflect the required academic standards are necessary to convey knowledge and understanding of relevant subject matter.
4. Adjustments must meet necessary standards of clarity, accuracy and accessibility to ensure effective recording and transmission of information.
5. Examples of ways in which written communication applies to this course
a. Constructing an essay to academic standards.
This course requires knowledge of theory and the skills of cognition and literacy.
Knowledge and cognitive skills
Inherent requirement statements
- Consistent and effective knowledge and cognitive skills must be demonstrated to provide professional and competent Criminal Justice practice.
- Student demonstrates:
The capacity to locate appropriate and relevant information.
The ability to process information.
The ability to integrate and implement knowledge.
Why are knowledge and cognitive skills inherent requirements?
3. The study and practice of Criminal Justice is based on knowledge that must be sourced, understood and applied appropriately.
4. Adjustments must ensure that a clear demonstration of knowledge and cognitive skills is not compromised or impeded.
5. Examples of ways in which knowledge and cognitive skills apply to this course
Displaying the ability to conceptualise and use appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
Literacy (language)
Inherent requirement statements
- Competent literacy skills are essential to Criminal Justice studies.
- Student demonstrates:
The ability to accurately acquire information and convey appropriate, effective messages.
The ability to read and comprehend a range of literature and information.
The capacity to understand and implement academic and practice conventions to construct written text in an appropriate manner for the intended audience.
Why is literacy (language) an inherent requirement?
3. a. The ability to acquire information and to accurately convey messages is fundamental to Criminal Justice studies.
b. The ability to read, decode, interpret and comprehend multiple sources of information is fundamental to Criminal Justice studies.
4. Adjustments must demonstrate a capacity to effectively acquire, comprehend, apply and communicate accurate information.
- Examples of ways in which literacy (language) applies to this course
Conveying a spoken message accurately and effectively.
Paraphrasing, summarising and referencing in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.