IMPRESSION PAPERS

Impression papers must be written for each guest speaker or institutional tour.  These papers will constitute 10% of your overall grade.  The papers are due at the beginning of class, on the date indicated.   The following information provides the criteria for writing the impression paper.   Ask the instructor if you have questions!
Failure to follow directions will result in a loss of points.

General Formatting Instructions:

  1. A cover page should include the speaker’s name, topic and date of presentation, or the institution's name, location, the name and rank/position of the person leading the tour and date of the tour, as well as your name and the date of submission.

    2.  
  2. The papers must be a minimum of 1½-2 typewritten pages of text. The first page must be a FULL page; one-half or three-quarters of a page does NOT constitute a “full page”.   The second page must be at least a half a page; if you are not sure, fold your paper in half to check—because I will!

    3.  
  3. The text must be double-spaced, with one-inch (1”) top, side, and bottom margins.    Note:  Check your margins—because I will!

    4.  
  4. The font may be no larger than 12 point and should be in standard Times New Roman, Courier New, Arial, or standard typeface if using a typewriter.  Do not type the text of your paper in boldface type, except to emphasize specific words or phrases.  Type only in black type.

    5.  
  5. Paragraphs should be indented ½”  (five spaces on a typewriter).  Since the paper is double-spaced, do NOT leave extra spaces between paragraphs.

    6.  
  6. Papers will be graded on content and format, as well as neatness, spelling, punctuation, proper usage of the English language. The ability to write well and to utilize available resources is an important skill for a Police Officer.


Content:

Impression papers are a subjective assessment, analysis, and synopsis of the tour or guest speaker and his or her presentation; in other words, your impressions of the event, tour or presentation.  In your discussion, you should include how you feel it pertains to becoming a corrections officer, police officer, probation officer, youth care worker, etc. or whatever you specifically intend to become.  Since this is subjective, your opinions are important and should be the primary consideration in this paper.