THE RESEARCH AND INTERVIEW PROJECT

This assignment is designed to provide you with a first-hand opportunity to learn about the particular area of corrections or criminal justice you intend to go into. Whether it is your intention to become a Corrections Officer a Youth-Care Worker, a Probation / Parole Officer, a Police Officer or to work in some other area of the corrections / criminal justice field, a comprehensive exploration of your career path will assist you in making good choices. Understanding your chosen profession will help you determine if it is really what you want to do; it will also help you choose your classes and the path your education should take.

THE ASSIGNMENT:

This 2-part effort combines two or more interviews, augmented by research, into one paper. Your assignment is to find out as much as possible about the history, background, duties, qualifications, challenges, etc. involved in the job you are seeking.

The Interviews:

You are to interview at least 2 people who are working or have worked in the position you wish to obtain when you have completed your education and training, and/or persons in a closely-related field (ask your instructor if you are not sure). This will help you obtain different perspectives of the same job. For example, if you want to become a Corrections Officer, perhaps you would interview a C.O. from a low-security prison and a C.O. from a high-security prison. Another option might be to interview a male officer and a female officer. You might even want to interview a white officer and a minority officer. If your interest is in youth care, you might want to interview persons such as a youth care officer, a juvenile probation officer, and perhaps even a juvenile court judge. These examples are not intended to be limiting, and students may conduct any number and any combination of interviews they wish.

Ask questions you are curious about. Encourage your interviewees to share their experiences or especially colorful “war stories” that might give you insight into the nature and challenges of the job. Find out what their most favorite and least favorite parts of the job are. Ask what qualifications are needed and what advice they have for a student in the field. You will find that if you can get your interviewee talking, they will usually be happy to share their experience and offer advice.

The Research:

Research us usually easiest to do when you are interested in your topic, as I hope you will be…this is your future!
Your assignment is to research the historical basis or background of your chosen area as well as any other significant information that should be included. If, for example, you are interested in becoming a C.O., research might include historical information on corrections officers, such as the prior conditions of work, pay, and training, progressing to modern day officers and the professionalization of the corrections officer position. You might include current information about standards, training, and what it takes to become a C.O. now. Be creative—creativity is rewarded!

You must use AT LEAST 3 different sources: a book (not including your textbook), a periodical magazine or professional journal (a “hard” source such as Corrections Today, Newsweek, Time, etc.), and an internet source, such as an informational or agency web site. You may use as many other sources as you would like—please do not feel limited by these minimums. Better research is often accomplished by using more resources!

Your bibliography (page listing your resources used) should appear at the end of your paper. Your sources, including your interviewees, should appear in alphabetical order, last name first. Information should be as complete and precise as possible. Interviews should include the person’s name and title, and the date, time and place of the interview. Books should contain the author’s name, the title of the book, the publisher, place and date of publication, and the page numbers you used. Periodicals (magazines, newspapers, etc.) should cite the author’s name, the name of the article used, the name of the magazine used, the volume number or issue, and the pages used. Internet sources should include an author’s or publisher’s name (if known) as well as the complete web address. An example of a proper bibliography is attached. Please follow this format or another approved format; points will be lost, or your paper may be rejected for failing to do so. Ask your instructor if you have questions!

RESEARCH & INTERVIEW PROJECT WRITTEN CRITERIA

This paper combined will constitute 20% 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 paper. Ask the instructor if you have questions! Failure to follow directions will result in a loss of points or a refusal to accept your paper.

NO LATE PAPERS will be accepted; inability to attend class on the due date is not an acceptable excuse & students are expected to make arrangements for delivery of their paper.

General Formatting Instructions:

A cover page must include an appropriate title for your topic, your class and section number or meeting day, your name and the date of submission.

A bibliography or resources page must include the precise name and title of the person or persons you interviewed, and the location(s) and time(s) of your interview(s) among your resources. It must also include three or more other resources, and resources should be relatively current and applicable. They must include at least one of each of the following:

a book (not including your text book—the text may be used as an extra source if desired)
a periodical magazine or professional journal (a “hard” source such as Corrections Today, Time, Newsweek, etc.)
an internet source, such as an informational web site or agency web site

Each paper must be a minimum of 4 typewritten pages of text. A quality paper with strong content is usually more than 4 pages. You may feel free to write as many pages as you wish! Though the use of charts, graphs and pictures is strongly encouraged, they do NOT count as part of your text, but may earn bonus points for extra effort and creativity. (see item #8 of these instructions below)

The text must be double-spaced, with one-inch (1”) top, side, and bottom margins. Note: this page has 1” margins. Hold it against yours to check your margins—because I will!

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

Paragraphs should be indented ½”. Since the paper is double-spaced, do NOT leave extra spaces between paragraphs.

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 an Officer.

Early papers will be accepted at any time and will receive 5 bonus points. Extra efforts that exceed requirements may warrant special consideration in the form of bonus points—it pays to work hard!

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