Reading Assignment for Section 2.3

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 2.3: State Agencies

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll learn about the origins and growth of state police agencies and the reasons behind their creation. You’ll explore the distinct roles of state police and highway patrol agencies, including their responsibilities in enforcing laws and supporting public safety. Finally, you’ll examine the expanded duties of state police in areas such as homeland security and cybercrime investigations, as well as their efforts to build trust through transparency and community engagement.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 2.3

• SLO 1: Describe the historical development of state police agencies, including their origins, growth, and the factors that led to their establishment.
• SLO 2: Differentiate between the roles and responsibilities of state police and highway patrol agencies, highlighting their specific functions and jurisdictions.
• SLO 3: Explain the various support services provided by state police, such as crime labs, Amber Alerts, and fusion centers, and assess their impact on public safety.
• SLO 4: Analyze the evolving role of state police in areas like homeland security, cybercrime investigations, and officer misconduct oversight, and evaluate their effectiveness in these expanded duties.
• SLO 5: Assess the importance of community engagement, transparency, and collaboration by state police in building public trust and promoting effective law enforcement practices.