Objectives
- Develop and apply critical analysis skills by identifying and analyzing stakeholder groups affected by a police reform issue.
- Make connections between case study materials and other course content.
- Demonstrate effective research skills.
- Demonstrate effective professional written communication skills.
Directions
Step 1 – Review Academic Research on the Reform Issue of your Choice
Based on the policing reform issue you chose to focus on, use Google Scholar to identify 6 relevant academic research articles. Read them and use them to make an annotated bibliography that you attach to your memo. Ensure that you provide your reader with enough information about the sources you cite so that they understand how they support your recommendations and analysis.
Elements to include in your annotated bibliography:
- Heading such as Attachment: Annotated Bibliography
- At least 6 academic sources related to your policing reform issue cited in APA format
- Beneath each citation, write 3-4 sentences summarizing the content of the source (e.g. a description of the type of data and analysis conducted and key findings.
Step 2 – Memo to Mayor Ginther presenting findings and recommendations
In a separate document, write a memo addressed to City of Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. Your memo should integrate the work presented in the first two memos with findings from your review of relevant academic research to make an overall recommendation on your policing reform issue in the CPD moving forward. The final three-page memo will briefly describe background information on the issue, the process and results of the SWOT analysis, the process and results of the stakeholder analysis, the pros and cons of at least two options for moving forward, and the final recommendation.
Ensure that you provide your reader with enough information about the sources you cite so that they understand how they support your recommendations and analysis.
Elements to include in your memo:
- Your memo should be three-pages, single-spaced, 1-inch margin, 12- point Times New Roman font
- Professional memo heading
- Executive summary of one short paragraph describing your research/analysis process and findings and explicitly stating your recommendations
- Background section presenting the issue and the need for action
- SWOT analysis section presenting your findings in some detail
- Stakeholder analysis section presenting your findings in some detail
- Options section that describes at least two viable paths forward (one may be maintaining the status quo). Identify pros and cons for each option. Support this analysis by citing academic research.
- Recommendation section that explicitly states your recommendations and makes a compelling case for your preferred option
- References
- Your reference list should include all sources cited in your memo including sources from your annotated bibliography in APA format.
