CRM 419 

Research Paper Guidelines and Rubric 

• Select a topic on a supervisory/management issue impacting law enforcement or the criminal justice system.
 

• The topic is your choice, but must relate to this class. The best place to look for a topic is the Table of Contents in your textbook. 

• The paper will be a minimum of 1500 words, written, and formatted according to APA guidelines. 

• Proper content, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure are expected. 

• You must dedicate a portion of your paper to the Saint Leo University Core Value of Responsible Stewardship. 

• A minimum of five (5) references are required (Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable reference for academic assignments). 

• You will submit your Research Paper Topic to the classroom Assignment box for instructor approval during Module 2 (this is a non-graded requirement). 

• You will submit your final Research Paper to the Assignment box in Module 7. 

• IMPORTANT: The Research Paper you submit for this class CANNOT be the same in whole or part as any assignment that you have previously submitted while attending Saint Leo University. 

• Save your file in the following format: LastName.FirstName_AssignmentTitle (for example: Smith.John_ResearchPaper). 

You will be graded on the following: 

1. Thoroughness. How extensively does the paper develop the issue? Does the student show depth and understanding of the subject, or is the analysis superficial? Does the paper clearly identify its focus and logically analyze and discuss the topic? 

2. Scholarly quality. Does the assignment meet acceptable college level standards with respect to form and substance? Are the ideas presented in a clear, concise manner? Are there numerous typographical, spelling, or grammatical errors? (Each such error deducts points off the grade.) 

Criteria   

Rating 

TOTAL   

0 

Novice   

Basic   

Proficient   

Exceptional   

- 

The   paper extensively develops the selected 

topic   and discusses how it impacts the administration of law enforcement. 

0 

12 

14 

14 

16 

Shows   depth and understanding of the subject, with appropriate analysis. 

0 

8 

10 

12 

14 

Clearly   describes how the SLU core value of responsible stewardship relates to the   topic. 

0 

8 

10 

12 

14 

Clearly identifies focus   and logically analyzes and discusses the topic. 

0 

8 

10 

12 

14 

Meets   acceptable college level standards with respect to form and substance. 

0 

8 

10 

12 

14 

Ideas   presented in a clear concise manner. 

0 

8 

10 

12 

14 

APA   style and format. 

0 

8 

10 

12 

14 

/100