In a 5-page APA formatted paper (with references), compare and contrast the policing systems of the United States and another country to which you feel a personal connection. For example, you may want to write about the country from which you or your family emigrated. Areas for comparison might include: the number of police officers per capita (100,000 citizens), number of arrests and convictions per capita, guidelines pertaining to use of force, police shootings, search and seizures.

How to gather your information:

• Http://www.nationmaster.com/ Choose the box which lets you compare any two countries. Choose the United States as well as your second country, and then select the category of "Crime." Document the relevant comparisons and write down the sources.

• Another useful source is the World Justice Library Network found here: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~wcjlen/WCJ/mainpages/statres.htm Please note that not all countries are available.

Suggested Format of Paper:

Paragraphs 1-2, introduce your topic, the purpose of your paper, and why you chose the country other than the U.S. to investigate.

Paragraphs 3-8 should compare and contrast the descriptive information and statistical data you have gathered on the major differences between the countries' police systems, and any similarities. Use subheadings that correspond to the various comparison points to break up the text.

In paragraphs 9-10, reflect on the differences and/or similarities: Does one country's policing policies and practices seem fairer or more effective than the other?