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PURPOSE: This program provides an overview of criminal justice and basic police officer training. It is designed for those who have an interest in understanding societal issues associated with crime and the work performed by criminal justice professionals. The curriculum examines various approaches to understanding crime. Topics include maintaining law and order, police-citizen conflict, crime prevention, collecting evidence, conducting criminal investigations, the juvenile justice system, and the interface between police and other criminal justice agencies. Issues pertaining to criminal justice and law enforcement in a modern society are addressed. Students completing this career studies certificate may apply the courses completed to the Administration of Justice AAS degree.
OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES: The Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate prepares students for entry-level careers with general law enforcement responsibilities. This career studies certificate may lead to civilian and sworn positions, including dispatchers, police officers, correctional officers, or security personnel.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Illustrate knowledge of the elements of proof for major and common crimes, the legal classification of offenses, the admissibility and presentation of evidence,and legal guidelines for methods and techniques of evidence acquisition.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the general principles of US criminal law, the elements of major crimes, and the basic steps of the prosecution procedure.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major components of the US Criminal Justice system to include the evolution, philosophy, structures, and processes of the US justice to include ethical practices within the field of criminal justice.
- Explain crime and criminal and other deviant behavior in terms of current and historical theories of criminology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the goals, methods, techniques, norms and responsibilities that govern work behavior in a police career as well as understand the contemporary issues, problems and controversies in modern law enforcement.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: General college curricular admission
PROGRAM NOTES: Certain illegal activities and/or convictions may prohibit employment in law enforcement. Employing agencies may require additional training, such as completion of a police academy for some positions. Employing agencies may have minimum age requirements for some positions and may require a physical examination.
