Criminal Justice

 

Want to help people in your career? Start here.

The world depends on public safety professionals like few others. The potential jobs in the field run across a wide spectrum, but one common thread unites them all: helping people.

Why Criminal Justice?

People depend on public safety professionals to protect their lives and property. These duties are performed in a variety of ways by a variety of individuals. In most jurisdictions, they are expected to exercise authority when necessary, on duty or off. The work can be dangerous, stressful and take a toll on one’s personal life. The opportunity for public service through law enforcement and related careers is attractive to many because the job is challenging and involves much personal responsibility. As the world becomes more security-conscious and concern about crime climbs, the demand in the field should only increase.

Course Overview

The program allows students to explore careers in security, law enforcement, corrections and the courts, emergency services and law/legal services. Other potential careers include federal investigators, security, corrections and prison officers, as well as legal professions. The instructor is active in law enforcement and demonstrates and trains students in current police techniques, including fingerprinting, report writing, search and seizure, First Response and civil and criminal law. Material is presented through a textbook, videos, lecture, activities and guest speakers. The course covers law enforcement from the hiring process to employment to on-duty tasks. It is possible to earn articulated college credit while completing this course.

Learning Environment

Time is spent primarily in the classroom, including weekly physical training. Students have the opportunity to experience the challenge of working in the public sector and the importance of community involvement. Guest speakers provide first-hand knowledge and experience. Students also have the opportunity to obtain American Heart Certifications in Adult CPR, Infant CPR, Standard First Aid and Blood borne Pathogens.

Is it for me? It is if you…

...have good writing/speaking skills
...are detail-oriented
...are organized
...are friendly and caring
...can accept responsibility
...enjoy interacting with public
...work well in a team
...work well under pressure
...are not afraid of risk/danger

Potential Careers

Participation in Criminal Justice can help prepare you for jobs in areas like:

  • Police Officer

  • Military Police

  • Conservation Officer

  • State Trooper

  • Sheriff’s Deputy

  • FBI

  • Homeland Security

  • Corrections

  • Parole/Probation Officer

  • Coast Guard

  • Border Patrol

  • ATF

  • DEA

  • Canine Handler

  • Bomb Squad

  • Security

  • Marine Patrol

  • Security

  • Attorney

  • Attorney’s Assistant

  • 911 Dispatcher

  • Detective

  • Judge

  • Evidence Technician

  • Emergency Support/SWAT team

  • Juvenile Court Counselor

  • Investigation - Private, Industrial, Crime Scene and Social Services

What's It Like?

Instructor Buddy Boylen says: “Students enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become career and college ready in many areas of Public Safety and Protective Services. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of becoming a public servant, learn to work independently and as a part of a team, develop highly effective written and verbal communications and improve their leadership skills.”

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Primary Units of Instruction

(lecture, demonstration and practice):

  • Criminal Law

  • Investigation

  • Forensics

  • Human Relations

  • Work Ethics

  • Crime Prevention

  • Traffic Control

  • Patrol Techniques

  • Public Relations

  • Basic Rights and Responsibilities

  • First Aid, CPR, & First Responder

  • Hiring Process/Employment

  • Arrest and Search Procedures

  • Report and Desk Duties

  • Face-to-Face Communication

  • Criminology and Psychology

  • Personal Health and Safety

  • Crime Scene Process

  • Written Communication

  • Electronic Communication

  • Court Procedures

Length of Program:

One Year, two semesters; second year is optional for qualified students

Program Schedule:

A.M. Session - 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
P.M. Session - 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Going to college? Start with CTE

College Partnerships

  • Davenport University

  • Delta College

  • Ferris State University

  • Kirtland Community College

  • Mid Michigan Community College

High School Credit and CTE Certification

Students may earn the state-required fourth-year math-related course credit through this program. Local schools will award high school credit upon successful completion of this program. The CTE Certificate of Completion will be awarded to students who successfully complete their programs.

 
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