Program Code: 3702
The Criminal Justice Technology A.S. program prepares students for a career in law enforcement, corrections, criminalistics or community-based control functions, but does not include certification as a law enforcement officer or corrections officer. Graduates of this program can begin a career as a skilled technician or specialist within a law enforcement agency or apply to SF’s Law Enforcement or Corrections Academy for further training as a law enforcement or corrections officer. Courses for this program are offered at the Northwest Campus.
This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 60 credit hours. Content includes, but is not limited to, law enforcement and investigative activities; the handling and care of incarcerated individuals; procedures for initial and post contact with the public in such matters as obtaining and relating information; developing critical thinking and decision making processes; preparing reports; techniques for collection, preparation and transportation of physical evidence; methods of crime prevention; and methods for investigation, counseling and referral of neglected/dependent children, delinquents and youthful offenders.
To increase earning potential and help career advancement, students who complete any of the college’s Law Enforcement Officer or Correctional Officer certificate programs can sign up for the Criminal Justice Bridge Course. In one three-credit summer class, you can earn up to 24 credits toward an Associate in Science degree in Criminal Justice Technology.
Licensure and Certification
Upon completion of this program, students can earn professional certifications and occupational licenses, including those concerning out-of-state reciprocity.
Program Goals and Outcomes
- Describe the importance of ethical behavior and accountability for persons serving in a law enforcement agency.
- Demonstrate knowledge of criminal justice system components, terms, concepts, legal issues, and processes.
- Demonstrate knowledge of interpersonal communication strategies, radio communication procedures, interviewing methods, and report writing techniques.
- Describe the scope and classifications of crimes and the manner in which criminal cases are processed in the US Court System.
- Demonstrate knowledge of patrol functions and the importance of community relations and partnerships.
- Demonstrate the fundamentals relating to criminal investigations and the collection and processing of physical evidence.
Performance Standards
After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:
- Describe and discuss the criminal justice system.
- Describe and discuss the principles of criminology.
- Identify criminal investigation procedure.
- Describe and discuss juvenile delinquency.
- Summarize law enforcement administration.
- Describe and discuss the field of law enforcement.
- Describe and discuss the field of corrections.
- Describe and discuss the field of criminal law.
- Explain the US Court System and its relation to the rules of evidence.
- Demonstrate employability skills.
- Identify issues relating to human diversity in the criminal justice system.