Level 1
Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security (LPSCS)
Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security (LPSCS) is the pre-requisite for all other courses within the Career Cluster. This course provides students with career focused educational opportunities in various LPSCS fields. It examines the basic concepts of law related to citizens’ rights and their responsibilities. Students will receive instruction in critical skill areas including: communicating with diverse groups, conflict resolution, ethics, CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Training, or similar program), basic fire safety/first aid/CPR, report writing, terrorism, civil and criminal law. Major labs include Standardized Field Sobriety, Handcuffing, and Defensive Tactics. Employability skills will be greatly emphasized.
***Students MUST PASS this course to continue into the upper levels. Space in the upper levels is VERY limited. The better your grade/performance in Level I the better your chance of getting into Level II and above.
Level 2
Criminal Justice Essentials
Criminal Justice Essentials provides an overview of the criminal justice system while moving more deeply into criminal law, criminal procedure, and law enforcement tactics. Students will become immersed in criminal and constitutional law and procedures. Students will review basic law enforcement skills while learning more intermediate skills. The course includes major labs such as a Mock Trial, Use of Deadly Force, and Approach & Arrest. The prerequisite for this course is Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security. Criminal Justice Essentials is designed to provide students with career-focused educational opportunities in various criminal justice fields. The course has elements which cover standards, tactics, methods, and skills utilized by criminal justice agencies across the U.S. that should be taken into consideration when choosing this program.
Level 3
Forensic Science and Criminal Investigations
Forensic Science and Criminal Investigations is a course designed to contextualize scientific principles within the career studies of students interested in criminal justice. Students will study the forensic application of principles of chemistry, biology, physics and other disciplines. Throughout the course students will explore and learn to analyze trace evidence, fingerprints, ballistics, impressions, blood spatter, and more. They will also become familiar with the studies of Forensic Pathology, Anthropology, Entomology, DNA, and Serology. Students will also learn some investigative techniques and crime scene investigation skills through the lens of the scientific method. The prerequisites for this course are Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security and Criminal Justice Essentials. This course is now recognized as a SCIENCE CREDIT by the University Board of Regents. You must check with your college of interest individually to see if they accept it for their sciences.
Level 4
Security/Protective Services & Field Experience
Prerequisites for this course include Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security, and Criminal Justice Essential
Students must excel in the three previous levels. Application process required. Must be recommended by instructor. Field Experience Hours will be required.
This course provides an analysis of the various careers in Security and Protective Services, including the history, procedures and objectives. Topics include: history and evolution of private security and private security services; regulatory and organizational guidelines; the impact of federal, state and local laws on security and protective services; public relations; strategies; supervision and management; intelligence analysis; and staffing. This course will also cover the following topics: Building/Location Security Analysis, Threat Assessment, Situational Awareness, Learning to read Non-Verbal cues, Crowd Control, De-Escalation, etc..