Examination of the types and history of ethical theories and development of moral and ethical behavior for criminal justice practitioners. Students learn how to analyze an ethical dilemma and apply this process to contemporary law enforcement issues.

Comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system based on the construct of people in society and how crime can impact and change future actions/outcomes within a group. Topics take a proactive examination of unconscious / implicit bias, opportunities for de-escalation while understanding diverse cultural sensitivities. To guide us through these complexities we look at best practices, ethics, and a commitment to community-oriented public service. The course will focus on historical development of the justice system to illustrate the cause and effect of socioeconomic and personal behavioral barriers. The survey course will also span across the criminal justice system to include law enforcement, court systems, and corrections. Finally, the course will introduce several preventative measures to reduce recidivism.

History, philosophy, and constitutional provisions of criminal law; study of penal code statutes and other statutory and case law applicable to law enforcement, including exploration of crimes against persons and property, public peace, narcotics, and dangerous weapons.

Origin, development, and philosophy of evidence; the study of both codified evidentiary law and applicable court decisions. Specific topics include, types of evidence, the judicial process, the admission and exclusion of evidence, legal standards of proof, direct and circumstantial evidence, testimonial evidence and witness competency, the hearsay rule and its exceptions, demonstrative evidence, judicial notice, and issues relating to search and seizure.

Analysis of legal processes from pre-arrest through trial and appeal, sentencing, and corrections procedures utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents.

Addresses procedures and concepts as applied to criminal investigations, including surveillance; crime scene response management; and identification, collection, and processing of physical evidence. Covers U.S. Constitution and Statutory/Case Law; interview/interrogation processes and techniques; identifying information sources; procuring search warrants; serving search warrants; exceptions to the search warrant rule, and court process. Emphasis is placed on developing the student's capacity to analyze specific situations and identify sound ethical investigative procedures.

Examines the complex relationship between multicultural communities and the criminal justice system, analyzing cultural differences and strategies to effectively address crime related issues. Addresses potential societal barriers involving race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, social class, culture and the evolution of the law enforcement profession in understanding how relationships are developed, maintained and changed to meet ethnic and minority group needs. Additional topics include multicultural representation in Law Enforcement, Cross-Cultural Communication, Community Policing, and restorative justice principles.

Organization, function and jurisdiction of juvenile agencies; processing and detention of juveniles; juvenile case disposition; legal statutes, and court procedures.

This course is designed to prepare students to perform a battery of physical agility testing as it relates to peace officer standards for the successful completion of an academy and employment as well as maintain a level of wellness throughout their career. Topics include stress management, nutrition, and the necessity of fitness for duty. Students will learn strategies to optimize cut point fitness scores used for evaluating individual performance. Students enrolled in this course are required to participate in all fitness activities in preparation for performing agility and obstacle course exercises.

Investigative report writing for the criminal justice professional relative to law enforcement, probation, correctional institutions, parole activities, and private security services. Includes practical experience in preparing field notes, letters, memorandums, and official administrative reports; the role of reports in civil litigation, criminal prosecution, and the presentation of court testimony. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing the characteristics of good report writing and addressing the common report writing problems, including use of proper criminal justice terminology, grammar, spelling and composition.