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.

This course examines the history, philosophy, constitutional provisions, and composition of criminal law in the United States. We will study classification of crimes against persons, property, social and public welfare that will include general elements of crime, definitions of common and statutory law and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. In addition, we will work through the criminal trial process which will include common law defenses and constitutional rights before and after an arrest.

The study of evidence includes law and its relationship to different forms of physical of evidence. We will examine legal standards, admission and exclusion of evidence, search and seizure, standards of proof, direct and circumstantial evidence, testimonial evidence, and demonstrative evidence as well as the processing, collection, and examination of physical evidence. Analysis of physical evidence will include trace, pattern, chemical, biological, and terrorism.

Analysis of the legal process from the initial contact involving law enforcement, arrest and custody through the criminal trial procedure, sentencing, appeal, and correctional procedures utilizing statutory law, state and constitutional precedent. To guide us through these processes, topics will include best practices that proactively examine unconscious / implicit bias while upholding the ethical responsibility of all.

In this course we will examine a multitude of factors that will help you gain an understanding of the procedures and concepts applied within criminal investigations. To achieve this, we will cover provisions and protections set forth in United States Constitution, Statutory and Case Law, interview and interrogation processes and techniques, all of which are crucial to successful criminal investigations. Other topic areas include crime scene management; identification, collection, and processing of physical evidence; warrant requirements; searches; and court process. An emphasis is placed on developing the capacity to analyze specific situations and identify sound ethical investigative procedures to ensure equity and best practices.

This course examines major areas of police field operations including patrol, investigations, community policing, communications, technology and crime mapping. Students will analyze and evaluate different strategies that enhance patrol effectiveness in addressing crime within growing complexities and needs of diversified cultural communities. Topics include multicultural representation in Law Enforcement, Cross-Cultural Communication, Community Policing, and restorative justice principles.

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.