Administration of Justice – Associate in Science Degree, Certificate of Achievement

Top Code:

2105.00

The curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions as police officers, police reserve officers, police assistants and community service officers in police and sheriff’s departments and for positions in private security, as well as preparation for careers in probation, parole and federal law enforcement agencies.

Emphasis is on critical thinking, oral communication skills and writing skills essential to today’s law enforcement employees. Students are kept informed of changes in law enforcement such as community policing, laws of arrest, search and seizure and updates to the State penal code. Role-playing and Moot Court participation are included to enhance oral communication skills and preparation of written reports. Training is also provided in the area of crime analysis and use of computer technology in law enforcement.

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded upon completion of all required courses with a grade of C or better.

Program Outcomes

  • Identify the education stages to successfully enter a law enforcement Academy consisting of academics, physical training, firearms, Code of Ethics requirements for the law enforcement officer as a professional.
  • Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the law enforcement profession consisting of the role of the police, the courts and corrections.
  • Explain an understanding of the role of the community in a partnership with law enforcement including interpersonal skills of effective written and oral communications plus critical thinking required of a law enforcement officer (i.e., community policing).
  • Outline and discuss the moral/legal aspects of the use of firearms, impact weapons, chemical agents, Laws of Evidence, the preparation of Search and Arrest Warrants and the collection of physical evidence at a crime scene.
  • Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of Deescalation, cultural competency, and unconscious bias, and their impact and relevance on effective policing.

Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement

Semester I
AJ 010INTRODUCTION TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE3
AJ 012CONCEPTS OF CRIMINAL LAW3
ENGL 100READING AND WRITING SKILLS4
or ENGL 001A READING AND COMPOSITION
or ENGL 001AH HONORS READING AND COMPOSITION
Semester II
AJ 014LEGAL ASPECTS OF EVIDENCE3
AJ 016PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM3
AJ 122PRINCIPLED POLICING3
Semester III
AJ 018COMMUNITY RELATIONS3
AJ 019PRINCIPLES OF INVESTIGATION3
Total Units25

Recommended Electives

AJ 122PRINCIPLED POLICING3
FIRE 110INTRODUCTION TO FIRE TECHNOLOGY3

Visit the Program Mapper for a suggested sequence of courses.

General Education Requirements for the Associate in Science Degree