Criminal Justice
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This two-year program is open to juniors and seniors. Skills and competencies taught will include an overview of the criminal justice system, law enforcement, community policing, criminal acts and impacts on society, the U.S. Constitution, criminal codes, work-readiness, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills. Students will work with personnel in the criminal justice and public service agencies (Vancouver Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Courts, Juvenile Justice, etc.). Many students will want to further their education at the community or four-year college level to enter this field.
Pathway:
Students in the Criminal Justice Program will learn:
- Criminal and Civil law
- Investigative Procedures
- Career Options
- Law enforcement ethics
- How laws are created and can be changed
- The definition of crime and alternatives to incarceration
- What constitutes an illegal substance, and actions required
- How to defuse hostile situations
- Conflict resolution
- Record keeping, technical writing and technology
- Understanding and working with diversity
- Professional Development/Leadership skills
- Safety issues as related to Criminal Justice
- Basic self-defense
- Crime scene investigation
- Patrol techniques
- 3 High School credits
- Competency Certificate
- Leadership opportunities through Skills USA
- Preparation for next level of education/training
- Opportunity for scholarships
- Internship opportunities
- Successful completion of the program, with a grade of “B” or higher, may result in college credit
- Licensed Security Agent in Oregon state upon passing required tests
PREREQUISITES:
Criminal Justice I
- Reading and writing proficiency at 10th grade level
- Excellent high school attendance record
- Ability to pass a WA state patrol background check
- Must provide own transportation to training site
Criminal Justice II
- Must pass 1st year program with a B grade or better to qualify for 2nd year; limited space available
- Ability to pass a WA state patrol background check
- Must provide own transportation to training site
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Successful completion of Writing HSPE (CJ is a writing intensive course)
Note:
Upon acceptance into the program, student and parent/guardian must participate in the Orientation/Interview at the Skills Center.
ORGANIZATIONS:
Possible enrollment in Skills USA (VICA).
Possible enrollment in Criminal Justice Explorer programs.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
Entry level:
- Local and state law enforcement cadets
- Records and reception clerk in local, state/federal juvenile & adult correction agencies
- Private Security
Police and Law Enforcement:
- Communication/Dispatch
- Custody Officer
- Police Officer
- Corrections Crew Chief
- State Police
- Local, State and Federal Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys
- Positions within Local, State/Federal Juvenile and Adult Courts
- US Department of Customs
- Local, State and Federal Private Security and Investigation Agencies
- Washington State Fish and Game Department
- Internal Revenue Service
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- Secret Service
- US Marshall
- Forensic Lab
Courts:
- Criminal Defense Attorney
- Prosecutor
- Judge
- Court Reporter
- Court Administrator
Corrections:
- Correctional Officer – state and federal
- Correctional Counselor – state and federal
- Detention Officer – county
- Probation Officer – state and federal
- Case Worker – state and federal
- Parole Officer – state