Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement
This program is available at the Beavercreek and Springfield - Downtown locations.The Criminal Justice program is comprised of a curriculum that is current and relevant to the needs of criminal justice professionals. Society demands highly educated and well qualified candidates that meet and exceed the standards of local, state, and federal, law enforcement agencies.
Criminal Justice is a multi-million dollar industry. Individuals violate laws and require legal interventions and sanctions regardless of the economic conditions. Courses are taught by individuals who have been or currently are practitioners, providing students with instruction from faculty who combine classroom with real work experiences.
Law Enforcement Concentration
Job opportunities are plentiful in criminal justice. Advances in Technology and the emphasis on homeland security have fueled a demand for law enforcement professionals to be knowledgeable regarding not only law enforcement protocols but relating to the communities in which they serve. Individuals interested in pursuing law enforcement certification upon completion of an OPOTA approved Police Academy may defer eight (8) courses in the criminal justice program that are addressed through academy instruction. Once the academy coursework is completed successfully, full credit will then be applied to student's transcript which will allow the student to begin a law enforcement path sooner.
Outcomes and Curriculum
Upon completion of an associate degree in criminal justice, a graduate will be able to:
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to Criminal Justice related decisions
- Employ professional behaviors reflective of the criminal justice professions
- Demonstrate techniques and technology specific to criminal justice
- Formulate effective communication techniques
- Display behaviors that reflect respect for and sensitivity to individual differences while working with citizens, families and coworkers
- Identify community support systems that can be utilized by the criminal justice community
Academic Preparation
Anyone considering a criminal justice career should recognize that employment involves meeting physical requirements, which vary greatly among different agencies.
A conviction of any of the crimes below disqualifies individuals from the program:
- Any felony
- Domestic violence or reduced charge stemming from a domestic violence incident
- Any person currently registered as a sex offender, child-victim offender, or arson offender
- Misdemeanor convictions of violence, theft, or fraud crimes
Other criminal or serious traffic convictions may prevent graduates from obtaining employment in some positions/facilities. Any questions should be directed to the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator.