Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

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Be the hand of justice that upholds the law, protects our rights, and keeps our communities safe.

What will my classes be like?

You will learn the legal process starting from the investigation, to the arrest, and the law behind it all. You will be introduced to the history of law enforcement, constitutional law, Illinois law, as well as the legal system and courts.

Just imagine yourself as a police officer protecting the community, a detective investigating the evidence, or being a lawyer and presenting evidence in the courtroom.

Program Description

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement I

This program is designed to acquaint students with the various aspects of the criminal justice system, including the structure of law enforcement; procedures of criminal law; the court system; and corrections.  Students will first learn the basics of the criminal justice system and become familiar with criminal law and how it applies to individual rights. The United States Supreme Court landmark cases will be examined in order to have a better understanding of their importance in today’s role in our criminal justice system. Students will also learn about law enforcement procedures regarding evidence handling and processing, traffic stops, handcuffing, radio use, police report writing, and accident investigation.

Students will also hear from experts who will expand their knowledge about the multitude of career opportunities within the criminal justice field.  Students will take part in field trips to various locations within the criminal justice specialty areas to see and learn about their daily operations.  Students will also take part in various hands-on activities similar to the duties of a police officer, as well as explore aspects of various roles within the police departments.  During the second semester, students will begin to explore forensics, evidence processing, and learn the steps to properly process crime scenes – highlighted with an all-day experience at the Eureka College CSI forensic lab.

All Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement students will be CPR certified. 

 Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement II

Prerequisite:  Successful Completion of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement I

 During this phase of the program, students will have the opportunity to explore more concise and detailed operations of the criminal justice field.  Students will participate in various job-shadowing opportunities and off-site visits to select venues to gain a better understanding of specialties and characteristics within the criminal justice field.  Independent study units will be used to allow a more advanced insight, as students will research and analyze actual police cases to examine findings and submit recommendations. Students will also have the opportunity to take on leadership and mentoring roles to first-year students and utilize their first-year experiences to assist in guiding students toward a successful year. 

Employment Opportunities

  • Air Marshal

  • Bailiff

  • Blood Spatter Analyst

  • Border Patrol Agent

  • CIA Analyst

  • CIA Officer

  • Computer Forensics Investigator

  • Conservation Officer

  • Correctional Officer

  • Correctional Treatment Specialist

  • Court Clerk

  • Court Reporter

  • Crime Lab Analyst

  • Crime Scene Investigator

  • Criminal Investigator

  • Criminal Law Paralegal

  • Customs and Border Protection Officer

  • DEA Agent

  • Deputy Sheriff

  • Detective

  • Emergency Dispatch Operator

  • Emergency Management Director

  • FBI Agent

  • Fire Investigator

  • First-line Police Officer

  • First-Line Supervisor of Correctional Officers

  • First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives

  • Fish and Game Warden

  • Forensic Accountant

  • Forensic Anthropologist

  • Forensic Ballistics Expert

  • Forensic Nurse

  • Forensic Psychologist

  • Forensic Science Technician

  • Fraud Investigator

  • Homeland Security

  • Homicide Detective

  • ICE Agent

  • Information Security Analyst

  • Juvenile Probation Officer

  • Lawyer

  • Narcotics Officer

  • Paralegal

  • Parking Enforcement Worker

  • Police Officer

  • Private Investigator

  • Probation Officer

  • Secret Service Agent

  • Security Guard  

  • State Trooper 

  • Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor

  •  Transit/Railroad Police

  • Transportation Security Screener 

  • United States Park Police 

  • US Marshal 

  • Victims Advocate Youth Correctional Counselor

     

Contact Information             

Email: cheathams@district87.org or raycraftr@district87.org