Criminal Justice Technology AAS.CRJ Do you have what it takes?
Desirable Traits and Experience Good attitude On time for class Good grades Mature Demonstrates leadership in the classroom Good work history Volunteer work such as First Responder, EMT, Volunteer firefighter, Scouts, Explorers, Church or school program, community service CPR certified Accepts responsibility Good decision-making ability Physically fit
Undesirable Traits, History, Behaviors Late to class, makes excuses, or turns in late work Spotty job history Lack of job since high school Agency disqualifiers include Inability to pass fitness test Inability to pass reading/writing test Arrest history (with or without a conviction) Excessive tickets Visible tattoos on arms, head or neck Unattended credit problems Association with disreputable people Some physical and mental conditions Alcohol and/or drug history
What to expect from a career in the Criminal Justice field Crazy work hours/lots of late nights and weekends Being a member of a team that takes much pride in their job Typical starting salary $28,000 and 32,000 Good benefits, health care, and retirement (at most agencies) Good job security Little appreciation at times from community members Opportunity to help someone in need and protect citizens Opportunity to receive specialized training Protective gear Firearms training 24 hour a day visibility in the community as a public servant Lots of report writing-documenting conversations and events Periods of inactivity followed by a blitz of activity-unpredictable!
Probable Types of Jobs If You Meet the Rigorous Standards Police Officer or Sheriff s Deputy 911 Dispatch or telecommunications Detention officer, Corrections officer or Jailer (working with inmates in jail, detention center or prison) Some federal jobs such as Border Patrol or TSA Bailiff Detective/Narcotics Agent must first serve time on the road and have many years of law enforcement experience Records clerk Loss prevention/security State Law Enforcement Officer SWAT team several years experience required
Unlikely Types of Jobs Most federal position such as FBI, DEA, ATF; 4 year degree required Game Warden requires 4 year degree in South Carolina or 2 year degree plus military experience Paralegal see BCAS division, AOT program Victim s Advocate limited number of jobs though a possibility; helpful if you have paralegal background Court Reporter need certificate from Midlands Tech Detective must be willing to be patrol officer first DNA-CSI-Crime Scene Investigator must either be a detective or have chemistry/science degree Private investigator separate licensing process with the state; many have years of experience in law enforcement Parole or Probation Agent need 4 year degree
Advantages of CRJ Program Close mentoring relationship with faculty and faculty advisor Qualified faculty (current or retired cops, parole officers, investigators) Small classroom size Variety of class type such as online, hybrid, and lecture Afternoon, evening and online CRJ classes General education class offerings online, morning, afternoon, or evening No additional supply costs Hands-on training opportunities Practice job interviews with faculty/job interview preparation Opportunity for internship after meeting qualifications Course curriculum based on current technologies and field applications
What Courses Do I Need? COL 101 CPT 170 CRJ 101 CRJ 115 CRJ 222 ENG 101 ENG 155 CRJ 110 CRJ 218 CRJ 224 HSS 205 HIS 202 MAT 101 College Orientations Microcomputer Applications I Introduction to Criminal Justice Criminal Law I Ethics in Criminal Justice English Composition I Communications I Police Patrol Crisis Intervention Police Community Relations Technology and Society American History: 1877 to Present Beginning Algebra
CRJ 125 PSC 215 PSC 201 SPC 205 CRJ CRJ 242 CRJ 250 CRJ 260 SCI 150 CRJ 202 CRJ 247 What Courses Do I Need? Criminology State and Local Government American Government Public Speaking Elective CRJ Course Correctional Systems Criminal Justice Internship I Seminar in Criminal Justice Forensic Science Criminalistics Law Enforcement and the Latino Community CRJ 145 CRJ 236 PSY 201 SOC 101 CRJ Juvenile Delinquency Criminal Evidence General Psychology Introduction to Sociology Elective CRJ Course
INTERNSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT WARNING Most employers in public service and human service agencies are concerned with applicant character attributes. Character attributes are determined using criminal background checks, credit history reports, military discharge records, past employment history, and drug screens. Please be mindful that many agencies will deny opportunities for internships and employment based on criteria that the agencies have legally defined as negative. Please feel free to discuss these concerns with your advisor or contact the agency of your choice an inquire directly with the hiring point of contact.
QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? Call us with any questions or concerns. You may feel like this isn t the right career for you, but, call and let s talk before you decide. Trish Hovis 981-7376 or phovis@yorktech.com Chip Guerry 981-7723 or lguerry@yorktech.com