Criminal Justice

high school students working in public safety class, dusting for fingerprints and taking notes

The Criminal Justice program provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of law enforcement and criminal justice, combining both classroom instruction and hands-on training.

In Criminal Justice I, students will explore the history and structure of the U.S. criminal justice system, including courtroom operations. They will also gain practical experience in police procedures, such as vehicle stops, while learning the importance of cultural awareness within the profession.

In Criminal Justice II, students dive into criminology theories before transitioning to criminal investigations. Through interactive, mock crime scene scenarios, students will practice processing crime scenes from start to finish. This includes crime scene photography, DNA collection, narcotics identification, and trace evidence analysis, such as glass, hair, and fibers. The program equips students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the criminal justice field.

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Possible Careers

Police Officer
Sheriff's Deputy
Indiana State Police Trooper
Corrections Officer
911 Dispatcher
FBI
SWAT
Crime Scene Detective
Lawyer
K9 Officer
DEA
Border Patrol Agent

Dual Credits

Vincennes University
- CRIM 100 - Survey Of Criminal Justice
- CRIM 101 - Basic Police Operations
- CRIM 145 - Ethics and Professionalism in Criminal Justice
- CRIM 150 - Introduction to Criminology

Certifications Available

Red Cross - CPR
Stop the Bleed
NIMS 101
NIMS 100

FAQs

Does my student need any previous experience before taking this class?

If my student attends this course, should they go to college or straight to the workforce?

Most law enforcement agencies require applicants to be at least 20 to 21 years of age to apply. Therefore, students will have several years after high school before they can apply. Most law enforcement agencies require a high school diploma and either 60 hours of college credit (this is the equivalent to an associate degree at most colleges), military, or some type of related work experience following high school to apply.

How much homework can a student expect from this course?

What expenses can I expect as a student?

If I want a career in one of the public safety fields, what should my major be in college?

There are several colleges in the Tri State area that offer a criminal justice program. Taking a foreign language class would also be beneficial. While seeking employment after high school and before turning 20 or 21, I would recommend any type of job that you have to deal with the public, write reports and do conflict resolution. This type of employment can assist you in the interview process for a criminal justice job. Examples would be security jobs, residential assistants (RAs) in college.