Catalog Description
Hours: 40 lecture
Description: Covers career pathways in the Administration of Justice. Includes educational planning of available degree programs, labor market research, and the hiring process: development of a resume, background investigations, personal history statements, interview dynamics, and hiring examinations. (not transferable)
Course Student Learning Outcomes
- CSLO #1: Compare and contrast the various careers within the criminal justice system.
- CSLO #2: Complete an employment application packet and Personal History Statement accurately and thoroughly.
- CSLO #3: Develop and create a career-specific cover letter and resume in preparation for participation in an oral interview.
Effective Term
Fall 2017
Course Type
Credit - Degree-applicable
Contact Hours
40
Outside of Class Hours
80
Total Student Learning Hours
120
Course Objectives
1. Outline, describe, and explain areas of interest within the criminal justice career field;
2. Compare academic programs related to personal goals;
3. Distinguish between possible career paths in private industry and government;
4. Analyze results of career research;
5. Compare and contrast various hiring processes;
6. Outline the typical hiring process for a Peace Officer and other criminal justice professionals in the state of California;
7. Prepare a Personal History Statement;
8. Investigate careers using technology, personal contacts or printed materials;
9. Develop a personal resume;
10. Develop a student educational plan for transfer;
11. Summarize educational requirements for various criminal justice professions;
12. Compare academic programs related to personal career goals;
13. Differentiate between peace officer requirements established by the State of California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST); Standards and Training for Corrections (STC) and Federal peace officer standards requirements;
14. Establish a hiring-interview plan;
15. Demonstrate proficiency while participating in a mock oral interview.
General Education Information
- Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
- CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
- Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
- IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
Articulation Information
Methods of Evaluation
- Reports
- Example: Students will write a 3-5 page research paper on the hiring process for various criminal justice agencies.
- Skill Demonstrations
- Example: Students will participate in a mock oral interview in front of a guest panel of criminal justice professionals.
- Other
- Example: Resume will be evaluated based on format and content.
Repeatable
No
Methods of Instruction
- Lecture/Discussion
- Distance Learning
Lecture:
- Instructor will present an overview of a "Personal History Statement" and its required use in the background-check phase of the hiring process for law enforcement agencies. Students will print out and begin to develop their own PHS as follow-up.
Distance Learning
- Instructor will present lecture slides and videos related to the oral interview process; students will participate in Discussion Board related to best ways to prepare for interviews.
Typical Out of Class Assignments
Reading Assignments
1. Identify a specific administration of justice agency related to your career goals and read the specific hiring requirements to be employed by that agency. List the requirements for a classroom presentation. 2. Read the chapter from the text and identify the traits of a peace officer and the civil service process to be hired. Be prepared to discuss your findings in class.
Writing, Problem Solving or Performance
1. Research and prepare a report on the basic employment requirements to enter a selected entry level position in the administration of justice field. 2. Identify specific educational and job specific information in your background and write a personal resume. 3. Research and prepare a POST/STC Personal History Statement.
Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)
1. Give an oral presentation to the class, including your opening statement for an oral interview. 2. Participate in a mock oral interview in front of a panel of guest interviewers.
Required Materials
- Careers in Law Enforcement
- Author: Coy Johnston
- Publisher: Sage
- Publication Date: 2017
- Text Edition: 1st
- Classic Textbook?: No
- OER Link:
- OER: