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:

            1. 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

            1. 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:

            Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.