Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice 1

Grades: 10, 11, 12 | Credit: 1 | Prerequisite: None

This course is designed for students who are considering a career in criminal justice. The course prepares students for career opportunities within the criminal justice system as well as entrance into institutions of higher learning. Specific areas of training will be provided in criminal law and investigation, security training, communications, emergency response, crimes, search and seizures, arrests, crime prevention, court procedure, and police operations. The program is structured to give students a strong academic background with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the needs of a career in any of the cited fields. In addition, experts from various agencies provide in-depth information and experiences.

Professional Certification Opportunity: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth

Criminal Justice 2

Grades: 10, 11, 12 | Credit: 2 | Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 1

This course is an in-depth study of crime in America, United States' courts in action, and law enforcement efforts to deal with crime. The course will look into victimization, due process, and Constitutional laws affecting law enforcement as well as a review of sentencing offenders, parole, prison rehabilitation, and corrections of the 21^st century. Included will be a view of other employment careers in private and mechanical security systems as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement.

Professional Certification Opportunity: Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth

Class Features

Criminal Justice I

Introduction to Criminal Justice System
Preparing for a Career in Criminal Justice
Understanding the Rule of Law
Exploring Policy
Crime Scene Investigation
Exploring the Courts
Applying Criminal Justice Communication Skills
Understanding Juvenile Justice

Criminal Justice II

Preparing for a career in Criminal Justice
Understanding the Rule of Law
Exploring Policy
Crime Scene Investigation
Exploring Corrections
Applying Criminal Justice Communication Skills
Exploring the Terror Threat

Have questions about these courses? Please contact:

Douglas Dixon

Criminal Justice Teacher, HS
John Kayajanian

Criminal Justice Teacher, HS

Career Connections

Career Pathways Examples for Criminal Justice Students

The study of Criminal Justice, along with additional post-secondary study, training, and preparation, may lead to these careers:

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers *Bright Outlook*
Police Patrol Officers *Bright Outlook*
Correctional Officers and Jailers *Bright Outlook*
Security Guards *Bright Outlook*
Police Identification and Records Officers
Police Detectives
Transit and Railroad Police
Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers *Bright Outlook*
Social and Human Service Assistants *Bright Outlook*
Game Warden
Federal Agent/Analyst
Private Investigator
Attorney

Some BLS Info - Check it Out!

The median annual wage for police and detectives was $ 80,190 and Detectives and Criminal Investigators is $134,080 in the DC Metro Area as of May 2023 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Overall employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 63,000 openings for police and detectives are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

SkillsUSA Student Organization

SkillsUSA is the recognized student organization for trade and industrial programs in the Virginia. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives, working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. It helps each student excel. SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. It was formerly known as VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).

To learn more about SkillsUSA please visit the local, state, and national website for additional information and opportunities.