Criminal Justice

What is Criminal Justice?

Students in the Criminal Justice program learn administrative procedures; vehicle code and accident investigation; crime codes and criminal investigation; prevention of crime; laboratory procedure; and supplemental activities. Simulated activities develop skills in procedures used in police patrol, criminal investigations, accident investigation, report writing, use of Crime Code and Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, first aid, and self defense. Special emphasis is given toward each students' career objectives. Students develop skills needed to perform effectively in police departments and security agencies, and receive a good foundation for continued study in Police Administration or Criminal Justice. 

CJ

CJ

 Is it for You?

Students interested in applying to the Criminal Justice program should like working with people and helping their community. Police officers may be called upon to perform many different tasks, so multitasking is essential for this type of work. These tasks range from traffic control to traffic accident investigations; from burglaries and thefts to armed robbery; and from finding a lost child to a high speed chase. Police officers also make crime prevention presentations and patrol their jurisdiction. Officers must have a good working knowledge of the various laws and the Constitution, and training in First Aid and CPR. The following skills are also necessary to be successful in this field:

  • Physical stamina and coordination.

  • Good eyesight, either naturally or with correction.

  • Strong academic background.

  • Good communication skills.

  • Ability to multitask

Note: Candidates for police employment must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 20 years of age, and must meet vigorous physical and personnel qualifications. Eligibility for appointment generally depends on performance in competitive written examination as well as in education and experience. Physical examination often includes test of vision, hearing, and agility.

Program Objectives 

  1. Complete PA Dept. of Ed. POS (Program of Study)

  2. Complete NOCTI Competencies

  3. Obtain Industry Certifications (NIMS-FEMA, First Aid, CPR, AED)

  4. Earn College in the High School (CHS) Credits through Pennsylvania College of Technology

  5. Post-Secondary Visit

  6. Job Shadow


Every Year

  • Classroom Safety and Procedures

  • Proper Procedures for Handcuffing, Non-Lethal Weapons, Less-Lethal Weapons, and Lethal Weapons

  • Progression of Use of Force in a Continuum

  • Bill of Rights and its Guarantees

  • Identifying Hazardous Materials and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

  • Describing Communicable Diseases

  • Miranda Rights/Miranda v. Arizona

  • Identifying Characteristics of Fingerprints/Taking a Set of Fingerprints

  • Individual Rights of Citizens/Due Process Requirements

  • Proper Radio Communication Terminology

  • International Phonetic Alphabet

  • Communicating With Family Members, Bystanders, Firefighters, Rescue Personnel, and Other Agencies

  • Providing Proper Directions to a Scene

  • Using a Personal Computer, Peripheral Equipment, and Accessories

  • Writing Effective Police Reports

  • Multiculturalism and Diversity

  • Voluntary/Involuntary Commitments for Mental Health Issues

  • Substance Abuse/Handling Substance Abuse Subjects

  • Use of body worn cameras

POS TASKS:

  • 100s: Crime Scene Management

  • 200s: Use of Force

  • 300s: Criminal Law and Procedures

  • 400s: Health Issues

  • 500s: Police Concepts and Skills

  • 700s: Court Systems

  • 800s: Communications

  • 1000s: Understanding and Working for Special Populations


Corrections Year

  • Classroom Safety and Procedures

  • Using Computers/Software to Make Composite Sketches of Suspects

  • Proper Procedures for Handcuffing, Non-Lethal Weapons, Less-Lethal Weapons, and Lethal Weapons

  • Progression of Use of Force in a Continuum

  • Bill of Rights and its Guarantees

  • Identifying Hazardous Materials and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

  • Describing Communicable Diseases

  • Miranda Rights

  • Understanding Concepts and Skills Related to Corrections

  • Understanding United States Court Systems

  • Utilizing Communication Skills Specific to Police Work         

  • Multiculturalism and Diversity

  • Voluntary/Involuntary Commitments for Mental Health Issues

  • Substance Abuse/Handling Substance Abuse Subjects                                                          

POS TASKS:

  • 100s: Crime Scene Management

  • 200s: Use of Force

  • 300s: Criminal Law and Procedures

  • 400s: Health Issues

  • 500s: Police Concepts and Skills

  • 600s: Corrections Concepts and Skills

  • 700s: Court Systems

  • 800s: Communications

  • 1000s: Understanding and Working for Special Populations                                                                        

Criminal Year 

  • Classroom Safety and Procedures

  • Proper Procedures for Processing Evidence found at Crime Scenes

  • Proper Procedures for Handcuffing, Non-Lethal Weapons, Less-Lethal Weapons, and Lethal Weapons

  • Progression of Use of Force in a Continuum

  • Identifying Drugs and Classifications/Relating Drug Abuse and Anti-Drug Laws in the United States

  • Identifying Types of High-Tech Crime

  • Understanding Criminal Law/PA Crimes Code/PA Vehicle Code

  • Bill of Rights and its Guarantees

  • Defining Crimes against Persons and Property

  • Identifying Hazardous Materials and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

  • Describing Communicable Diseases

  • Understanding Proper Procedures and Concepts Used in Police Work

  • Historical Development of United States Law Enforcement 

  • Utilizing Communications Skills Specific to Police Work

  • Multiculturalism and Diversity

  • Voluntary/Involuntary Commitments for Mental Health Issues

  • Substance Abuse/Handling Substance Abuse Subjects

POS TASKS:

  • 100s: Crime Scene Management

  • 200s: Use of Force

  • 300s: Criminal Law and Procedures

  • 400s: Health Issues

  • 500s: Police Concepts and Skills

  • 700s: Court Systems

  • 800s: Communications

  • 1000s: Understanding and Working for Special Populations


Traffic Year

 

  • Classroom Safety and Procedures

  • Proper Procedures for Processing Evidence found at Crime Scenes

  • Proper Procedures for Handcuffing, Non-Lethal Weapons, Less-Lethal Weapons, and Lethal Weapons

  • Progression of Use of Force in a Continuum

  • Bill of Rights and its Guarantees

  • Identifying Hazardous Materials and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

  • Describing Communicable Diseases

  • Understanding Proper Procedures and Concepts Related to Vehicular and Community Crimes

  • Post-Secondary Options in Criminal Justice and Police Science

  • Individual Citizens' Rights and Due Process/Miranda v. Arizona

  • Utilizing Communications Skills Specific to Police Work

  • Multiculturalism and Diversity

  • Voluntary/Involuntary Commitments for Mental Health Issues

  • Substance Abuse/Handling Substance Abuse Subjects   

 

POS TASKS:

 

  • 100s: Crime Scene Management

  • 200s: Use of Force

  • 300s: Criminal Law and Procedures

  • 400s: Health Issues

  • 500s: Police Concepts and Skills

  • 700s: Court Systems

  • 800s: Communications

  • 1000s: Understanding and Working for Special Populations


Seniors Only

Certifications: NIMS, First Aid, CPR, AED

  • Performing CPR and First Aid/Preparing Victims for Emergency Transport

  • Identifying Signs of Shock

  • Understanding How to Handle Multiple-Casualty Situations

  • Recognizing Multiple Types of Mental Illness and Their Causes

  • Identifying and Guarding Against Hazardous/Toxic Substances

  • Recognizing Signs of Child Abuse/Neglect

  • Defining and Following Physical Fitness Standards/Health and Wellness Activities

  • Unarmed and Tactical Self Defense

  • Issuing a Non-Traffic Summary Offense

  • Booking Techniques/Proper Technique for Searching and Patting Down Suspects

  • Post-Secondary Education Options in Criminal Justice and Police Science

  • OCAT Training

  • ASP Training

POS TASKS:

  • 400s: Health Issues

  • 500s: Police Concepts and Skills 


What Can You Do as a Graduate of Criminal Justice?

Potential Career Pathways

* Salaries listed are PA state averages taken from www.onetonline.com and are accurate as of 2020.

Correctional Officers & Jailers ($55,330

Police Patrol Officers ($68,940)

Sheriffs & Deputy Sheriffs ($60,150)

Baliffs ($29,490)

Supervisor Police & Detectives ($91,090)

Criminal Investigators ($83,170)

Emergency Directors ($74,590)

...and many more

Post-Secondary Studies

*Many employment options in this field require additional study.

HACC: Criminal Justice

Penn State: Criminal Justice

Pennsylvania College of Technology: 

Criminal Justice

York Technical Institute:  Criminal Justice