Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice Program prepares students for careers in public safety through practical training, academic instruction, and the development of knowledge, skills, and professionalism aligned with industry standards.

All areas of Criminal Justice require individuals to possess the personal and physical qualities necessary to become effective peace officers. Many employment opportunities currently exist for individuals seeking entry into law enforcement and corrections-related fields at the local, state, and federal levels. Security and corrections are fast-growing professions. Individuals interested in these careers should understand that the work is demanding and requires a combination of training, education, and experience, along with mental and physical stamina.

The Criminal Justice program is designed to develop students’ understanding of the operational functions within the criminal justice system. Emphasis is placed on the examination of crime causation, the functions of law enforcement, the criminal court system, and corrections. Instruction is supported through practical, hands-on learning opportunities that reflect real-world criminal justice applications, including scenario-based training, report writing, and applied analysis, helping students build confidence and applied skills.

The program aligns with industry standards and, where applicable, the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements to support student preparation for entry into law enforcement training academies and related public safety careers. Students majoring in this field are prepared for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and security at both the operational and administrative levels.

As part of Victor Valley College’s commitment to workforce development in the High Desert region, the program is supported by the Regional Public Safety Training Center (RPSTC), providing students with access to specialized facilities and training environments that enhance readiness and career pathways in public safety professions.

Career Opportunities

Careers in the criminal justice field are available at the federal, state, county, and city levels.

Employment opportunities include:

• Communications Technician/Dispatcher
• Correctional Officer
• Criminalist
• Criminologist
• Deputy Sheriff
• Forensic Technician
• Juvenile Correctional Officer
• Police Officer
• Probation Officer
• Security Officer and Manager 
• Special Agent/Investigator
• Deputy Coroner
• School Police Officer
• Reserve Police Officer/Sheriff's Deputy

Careers at the state, county, and city levels typically require a high school diploma; however, an associate degree is strongly recommended. Most law enforcement careers begin with police academy training. The modular academy format provides students the opportunity to become reserve officers while completing Modules II and III of training.

Faculty

Transfer

• California State University, San Bernardino: Criminal Justice major
• University of California Riverside Extension

For the most up-to-date information on these programs and others, visit assist.org. Students are encouraged to visit the Transfer Center in Building 23 or schedule an appointment with a counselor for additional guidance.

Programs of Study

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication, and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program. 

Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehension and appreciation of the connections, contributions, experiences, and potential conflicts of various ethnicities, races, and genders as they interact with the criminal justice components.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the criminal justice system and how the student, as an individual, understands career opportunities in the field as well as individual/community rights and responsibilities.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of crime causation, roles of the components of the criminal justice system, and social and economic impact of crime on society.
4. Critically analyze and evaluate behaviors and situations for violations of law; evaluate the lawful admissibility of evidence; and assess legal defenses.
5. Communicate effectively, orally and in written formats, to the various professional role players within the Criminal Justice system.
6. Critically analyze and assess various sample fingerprints and accurately classify each fingerprint.
7. Critically evaluate the search and/or seizure of evidence and determine the admissibility of evidence based on current Federal Supreme Court Decisions.
8. Critically analyze and evaluate the procedures in the preliminary investigation of specific crimes.
9. Critically examine and evaluate the types of evidence, admissibility of evidence given fourth and fifth amendment restrictions; analyze exceptions to the exclusionary rule.
10. Critically evaluate the processes involved in recognizing evidence and investigating any specific crime scene; recognize the barriers to an effective interviews and/or interrogations.
11. Critically analyze and describe the criminal trial processes from pre-arrest to sentencing.
12. Critically analyze and evaluate the proper procedures in conducting a criminal investigation involving crimes against persons, property, sex crimes, crimes against children, bombs and explosions, and vice and narcotics.
13. Critically evaluate and analyze the development of the role players, training and education, and present day challenges of the criminal justice system to include police, courts, and corrections.
14. Perform the duties and responsibilities of a Level II Reserve.
15. Critically appraise the legal restraints imposed on a peace officer by the US Constitution; critically evaluate the duties and responsibilities of a Level III Reserve.
16. Explain the sociological theories of criminology that relate specifically to juvenile delinquency.
17. Recognize and explain the development of the Juvenile court system.
18. Recognize and explain the role of parens patriae and its role in the social development of the juvenile offender.
19. Perform the duties, role, and function of a state certified correctional officer in a county jail or private prison.
20. Perform the duties and responsibilities of a campus Peace Officer employed on a K-12 or Community College campus.
21. Critically evaluate Vehicle Code violations to determine the cause for an accident.
22. Perform the fundamentals of firearm safety, shooting accurately, and cleaning a pistol.
23. Demonstrate understanding of U.S. justice systems, both juvenile and adult, and their legal basis as well as an awareness of the social and economic impact of crime on society, as it relates to law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and community partnerships.
24. Apply proper investigation procedures as they relate to evidence collection and preservation, crimes against people and property, and forensics.
25. Cultivate working knowledge and understanding of challenges and strategies of the Criminal Justice System in a diverse and multicultural society, developing a world view that acknowledges the vital role law enforcement plays in diverse communities.
26. Model aptitude for employment in the criminal justice field by demonstrating knowledge of responsibilities and scope of career trajectories.
27. Demonstrate the ability to effectively identify, collect, transport and store evidence in criminal investigations.
28. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal issues related to forensic science and the importance of adherance to local, state and federal laws, and protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution.
29. Perform the duties and responsibilities of a Level II Reserve Officer as prescribed by POST. Or, perform the duties of a peace officer in a State Hospital, Code Enforcement officer for city and county agencies, or perform the duties of a gaming officer in a casino.
30. Perform the duties and responsibilities of a Level III Reserve Peace Officer as prescribed in POST regulations . This certificate satisfies the prerequisite for entry into Module II Basic Law Enforcement Course.
31. Students will have demonstrated the safe handling of a firearm, cleaning principles, and have qualified on a firearms course of fire as prescribed by POST.
32. Perform the Laws of Arrest as prescribed by POST for peace officers with limited peace officer powers.
33. Be prepared for a variety of employment opportunities with any Law Enforcement Agency.

Criminal Justice Courses