Criminal Justice (Formerly Administration of Justice)

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

The Criminal Justice program is designed to develop a student’s understanding of the various operational functions within the criminal justice system. The educational emphasis will be the examination of crime causation, functions of law enforcement, criminal court system, and corrections. Students majoring in this subject area can prepare themselves for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and security at both the operational and administrative levels.

Career Opportunities

Communication Technician, Correctional Officer, Criminalist, Criminologist, Deputy Sheriff, Forensic Technician, Juvenile Correctional Officer, Police Officer, Probation Officer, Security Manager, Security Officer, Special Agent/Investigator, Deputy Coroner, School Police Officer, Reserve Police Officer/Sheriff's Deputy

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

Careers at the state, county, or city level usually require a high school diploma, but an associate’s degree is preferable. Careers in law enforcement usually start with Police Academy Training. The modular format provides the opportunity to become a reserve officer while completing Module II and III of training. A Module I graduate may elect to become a reserve officer or may apply for a full-time position with a law enforcement agency in California.

Careers in Forensics - the application of science and technology to the analysis of physical evidence - may be entered through the Crime Scene Investigation course CJ 67 Crime Scene Investigation and the Fingerprint Recognition and Classification course CJ 31 Fingerprint Recognition & Classification. CSU Los Angeles offers Criminalistics, MA degree.  CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Faculty

Transfer

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

Local Bachelors Programs - Visit the Four-Year Universities in the High Desert website.

• Brandman University, Victor Valley Campus: Criminal Justice major
• Park University, Victor Valley: Criminal Justice major

For the most up-to-date information on these programs and others, visit assist.org. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.

Criminal Justice, AS

State Control Number: 04967
Program Code: CJ.AS
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes

The Criminal Justice major requires 18 units from any of the certificates or from any Criminal Justice coursework.  CJ 138 Cooperative Education of Criminal Justice may be used as elective credit but may not be used to fulfill major requirements.

To earn this degree, complete the major coursework with “C” grades or better and all of the following graduation requirements: 60 minimum degree-applicable units (including a maximum 4 units of activity); 2.0 minimum overall GPA; 12 degree-applicable units through VVC; Information Competency; Global Citizenship; Kinesiology, and the VVC General Education pattern. Courses may count in one area only, either in the major or in a general education category. Courses counted in one AA/AS major may not be used in another AA/AS major.

Administration of Justice, AS-T

State Control Number: 31296
Program Code: AJT.AS or AJT.IGETC.AS
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes

The program leading to the Associate in Science for Transfer in Administration of Justice is designed to acquaint pre-service and in-service students with the principles and practices of criminal justice systems in America.  Students will be prepared to work in a variety of fields, including: public law enforcement agencies such as municipal police, probation officers, county deputy sheriffs, correction- al officers, game wardens, state parks, and private security.  Students completing the AS-T in Administration of Justice will be able to transfer to the California State University system and be prepared to study in the following areas: Administration of Justice, Law Enforcement, Correctional Science, Social Science/Criminology, Forensics, and Pre-Law.

To earn this degree complete the major coursework listed here with “C” grades or better and the following graduation requirements: 60 CSU transferable units; either the CSU General Education or IGETC pattern; the Basic/Golden 4 requirements; and a 2.0 minimum overall CSU GPA. Courses used in the major may also be counted in the general education areas. Courses used for this major may also be used to earn other degrees at VVC.

Campus Law Enforcement Course: PC 832.3 Certificate of Career Preparation

State Control Number: N/A
Program Code: PC832.3
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No

Certificate meets the requirements of the Calif. Legislature in PC 832.3(g) and POST requirement for Campus Law Enforcement employed on a K-12 or Community College campus.

Correctional Science Certificate of Achievement

State Control Number: 40924
Program Code: CORRSCIEN.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No

This certificate prepares students for a career at the federal, state, or local government level at a correctional facility. 

Corrections Officer Core Course Certificate of Achievement

State Control Number: 42106
Program Code: CO.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No

Prepares the student to meet the legal requirements established by Standards and Training for Corrections (STC), in order to be employed as a city or county correctional officer.

Criminal Justice Certificate of Achievement

State Control Number: 20548
Program Code: CJ.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes

Prepares the student for a variety of employment opportunities within the Criminal Justice System. Employment opportunities include Corrections, Law Enforcement, Traffic Enforcement, Probation, Parole, Security, Prevention Loss officer, and related Social Worker positions.

Fingerprint Recognition and Classification Certificate of Career Preparation

State Control Number: N/A
Program Code: FRC.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No

This certificate meets the requirements for the Fingerprint Classification Trainee written and practical exams.

Forensic Specialist Certificate of Career Preparation

State Control Number: N/A
Program Code: FS.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No

This certificate meets the standards required of a Forensic Specialist whose duties include processing evidence at crime scenes, packaging and transporting evidence to a crime lab, and testifying in court. The certificate requirements meet the standards set by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and the College Advisory Committee.

Law Enforcement Module III Basic Course Certificate of Career Preparation

State Control Number: N/A
Program Code: L3MLEBC.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No

This certificate will be awarded to students who have successfully completed the Level III Modulated Course. This course is certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Law Enforcement Module II Basic Course Certificate of Achievement

State Control Number: 42093
Program Code: L2MLEBC.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Pending

This certificate will be awarded to students who have successfully completed the Level II Modulated Course. This course is certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

PC 832 Firearms Only Certificate of Career Preparation

State Control Number: N/A
Program Code: MARAF.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No

PC 832 Laws of Arrest Course Certificate of Career Preparation

State Control Number: N/A
Program Code: PC832LAWARST.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No

Prepares the student to meet the minimum requirements as a non-designated Level III Reserve Peace Officer, or, as a designated limited-duty peace officer. This certificate program complies with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Police Technician Specialist Certificate of Career Preparation

State Control Number: N/A
Program Code: POLTECHSPEC.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No

Prepares the student for a variety of employment opportunities with any Law Enforcement Agency, in a civilian capacity, as a Forensic Specialist or as an Evidence Technician.

Criminal Justice Courses

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 evaluate Vehicle Code violations to determine the cause for an accident. Perform the fundamentals of firearm safety, shooting accurately, and cleaning a pistol.
7. Critically analyze and assess various sample fingerprints and accurately classify each fingerprint.
8. Critically evaluate the search and/or seizure of evidence and determine the admissibility of evidence based on current Federal Supreme Court Decisions.
9. Critically analyze and evaluate the procedures in the preliminary investigation of specific crimes.
10. Critically examine and evaluate the types of evidence, admissibility of evidence given fourth and fifth amendment restrictions; analyze exceptions to the exclusionary rule.
11. Critically evaluate the processes involved in recognizing evidence and investigating any specific crime scene; recognize the barriers to an effective interviews and/or interrogations.
12. Critically analyze and describe the criminal trial processes from pre-arrest to sentencing.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Perform the duties and responsibilities of a Level II Reserve.
16. 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.
17. Explain the sociological theories of criminology that relate specifically to juvenile delinquency.
18. Recognize and explain the development of the Juvenile court system.
19. Recognize and explain the role of parens patriae and its role in the social development of the juvenile offender.
20. Perform the duties, role, and function of a state certified correctional officer in a county jail or private prison.
21. Perform the duties and responsibilities of a campus Peace Officer employed on a K-12 or Community College campus.
22. Critically analyze and evaluate behaviors and situations for violations of law; evaluate the lawful admissibility of evidence; and assess legal defenses.
23. Communicate effectively, orally and in written formats, to the various professional role players within the Criminal Justice system.
24. Critically evaluate Vehicle Code violations to determine the cause for an accident.
25. Perform the fundamentals of firearm safety, shooting accurately, and cleaning a pistol.
26. Critically analyze and assess various sample fingerprints and accurately classify each fingerprint.
27. Critically evaluate the search and/or seizure of evidence and determine the admissibility of evidence based on current Federal Supreme Court Decisions.
28. Critically analyze and evaluate the procedures in the preliminary investigation of specific crimes.
29. Critically examine and evaluate the types of evidence, admissibility of evidence given fourth and fifth amendment restrictions; analyze exceptions to the exclusionary rule.
30. Critically evaluate the processes involved in recognizing evidence and investigating any specific crime scene; recognize the barriers to an effective interviews and/or interrogations.
31. Critically analyze and describe the criminal trial processes from pre-arrest to sentencing. 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.
32. 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.
33. Perform the duties and responsibilities of a Level II Reserve.
34. 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.
35. Explain the sociological theories of criminology that relate specifically to juvenile delinquency.
36. Recognize and explain the development of the Juvenile court system.
37. Recognize and explain the role of parens patriae and its role in the social development of the juvenile offender.
38. Perform the duties, role, and function of a state certified correctional officer.
39. Perform the duties and responsibilities of a Calif. Correctional Officer in a local city or county jail , as defined by the California Board of Corrections.
40. Execute skills necessary for entry level employment in a variety of jobs within the Criminal Justice area.
41. Apply for entry level employment in a variety of jobs within the Criminal Justice area.
42. Students will have the knowledge and skills to correctly classify any fingerprint and successfully identify an unknown fingerprint to a known fingerprint.
43. Collect evidence with accuracy.
44. 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.
45. 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.
46. Students awarded this certificate have demonstrated the safe handling of a firearm, cleaning principles, and have qualified on a firearms course of fire as prescribed by POST.
47. Perform the Laws of Arrest as prescribed by POST for peace officers with limited peace officer powers.
48. Be prepared for a variety of employment opportunities with any Law Enforcement Agency.