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, the 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
Careers in the criminal justice field are found 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, 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.
Faculty
Padgett, Rand
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. 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 Associate in Science Transfer (A.S.-T) degree in Criminal Justice complies with SB 1440. In so far as the awarding of this degree guarantees students admittance into the California State University system; however, this degree can not guarantee a specific University for the Criminal Justice major. NOTE: Students should be cognizant of the specific courses in Criminal Justice and General Education required for the major in Criminal Justice at each California State University.
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 (for CSU or UC) pattern; 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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
| CJ 103 | Criminal Law | 3.0 |
| List A | ||
| Complete two courses from the following: | 6.0 | |
| Criminal Trial Processes | ||
| Legal Aspects of Evidence | ||
| Introduction to Corrections | ||
| Juvenile Law & Procedures | ||
| Introduction to Criminal Investigations | ||
| Introduction to Forensic Science | ||
| Community and the Justice System | ||
| List B | ||
| Complete two courses from the following, or any List A course not already used: | 6.0 | |
| Financial Accounting Fundamentals | ||
| Computer Literacy | ||
| Introduction to Physical Geography | ||
| Geography 1 Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Cultural Geography | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
or MATH 120H | ||
or MATH 120S | Introduction to Statistics With Skills Support | |
or PSYC 215 | Introduction to Statistics in Social and Behavioral Sciences | |
| Introductory Psychology | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |
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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ 8 | PC 832.3 Campus Law Enforcement | 2.0 |
| Total Units | 2 | |
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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ 92 | Writing for Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
| CJ 103 | Criminal Law | 3.0 |
| CJ 127 | Introduction to Criminology | 3.0 |
| CJ 132 | Introduction to Corrections | 3.0 |
| CJ 201 | Community and the Justice System | 3.0 |
| Total Units | 15 | |
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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ 92 | Writing for Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
| CJ 93 | Traffic Enforcement and Investigation | 3.0 |
| CJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
| CJ 102 | Criminal Trial Processes | 3.0 |
| CJ 103 | Criminal Law | 3.0 |
| CJ 104 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3.0 |
| CJ 127 | Introduction to Criminology | 3.0 |
| CJ 201 | Community and the Justice System | 3.0 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ 67 | Crime Scene Investigation | 3.5 |
| Total Units | 3.5 | |
Law Enforcement Module III Basic Course Certificate of Achievement
State Control Number: 42740
Program Code: L3MLEBC.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No
This certificate is awarded to those students who are successful in all written and skills testing for the Module III Basic Law Enforcement Course and, as a reserve officer may perform specified limited support duties. This certificate serves as the prerequisite for entry into Module II Basic Law Enforcement Course.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ 80 | Module III Law Enforcement Basic Course | 8.0 |
| Total Units | 8 | |
Law Enforcement Module II Basic Course Certificate of Career Preparation
State Control Number: 42093
Program Code: L2MLEBC.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No
This certificate is awarded to students who have successfully completed the Module II Law Enforcement sequence of courses and may now perform general law enforcement duties in a limited peace officer or volunteer capacity. This certificate serves as the prerequisite for entry into Module I Basic Law Enforcement Course.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ 80 | Module III Law Enforcement Basic Course | 8.0 |
| CJ 81 | Module II Law Enforcement Basic Course | 10.2 |
| Total Units | 18.2 | |
PC 832 Firearms Only Certificate of Career Preparation
State Control Number: N/A
Program Code: MARAF.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: No
This certificate is awarded to those students who successfully qualified on a firearms course of fire as prescribed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ 30 | PC 832 Firearms | 0.5 |
| Total Units | 0.5 | |
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
Students awarded this certificate have successfully completed the minimum requirements established by the Calif. State Legislature to perform peace officer duties in a limited capacity.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ 58 | PC 832 Laws of Arrest | 2.0 |
| Total Units | 2 | |
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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJ 67 | Crime Scene Investigation | 3.5 |
| CJ 92 | Writing for Criminal Justice | 3.0 |
| CJ 103 | Criminal Law | 3.0 |
| CJ 201 | Community and the Justice System | 3.0 |
| Total Units | 12.5 | |
Criminal Justice Courses
This course complies with the state requirements for K-12 and Community College peace officer training per Penal Code 832.3g, certified by the state Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. This course includes the role and responsibilities of campus police, search and seizure, student discipline and records, Crimes against persons and property, mandatory reporting of child abuse, and Disaster Preparedness. This course does not apply to the Associate Degree.
Lecture Hours: 36.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is designed to empower women with the knowledge and basic skills necessary to help preventthem from being victims of crime. They will learn the importance of awareness and assertiveness in reducingthe risk of victimization. Learners will identify everyday risk factors of victimization and learn tools to reducethe impact of those risk factors. Topics will include situational awareness, cyber security and oversharing, andbasic home safety. The course will also build learner self-confidence and assurance by using a low-stressenvironment to teach command presence skills, weaponless defense tactics, chemical agentsfamiliarization, and basic firearms handling and safety.
Lecture Hours: 1.5; Lab Hours: 4.5
Transfer: Not transferable
This course satisfies the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) firearms certification for PC 832. Additional, this course exceeds the State of California firearms safe handling and use certification required from any person purchasing a firearm in California. This course does not apply to the Associate Degree. Pass/No Pass.
Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is designed to give instruction and training to a person without any prior knowledge in fingerprint classification. Every person who successfully completes this course will be able to recognize and identify a known fingerprint and have the skills to recognize and identify an unknown fingerprint to known fingerprint. This course does not apply to the Associate Degree. Pass/No Pass.
Lecture Hours: 45.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course complies with the requirements of the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training for certification in PC 832. This course includes professionalism, law, evidence, investigation, arrest methods and control, community relations, and communication skills for interviewing and interrogation. Pass/No Pass.
Lecture Hours: 27.0; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course satisfactorily meets the requirements of section 1020 of the California Administrative code, Minimum Jail Standards and the Basic Jail/Adult Institution requirements of the Standardized Training for Corrections. program through the BSCC (Bureau of State and Community Corrections).
Lecture Hours: 126.0; Lab Hours: 81.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course will focus on the technical aspects of evidence collection, crime scene reconstruction, crime scene photography, evidence packaging, and courtroom testimony. This course will prepare the student to distinguish between trace, stain, and impression evidence and the role of these types of evidence in criminal investigations.
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is a pre-academy orientation to CJ 80 and is intended to prepare the student for the strenuous and academically challenging academy they are about to undertake. Students must complete an academy application packet to include a DOJ live scan, Medical Clearance, and other associated forms.
Lecture Hours: 9.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is a pre-academy orientation to CJ 81 and is intended to prepare the student for the strenuous and academically challenging academy they are about to undertake. Students must complete an academy application packet to include a DOJ live scan, Medical Clearance, and other associated forms.
Lecture Hours: 9.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course complies with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements for the Module III Law Enforcement Basic Course. This course includes professionalism and ethics, criminal law, laws of arrest and search and seizure, report writing, vehicle operations, use of force and force options, chemical agents, and firearms training. State Mandated.
Lecture Hours: 117.0; Lab Hours: 81.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course includes community relations, victimology, crimes against property and persons, crimes against children, specific sex crimes, search and seizure law, investigative report writing, crimes in progress and patrol tactics, use of force, defensive tactics, and firearms training. There are a minimum of 144 hours of lecture and 60 hours lab. Pass/No Pass PreRequisite : DOJ criminal records clearance for Firearms. Must have completed Module III within three years and passed the End of Course Final Exam within one year.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 80, Minimum grade C, and DOJ Criminal Record Clearance. Must have completed Module III within three years and passed the End of Course Final Exam within one year.
Lecture Hours: 162.0; Lab Hours: 67.5
Transfer: Not transferable
Techniques of communicating facts, information, and ideas effectively in a simple, clear, and logical manner in the various types of criminal justice system reports: letters, memoranda, directives, and administrative reports with an emphasis on criminal justice terminology in note taking and report writing.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
A study of the fundamentals of accident investigation and reconstruction employing the principles of crime scene initial survey, evidence collection, skid mark analysis, and interviewing techniques. Includes the study and application of the California Vehicle Code and CHP traffic collision manual.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the US. Focus is placed on examing crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. This couse will examine the evolution and practices of the police, courts, corrections and their respective role players. This course will examine the ethics, education and training requirements for the respective role players in the criminal justice system. C-ID: AJ 110.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Legal processes from pre-arrest through trial, sentencing and correctional procedures. An analysis of ethical decisions made by police, prosecutors, defense attorney, and the judiciary; conceptual interpretations of criminal trial procedural law as reflected in court decisions. A study of case law methodology and case research as the decisions impact upon the procedures of the justice system. C-ID: AJ 122.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the US and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. This course also includes criminal culpability and defenses to crimes. C-ID: AJ 120.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
Origin, development, philosophy, and constitutional basis of evidence; constitutional and procedural considerations affecting arrest, search and seizure; kinds and degrees of evidence and rules governing admissibility and exclusion; judicial decisions interpreting individual rights and case studies viewed from a conceptual level. C-ID: AJ 124.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
An introduction to major types of criminal behavior, characteristics of offenders, factors which contribute to crime and delinquency. An examination of the criminal justice process; the function of law enforcement, the courts, probation, parole and institutions. Explore the changes in crime control and treatment processes, the role of society.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
A survey of the field of correctional science. Historical development, current concepts and practice; explanations of criminal behavior; functions and objectives of the criminal justice system concerned with institutional, probation, and parole processes as they modify the offender's behavior; survey of professional career opportunities in public and private institutions. C-ID: AJ 200.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
An overview and history of the Juvenile Justice System that evolved in the American Justice System. This course examines the sociological theories of delinquency, constitutional rights of juveniles, investigative procedures regarding juveniles, and the judicial proceedings of juveniles from intake to custodial resolutions. C-ID: AJ 220.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Cooperative Education is a key element of Victor Valley College's comprehensive approach to career development. Cooperative Education is a 16-, 12-, or 8-week course that enables students to receive college credit for paid or unpaid work opportunities. This course helps students gain valuable on-the-job work experience while providing practical education, best practices in professional development, and academic guidance through the course of their work opportunity. The combination of practical experience and curricular development empowers students to be more competitive, efficient and valuable employees upon completion of this program and/or their academic program trajectory. The course is ideal for students who are cross-training at their current worksite for upward mobility or seeking career changes, as well as those looking for entry-level occupational training through work-based learning experiences such as through an internship. Cooperative Education transforms community businesses, industries, and public agencies into expanded educational training laboratories. Credit is awarded on the basis of learning objectives completed and the number of hours the student trains. Students must create/complete new learning objectives each semester they enroll. Students may utilize their present work sites.
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course explores the techniques, procedures, and ethical issues in the investigation of crime, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating, surveillance, source of information, utility of evidence, scientific analysis of evidence and the role of the investigator in the trial process. C-ID: AJ 140.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Special Topics
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course introduces the role of forensics in the criminal justice system. The course includes: crime scene processes and analysis; interpretation of patterns for reconstruction; physical pattern evidence; fingerprint identification and patterns; questioned document examination; toolmarks and firearms examinations; biological evidence and DNA; arson and explosives evidence, and drug analysis C-ID: AJ 150.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and social conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics may include ethics, consensus and conflicting values in culture, religion,and law. C-ID: AJ 160.
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Demonstrate an awareness of crime causation, roles of the components of the criminal justice system, and social and economic impact of crime on society.
- Critically analyze and evaluate behaviors and situations for violations of law; evaluate the lawful admissibility of evidence; and assess legal defenses.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in written formats, to the various professional role players within the Criminal Justice system.
- Critically evaluate Vehicle Code violations to determine the cause for an accident. Perform the fundamentals of firearm safety, shooting accurately, and cleaning a pistol.
- Critically analyze and assess various sample fingerprints and accurately classify each fingerprint.
- Critically evaluate the search and/or seizure of evidence and determine the admissibility of evidence based on current Federal Supreme Court Decisions.
- Critically analyze and evaluate the procedures in the preliminary investigation of specific crimes.
- Critically examine and evaluate the types of evidence, admissibility of evidence given fourth and fifth amendment restrictions; analyze exceptions to the exclusionary rule.
- Critically evaluate the processes involved in recognizing evidence and investigating any specific crime scene; recognize the barriers to an effective interviews and/or interrogations.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Perform the duties and responsibilities of a Level II Reserve.
-
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.
-
Explain the sociological theories of criminology that relate specifically to juvenile delinquency.
-
Recognize and explain the development of the Juvenile court system.
-
Recognize and explain the role of parens patriae and its role in the social development of the juvenile offender.
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Perform the duties, role, and function of a state certified correctional officer in a county jail or private prison.
-
Perform the duties and responsibilities of a campus Peace Officer employed on a K-12 or Community College campus.
-
Perform the duties and responsibilities of a California Correctional Officer in a local city, county, or private facility, as defined by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC)
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Execute skills necessary for entry level employment in a variety of jobs within the Criminal Justice area.
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Apply for entry level employment in a variety of jobs within the Criminal Justice area.
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Students will have the knowledge and skills to correctly classify any fingerprint and successfully identify an unknown fingerprint to a known fingerprint.
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Collect evidence with accuracy.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Perform the Laws of Arrest as prescribed by POST for peace officers with limited peace officer powers.
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Be prepared for a variety of employment opportunities with any Law Enforcement Agency.