Criminal Justice (CJUS)

Provide an authentic applied learning experience for students interested in how enforcement officers, pursuant to their official duties, are trained to use lethal and nonlethal force necessary to overcome resistance to arrest, self-defense, and in the defense of others. Based on a professional-grade use of force simulator, students will experience reality-based simulations that may (or may not) require the application of force and to what degree. Additional topics include theory, function, and capabilities of the simulator, laws governing use of force (including the consequences for its inappropriate use), discussion of topical events, rules of firearms safety, and proper firearms handling. 1 credit, 5 weeks (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

A survey course which examines the linkages which exist between and among the police, courts, prosecutors, corrections, probation and parole. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement.

An introduction to community, county, state and federal correction procedures and administration. This course examines punishment, rehabilitation and incarceration. Legal issues and the complexities of prison management are also explored. Prerequisite: CJUS 101 3 credits (3 lecture hours) spring semester

This course will examine the role of policing in a democratic society. The roles, responsibilities and behaviors of police will be studied. This course also gives attention to ethics and appropriate use of discretion. Prerequisite: CJUS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 credits (3 lecture hours) fall or spring semester

An introduction to the science of criminal investigation. Students learn information/evidence gathering, surveillance, interview, interrogation, use of informants and instrumentation techniques used in investigations of arson, narcotics, sex offenses and larceny crimes. Prerequisite: CJUS 101 and CJUS 202 or permission of the instructor 3 credits (3 lecture hours); fall or spring semester

A continuation of the science of criminal investigation. This course addresses the information gathering, interrogation and instrumentation used in investigations of homicide, assault and explosions. Rules of evidence, fingerprints, castings, firearms, trace minerals and criminal profiles are emphasized. Prerequisite: CJUS 220 or permission of instructor 3 credits (3 lecture hours) fall or spring semester

An examination of the penal code and legislatively imposed legal parameters on law enforcement and citizens. Students will learn how to read and evaluate laws, to differentiate between numerous degrees of similar offenses, and apply the laws appropriately. Prerequisite: “C’ or better in COMP 101 Prerequisite or Co-requisite: CJUS 101 3 credits (3 lecture hours) fall semester

An examination of Criminal Procedure Law and its impact on law enforcement. Topics will include arrests, warrants, and rules of evidence. Court and Grand Jury procedures will be addressed. Prerequisite: “C’ or better in COMP 101 Prerequisite or Co-requisite: CJUS 101 3 credits (3 lecture hours) spring semester

Social pressures on children in our society that push them toward deviant behavior are focused on in this course. Power structure, socioeconomic factors, urbanization, marginalized or underrepresented groups, and the effects of technological change concurrent with urban growth are considered. Family, peer group, gang and societal subcultures are examined as influences in development of the delinquent. Theories of delinquency and methods of prevention, treatment, and corrections are appraised. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or SOCI 101 3 credits (3 lecture hours) spring semester This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement.

This course addresses the scientific and legal components of crime scene management and investigation. Methods of scene control, evidence collection, documentation, photography, and investigation are explored. Laws and court decisions and admissibility of evidence are emphasized. Prerequisite: CJUS 221 3 credits (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours) fall or spring semester

This course will examine the unique phenomenon of serial murder. Distinct from other forms of multiple murders, various types of serial murder will be studied along with definitions and ramifications and difficulties of apprehension. Other topics include the serial killer myths, race and gender, the impact of the media, profiles and possible criminological explanations. Students should be aware that due to the nature of the topic, graphic sexual and violent descriptions and images may be presented as part of this course. Prerequisite: CJUS 202 Policing 3 credits (3 lecture hours), spring semester

Interviewing Techniques in Criminal Justice addresses interviewing techniques of suspects and witnesses. Overcoming resistance, interviewing people under adverse or stressful circumstances and the detection of lies will be emphasized. Prerequisite: CJUS 221 3 credits (3 lecture hours) spring semester

This course examines the plight of victims and their relationships with the criminal justice officials and agencies, policymakers, victim right advocates, the news media, offenders, security businesses, and service providers. Practical responses to victimization will be discussed. Prerequisite: CJUS 202 Policing or permission of the instructor. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall semester

This course examines the roles of the criminal justice, treatment, and victim advocacy communities in the management of sexual offenses. The practical application of emerging research ad best practices will be appraised. Prerequisite: CJUS 202 1 credit (1 lecture hour)

This course will examine the issues surrounding diversity within the criminal justice employment and its relations within the community and clientele, encompassing racism, sexism, ageism, and bias against the disabled. The role of media and special interest groups will be evaluated. The practical application of emerging research and best practices will be appraised. Prerequisite: COMP 101 and CJUS 101 or permission of the instructor 1 credit (1 lecture hour), spring semester

White Collar Crime addresses the illegal, unethical or deviant activity of institutions or individuals conventionally considered respectable or of high status. Students will explore the policing, prosecution and impact of white collar crime. Prerequisite: CJUS 202 3 credits (3 lecture hours) fall or spring semester

This course explores the complex physical and emotional components of animal abuse. Students will learn the basics of animal abuse investigations and the limitations of law. Pre-requisite: CJUS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice or permission of the instructor 1 credit (1 lecture hour)

Emergency and security staff strategize and execute plans to prevent loss of persons and property for communities and businesses. This course will focus on planning considerations and technology, including the use of the Internet, GIS and GPS tools, direct and remote sensing, and warning systems. Prerequisite: CJUS 221 3 credits (3 lecture hours) fall or spring semester

This course addresses terrorism and its implications on law enforcement and domestic tranquility. The class will examine the terrorist profile and motivations. The impact of law enforcement’s response on civil rights will be emphasized. Prerequisite: CJUS 221 and junior status 3 credits (3 lecture hours) fall semester

This course will introduce students to the US Private Security Industry. Focusing on practical, real-world concepts, this course will address retail, business, employment, personal, premises, and other forms of security with professionalism and ethics. Prerequisite: CJUS 301 Crime Scene Investigation and Management. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall semester

Appropriate application of use of force to gain lawful compliance and personal protection impacts law enforcement and citizens. This course examines use of force continuums, emotional and physical impacts, the courts, and the public response. Prerequisite: CJUS 202 1 credit (1 lecture hour), spring semester

Apply crime scene photography to document evidence. Students will use photography methodology and compare and review specialized skills of crime scene photography with an understanding of cameras, lighting, filters, and crime scene priorities. Video recording will also be examined. Prerequisite: CJUS 220 Criminal Investigation I. 1 credit, 5 weeks (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

This course addresses arson and bomb investigations including the science of combustion of liquid, gas, and solid fuels in fire and bombs. Specific scenes, such as vehicles, structures, and the wilderness, will be examined as a means to study the behavior of fires and the courses of investigation. Prerequisite: CJUS 221 3 credits (3 lecture hours) spring semester;

This course provides the theoretical and practical tools to investigate staff misconduct and workplace violence. Prerequisite: CJUS 221 3 credits (3 lecture hours) fall semester

This course prepares the student for a full time internship in the criminal justice field. Also reviewed are career options within the discipline including law enforcement and private security. Job skills will be discussed. Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least 90 credits of criminal justice degree requirements. Usually taken in the semester immediately preceding internship. 1 credit (3 lecture hours/5 weeks) fall or spring semester

The full-time internship is designed to immerse students into the Criminal Justice profession through an assignment at a pre-approved site. Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or better in CJUS 449 and successful completion of 107 credits of criminal justice degree requirements. 15 credits, fall or spring semester

This course examines current and special topics impacting the field of criminal justice. Offerings will vary each semester to address multiple topics such as Restorative Justice, Organized Crime, Technology in Law Enforcement and other current issues. Prerequisite: CJUS 202 Policing or permission of the instructor. 1 credit (1 lecture hour, online, hybrid or lab hours) fall or spring semester

This course examines current and special topics impacting the field of criminal justice. Offerings will vary each semester to address multiple topics such as Restorative Justice, Organized Crime, Technology in Law Enforcement and other current issues. Prerequisite: CJUS 202 Policing or permission of the instructor. 3 credits (3 lecture, online, hybrid or lab hours)