Criminal Justice Technology AAS.CRJ Do you have what it takes?

Desirable Traits and Experience  Good attitude  On time for class  Good grades  Mature  Demonstrates leadership in the classroom  Good work history  Volunteer work such as First Responder, EMT, Volunteer firefighter, Scouts, Explorers, Church or school program, community service  CPR certified  Accepts responsibility  Good decision-making ability  Physically fit

Undesirable Traits, History, Behaviors Late to class, makes excuses, or turns in late work Spotty job history Lack of job since high school Agency disqualifiers include – Inability to pass fitness test – Inability to pass reading/writing test – Arrest history (with or without a conviction) – Excessive tickets – Visible tattoos on arms, head or neck – Unattended credit problems – Association with disreputable people – Some physical and mental conditions – Alcohol and/or drug history

What to expect from a career in the Criminal Justice field Crazy work hours/lots of late nights and weekends Being a member of a team that takes much pride in their job Typical starting salary $28,000 and 32,000 Good benefits, health care, and retirement (at most agencies) Good job security Little appreciation at times from community members Opportunity to help someone in need and protect citizens Opportunity to receive specialized training Protective gear Firearms training 24 hour a day visibility in the community as a public servant Lots of report writing-documenting conversations and events Periods of inactivity followed by a blitz of activity-unpredictable!

Probable Types of Jobs If You Meet the Rigorous Standards Police Officer or Sheriff’s Deputy 911 Dispatch or telecommunications Detention officer, Corrections officer or Jailer (working with inmates in jail, detention center or prison) Some federal jobs such as Border Patrol or TSA Bailiff Detective/Narcotics Agent– must first serve time on the road and have many years of law enforcement experience Records clerk Loss prevention/security State Law Enforcement Officer SWAT team – several years experience required

Unlikely Types of Jobs Most federal position such as FBI, DEA, ATF; 4 year degree required Game Warden – requires 4 year degree in South Carolina or 2 year degree plus military experience Paralegal – see BCAS division, AOT program Victim’s Advocate – limited number of jobs though a possibility; helpful if you have paralegal background Court Reporter – need certificate from Midlands Tech Detective – must be willing to be patrol officer first DNA-CSI-Crime Scene Investigator – must either be a detective or have chemistry/science degree Private investigator – separate licensing process with the state; many have years of experience in law enforcement Parole or Probation Agent – need 4 year degree

Advantages of CRJ Program Close mentoring relationship with faculty and faculty advisor Qualified faculty (current or retired cops, parole officers, investigators) Small classroom size Variety of class type such as online, hybrid, and lecture Afternoon, evening and online CRJ classes General education class offerings online, morning, afternoon, or evening No additional supply costs Hands-on training opportunities Practice job interviews with faculty/job interview preparation Opportunity for internship after meeting qualifications Course curriculum based on current technologies and field applications

What Courses Do I Need? COL 101College Orientations CPT 170Microcomputer Applications I CRJ 101Introduction to Criminal Justice CRJ 115Criminal Law I CRJ 222Ethics in Criminal Justice ENG 101English Composition I OR ENG 155Communications I CRJ 110Police Patrol CRJ 218Crisis Intervention CRJ 224Police Community Relations HSS 205 HIS 202 MAT 101 Technology and Society OR American History: 1877 to Present Beginning Algebra

What Courses Do I Need? CRJ 125Criminology PSC 215 PSC 201 State and Local Government OR American Government SPC 205Public Speaking CRJElective CRJ Course CRJ 145Juvenile Delinquency CRJ 236Criminal Evidence PSY 201General Psychology OR SOC 101Introduction to Sociology CRJElective CRJ Course CRJ 242Correctional Systems CRJ 250 OR Criminal Justice Internship I CRJ 260Seminar in Criminal Justice SCI 150 CRJ 202 Forensic Science OR Criminalistics CRJ 247Law Enforcement and the Latino Community

INTERNSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT WARNING Most employers in public service and human service agencies are concerned with applicant character attributes. Character attributes are determined using criminal background checks, credit history reports, military discharge records, past employment history, and drug screens. Please be mindful that many agencies will deny opportunities for internships and employment based on criteria that the agencies have legally defined as negative. Please feel free to discuss these concerns with your advisor or contact the agency of your choice an inquire directly with the hiring point of contact.

QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? Call us with any questions or concerns. You may feel like this isn’t the right career for you, but, call and let’s talk before you decide. Trish Hovis or Chip Guerry or