Criminal Justice

Degree/Certificate Options Major Code
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)
Administration of Justice (SB1440) 01251
Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation
Criminal Justice 01250
Associate in Science: Career/Technical
Administration of Justice---Corrections Emphasis 02521
Administration of Justice---Law Enforcement Emphasis 02523
Cyber-Forensic 02707
Forensic Studies C2705
Certificates of Achievement
Pathway to Law School 02261

Consult with a counselor to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), which lists the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.

AJ 30

PENAL CODE 832-ARREST AND FIREARMS

4 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 56 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment is limited to students 18 years of age with no felony convictions and who pass the required fingerprinting and criminal background investigation.

Lecture 4 hours, laboratory 1 hour

Offered: ALL

Provides orientation and basic training in laws of arrest, search and seizure, discretionary decision making, police ethics, firearms, and other matters required under California Penal Code 832. [D]

AJ 32

PRE-ACADEMY FIRE, POLICE, AND EMS FITNESS AND NUTRITION

3 UNITS

Pass/No Pass Only

Fee: $15

Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours

Offered: ALL

Explores the theory and application of cardiovascular fitness and strength training for individuals wanting to get physically and mentally prepared to attend a Police or Fire Academy or for a career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Includes an introduction to nutrition and wellness. [D] (Same as: EMT 32;FS 32)

AJ 41

BASIC POLICE ACADEMY I

13 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment is limited to high school graduates 18 years of age with no felony convictions and who possess a valid driver license.

Lecture 8 hours, laboratory 16 hours

Offered: ALL

Introduces the first of two courses required by POST (Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training) to meet the peace officer training certificate requirements. Provides information regarding entry level peace officer training related to such topics as the varied laws, victim management, criminal investigations, and custodial situations. [D]

AJ 42

BASIC POLICE ACADEMY II

13 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Prerequisite: AJ 41 or equivalent.

Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment is limited to high school graduates 18 years of age with no felony convictions and who possess a valid driver license.

Lecture 8 hours, laboratory 16 hours

Offered: ALL

Provides the second part of a concentrated two-semester program of study that satisfies the entry-level requirements to become a peace officer. Includes emphasis on officer survival skills. Program is certified by POST (Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training). [D]

AJ 66

LAW ENFORCEMENT RE-QUALIFICATION

7 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Prerequisite: AJ 41 and 42, or equivalent.

Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment is limited to: (1) High school graduates at least 18 years of age with no felony convictions and who possess a valid driver license, and (2) Six-Year Exception: Individuals who successfully completed a Regular Basic Course (RBC), Specialized Investigators' Basic Course (SIBC), or the Basic Course Waiver process on or after July 1, 1999, but who never served in a position for which a Regular or Specialized Investigators' Basic Course was required by law, may requalify by completing the POST Requalification Course one time within six years from the date of basic course or waiver process completion; After six years, those individuals must complete the appropriate basic course (RBC or SIBC) to requalify, regardless of when the Requalification Course was completed.

Lecture 6.50 hours, laboratory 2 hours

Offered: FALL

Provides updated information for this requalification course based on Peace Officers Training and Standards (P.O.S.T.) regulation 1008. Emphasizes critical manipulative skills related to officer safety, civil liability, and other police-related topics. [ND]

AJ 110

ETHICS AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: FALL, SPRING

Explores ethics and ethical practices in our government, schools, businesses, and the Administration of Justice system. Includes an in-depth look at the influences created by various segments in society and how these influences impact members of the Administration of Justice profession and their conduct. [D; CSU; C-ID AJ 110]

AJ 111

INTRODUCTION TO ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: ALL

Introduces the history and philosophy of criminal justice with an overview of the criminal justice system identifying the various segments and the roles and interrelationships: overview of crime, criminals and causal theories, jurisdiction of local, state, federal criminal justice agencies, survey of professional career opportunities, and ethics and professionalism. [D; CSU; UC; C-ID AJ 110]

AJ 113

CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: FALL, SPRING

Emphasizes investigation of correctional institutions in the U.S. with particular emphasis on trends and application at the county, state, and federal institutional levels. Includes field trips to institutions added as part of curriculum offering. Provides a discussion of correctional employees' responsibilities. [D; CSU; C-ID AJ 200]

AJ 114

FUNDAMENTALS OF CRIME AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: FALL, SPRING

Explores the historical and contemporary explanations of crime causation. Includes the fundamentals of criminality with an emphasis on criminal career typologies. [D; CSU; UC]

AJ 115

ADULT PROBATION, PRISON, AND PAROLE

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: FALL, SPRING

Explores the history, philosophy, and administration of adult probation, prison, and parole. Includes the principles of investigation, supervision and socialized treatment as practiced in probation, prison, and parole. [D; CSU]

AJ 151

CONCEPTS OF CRIMINAL LAW

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: AJ 111 or equivalent; RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: ALL

Provides an overview of historical development and philosophy of criminal law and key constitutional provisions. Includes study of legal definitions, classification of crime, legal research, case law methodology, and concepts of law as a social force. Also provides study of important criminal statutes and their relevant application in the criminal justice system. [D; CSU; UC; C-ID AJ 120]

AJ 156

LEGAL ASPECTS OF EVIDENCE

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: AJ 110 or equivalent; RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: ALL

Emphasizes the origin, philosophy, development, and trends of the constitutional basis of evidence. Focuses on the kinds and degrees of evidence and the rules governing the admissibility of evidence in court, judicial decisions interpreting individual rights, and case studies. [D; CSU; C-ID AJ 124]

AJ 161

PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: AJ 111 or equivalent; RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: FALL, SPRING

Explores the many functions of the varied criminal justice systems throughout the country, with special reference to California. Examines the adjudication process from arrest to release from custody. Studies constitutions of the United States and California and their relationship to the criminal justice system. [D; CSU; C-ID AJ 122]

AJ 166

PRINCIPLES OF INVESTIGATION

4 UNITS

Grade Only

Fee: $11

Recommended Preparation: AJ 111 or equivalent; RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours

Offered: FALL, SPRING

Provides the fundamentals of investigation, crime scene examination, and recording. Includes collection and preservation of physical evidence, scientific aids, general procedures involved in the investigation of major crimes, procedures involved in preparing cases for court, and general duties and problems of the detective. Appropriate for paralegals, private investigators, insurance investigators, law enforcement, and criminologists. [D; CSU; C-ID AJ 140]

AJ 167

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION IN ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

3 UNITS

Pass/No Pass or Grade is Allowed

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Prerequisite: ENGL 71 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: FALL, SPRING

Designed for students enrolled in technical or vocational career programs such as, but not limited to, Administration of Justice. Stresses clear, correct, well-organized expression of ideas in writing. Includes origination and preparation of written communications required by criminal justice personnel. Uses word processor with legal format. [D; CSU]

AJ 171

EVIDENCE TECHNOLOGY

4 UNITS

Grade Only

Fee: $11

Prerequisite: AJ 166 or equivalent.

Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours

Offered: FALL

Provides a working understanding of the elements, required skills, and future trends of evidence technology. Focuses on the specific areas of the forensic sciences that apply to career choices in field evidence technology, law enforcement, and private investigations. [D; CSU; C-ID AJ 150]

AJ 181

JUVENILE LAW AND PROCEDURES

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: FALL, SPRING

Provides a review of the organization, functions, and procedures of juvenile justice including: juvenile statutes, custody, detention, court processing of juveniles, probation practices, adult treatment, and case dispositions. [D; CSU; C-ID AJ 220]

AJ 188

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: FALL, SPRING

Focuses on an overview of the historical and modern communication between the criminal justice system and the community. Emphasizes an understanding of the social and ethnic sub-cultures in our society and their relationships with the Administration of Justice process. Examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. [D; CSU; C-ID AJ 160]

AJ 216

LATENT FINGERPRINT EXAMINER

4 UNITS

Grade Only

Fee: $15

Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours

Offered: FALL

Covers history and application of fingerprint identification, fingerprint comparison, and classification. Includes the recognition of patterns, and use of the Henry Classification system and national systems for recording and storing fingerprints. [D]

AJ 222

DIGITAL FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

4 UNITS

Grade Only

Fee: $15

Prerequisite: AJ 166 or equivalent.

Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours

Offered: SPRING

Emphasizes training and practical experience in digital forensic photography. Focuses on crime scene investigation and laboratory applications. Provides instruction in the use of 35mm, digital and video photography under various circumstances and lighting conditions. Provides instruction on the use of computer software and proper use of camera accessories. [D; CSU]

AJ 252

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

3 UNITS

Grade Only

Recommended Preparation: RDG 158 or equivalent or through the Southwestern College multiple measures placement processes.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: FALL, SPRING

Involves the study of fundamental rights as provided by the U.S. Constitution with emphasis on the Bill of Rights. Helps students develop an understanding of the role of the courts and key court cases interpreting individual rights. [D; CSU; UC]

AJ 288

FORENSIC COMPUTER INVESTIGATION

3 UNITS

Pass/No Pass or Grade is Allowed

Recommended Preparation: CIS 101 or equivalent; AJ 156 or equivalent.

Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 1 hour

Offered: SPRING

Focuses on investigation of criminal activities associated with computers, computer technology, and the internet. Includes but is not limited to fraud, sex crimes, spamming, hacking, identity theft, and extortion. Emphasizes search warrants, investigative methods, investigative software, electronic communication devices, jurisdiction, privacy, and forensic methodology. [D; CSU]

AJ 299

INDEPENDENT STUDY

1-3 UNITS

Pass/No Pass or Grade is Allowed

Limitation on Enrollment: Eligibility for independent study.

Lecture 3 hours

Offered: ALL

Individual study or research in some area of administration of justice of particular interest to the student and not included in regular courses of the college. [D; CSU]

FACULTY

Angela Brammell, J.D.
abrammell@swccd.edu

David Caspi, Ph.D., J.D.
dcaspi@swccd.edu

Lizzette Herrera, J.D.
lherrera@swccd.edu

Jamie Ledezma, J.D.
jledezma@swccd.edu

Michael Speyrer, M.B.A.
mspeyrer@swccd.edu