Administration of Justice

The Associate in Science for Transfer degree in Administration of Justice is designed to provide a seamless pathway to transfer to a California State University for students who wish to major in Administration of Justice. The curriculum addresses basic knowledge and skills required in the criminal justice major. With an AS-T in Administration of Justice, the student will be ready to transfer to a CSU campus to finish a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology. Depending on the CSU campus, specializations may include corrections, law enforcement, forensics, criminal justice research/ management, legal studies for prosecutorial or jurist careers, or criminology. A bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology may lead to careers with federal, state, or local law enforcement, probation, parole, and correctional institutions, specialized criminal investigations, forensics, criminalistics, or a career in the study of crime causation or victimology.

Upon successful completion of the Law Enforcement Certificate of Achievement, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills desired for entry-level employment in a sworn or non sworn position within a law enforcement agency. Additionally, students who complete this certificate could receive higher compensation with agencies that offer educational/pay incentives. Students will be able to recognize and apply the concepts and terminology needed to gain employment in the criminal justice system at either the county, state, or federal level.

Upon successful completion of the Law Enforcement Associate in Science degree, the student demonstrates the fulfillment of lower-division requirements for accredited baccalaureate institutions, preparation for participation in the Basic Peace Officer Academy, and a career within the criminal justice system.

Upon successful completion of the Modern Policing Associate in Science Degree, students will possess the knowledge, skills, and qualities to serve as a Peace Officer. Students will demonstrate the following: cultural competence (i.e., the ability to honor and respect the beliefs, language, interpersonal styles, behaviors, and lifestyles of those receiving and providing services); adaptability and flexibility; open-mindedness to non-traditional ideas; and awareness of self and of cultures within different communities. Students will also demonstrate the ability to utilize multiple perspectives when making decisions on the job, communicate in a culturally competent manner in their role as a Peace Officer, utilize mental and emotional strategies to remain balanced, manage strong or difficult circumstances or emotions, face pressure or challenges, and cope with a crisis in a positive and constructive way. In addition to preparing students to serve as well-rounded members of the police force, the Modern Policing Associate in Science Degree ensures students understand the role of police in a democratic society in which all individuals are entitled to equal protection under law and no individual is above the law regardless of their social, economic, or political station.

Upon successful completion of the Police Science degree, students possess the knowledge and skills to earn both the Associate in Science degree and Basic Police Officer Academy certification accredited by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Students are qualified for employment as a California Peace Officer, Deputy Sheriff, or Level I Reserve Officer. Graduating students successfully demonstrate ethical conduct, the ability to make judgments concerning the enforcement of the law without prejudice, apply the level of force that can lawfully be used by a peace officer, recognize the importance of initial and ongoing training in coping with dangerous situation, analyze and solve problems, write reports that conform to accepted professional standards of quality, and recognize and understand concepts of terminology that is needed to understand the California criminal justice system.

Upon successful completion of the Public Safety Dispatcher Certificate of Completion, students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment as public safety dispatchers. Students will attain a foundational understanding of the criminal justice system and the role of dispatchers within law enforcement agencies, including professionalism and ethical standards. They will develop proficiency in communication techniques, including effective radio and telephone operations. Students will also fulfill the basic requirements set by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).