Fri, Dec 3rd, 2010 @ 12:00 am

Studying criminal justice in California can prepare a student for a rewarding career in public safety and corrections. Criminal justice workers focus on enforcing laws and protecting the community. As populations and crime rates increase, so does the need for trained criminal justice professionals.

Training for a career in Criminal Justice

A good criminal justice program should provide training beyond what is required by law, including both classroom and hands-on instruction. The training will cover criminal law, gathering and preserving evidence, writing reports, firearms, weaponless defense strategies, CPR/First Aid, arrest procedures, and control procedures.

Degrees and Certifications

Successful completion of the program can earn the student an Associate's of Science Degree with an optional STC certification of P832 Laws of Arrest/Firearms Certification when the Adult Corrections Officer Core Course is completed.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of a criminal justice program can provide the skills and knowledge needed to start a career as a corrections officer, deputy corrections officer, jail transport officer, or detention specialist. Additional training and education could lead to positions such as warden, parole officer, deputy sheriff, or other supervisory positions.

According to the United States Department of Labor, the outlook for corrections officers and jailers in California is excellent partially due to the Public Safety and Offender Rehabilitation Services Act, passed in 2007. The bill will increase the number of detention facilities and officers needed to staff them.

Program Requirements

To complete a criminal justice degree in California, the student must meet certain requirements. The student must be age 21 or older at the time of program completion, have a valid California driver's license, and provide evidence of physical fitness. The future professional must also pass a career assessment, a profile assessment, and have no felony, drug, or narcotic convictions.

For a student to take part in range training, they must have a handgun with a holster, cannot be prohibited from possessing a firearm, and they need to obtain fingerprint clearance from the California Department of Justice.

Studying criminal justice in California can provide a student with the knowledge and abilities to be competitive in today's job market. If helping people by serving and protecting your community appeals to you, the criminal justice program may be part of your future. To find out more about SJVC's Criminal Justice Program, please fill out the form at the top of this page.