Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement

10-504-1 Associate Degree (two-year)
Offered at Rice Lake

Municipal. County. State.

Are you interested in a career in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement and Private Security? In this program, you will receive theoretical and practical information. This field is becoming increasingly complex. Today's employees must be trained to meet the challenges of our changing society. Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement courses and related general studies courses will prepare you for a position as a Law Enforcement Officer, Correctional Officer, or for a position in a retail, commercial, industrial security, or private investigation agency. This program will provide you with necessary skills to perform as a Police Officer in municipal, county, or state government levels.

Professional. Unbiased. Observant.

Successful graduates have certain characteristics and skills that help them succeed in the field. As you prepare for your career, you should strive to reach a comfort level in the following courses or skills:

• Grammar/Business English
• Speech
• Basic Math/Algebra
• Economics
• Business Law
• Psychology
• Health/First Aid
• Physical Education

Virtual Realities

WITC's simulation programs provide the next best thing to actual experience: opportunities to sharpen skills in [almost] real-life settings. Read more.

Special Feature

The WITC Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement program offers students a unique opportunity to complete the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy as the fourth semester of the two-year associate degree program. The requirement of completing 60 or more college credits prior to enrolling in the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy will be waived for students completing this academy certification option. Students not completing the academy coursework must complete a separate series of courses in the fourth semester.

Program-Specific Requirements

As a student in this program, you must:

• Be a high school graduate or equivalent

Prior to enrolling in second-year coursework, the student must:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Be a United States citizen (unless employed by a Wisconsin State Agency, i.e., Wisconsin State Patrol, Capitol Police, DNR, etc.)
• Possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license or other such valid operator's permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as authorizing operation of a motor vehicle
• Pass an oral interview
• Pass a physical examination
• Complete a criminal history records check - an unpardoned felony conviction, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence conviction, or juvenile adjudication will prohibit you from attending the unified tactics portion of training and will prohibit employment as a Law Enforcement Officer

Program Outcomes

As a graduate, employers will expect you to be able to:

• Communicate effectively
• Demonstrate basic computer skills
• Demonstrate knowledge of legal principles and relevant state statutes
• Understand theories of criminal behavior
• Explain the structure and procedures of the court system
• Describe the various structures of police organizations
• Explain the structure and procedures of the juvenile system
• Interview witnesses and suspects
• Investigate traffic accidents
• Explain current and past policing strategies
• Protect/process crime scenes
• Demonstrate an understanding of American social institutions
• Meet eligibility standard for law enforcement/corrections employment

Program Costs

The estimated total program cost for the two-year Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement program is approximately $4,475. This program is eligible for financial aid. View more information on program and costs.