Criminal Justice

Presents the history, development, and current status of the criminal justice system in the U.S. and the challenges it faces. When appropriate, the opportunity is taken to visit relevant agencies.

Analyzes the constitutional issues in the U.S. that have direct bearing on the role and policies of criminal justice agencies. Application of these issues as they relate to investigation, arrest, pretrial, and appeal will be emphasized. The course is a combination of the case law and lecture method.

Combines an examination of the historical origins and development of criminal law as a form of social control. It will include the general principles of constitutional and statutory factors as they pertain to criminal liability, defenses to criminal charges, and sentences. The final emphasis is placed on the substantive aspect of criminal law and how it differs from civil law.

A detailed analysis of the development of criminological theory, embracing the contributing disciplines of biology, psychology, sociology, political science, and integrated theory combining those disciplines. Attention is also paid to the offender/victim relationship.

Covers the principles of police organization, administration, community policing, and the selection, training, promotion, and socialization of officers. It deals with the conflicting roles that the police and individual officers face in today’s society as part of the justice system. It also examines issues involving the influence of research, police deviance, minorities, the use of force, and the general hazards of police work.

Theories, causation, and prevention programs are studied. Rehabilitative theories and treatment programs of public institutions and public and private agencies are included. Case studies are made available to the student for analysis. Adolescent behavior, peer pressure, and the role of the family will be examined.

A study of correctional processes and services, standards, personnel, and principles of management. Includes the allocation of resources, training and staffing, the role of sentencing and work release programs, special programs, and the use of outside contracts.

In the first part, the historical use of the major drug groups (including alcohol) will be reviewed. In the second part, the reaction of the criminal justice system to illegal involvement with drugs and alcohol and methods of treating substance abusers will be reviewed.

Deals with the interaction of the various components of the justice system with the community. It involves an analysis of the way the work of police departments, courts, correctional institutions, and community corrections agencies appear to the public. The image of the justice system in the media is examined; specific attention is paid to the issues of the young, minorities, and community organizations.

Offers the student the opportunity to put learned theory to practical application. The student is responsible for seeking out the agency placement with the assistance of the course instructor. The internship requires the completion of a mandatory minimum number of hours. A log is kept and the final grade is based on a combination of the log, supervising agency assessment, and final analytical report.

Through ongoing and individualized contact with the supervising instructor, the student develops a topic pre-approved through a prospectus. The student may develop any topic raised in any major class and is not limited by category. Empirical studies, surveys, and literature reviews are among the acceptable categories of research. The final grade is determined by a review of the final product and the extent to which the student has followed the course guidelines.

Introduces students to the study of the agencies necessary for the protection of the U.S. and the relationships among them. It will examine the individual and cooperative roles of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as the roles of private security agencies and first responders in implementing the Homeland Security Act. (Open to current TSA employees only)

Provides an overview of national intelligence community operations and the collection and analysis of information. Students will see how the resulting intelligence products help provide a common operating picture for security management at all levels of government. Students will develop an understanding of the methods for collection and analysis of data to develop intelligence products to support both tactical operations and strategic planning for Homeland Security leaders. (Open to current TSA employees only)

Provides an overview of modern border and transportation security challenges, as well as different methods employed to address these challenges. This course covers a time period from post-Sept. 11, 2001, to the present. The course explores topics associated with border security and security for transportation infrastructure to include seaports, ships, aircraft, airports, trains, train stations, trucks, highways, bridges, rail lines, pipelines, and buses. The course will include an exploration of technological solutions employed to enhance security of borders and transportation systems. Students will be required to discuss the legal, economic, political, and cultural concerns and impacts associated with transportation and border security. The course provides students with a knowledge level understanding of the variety of challenges inherent in transportation and border security. (Open to current TSA employees only)