Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement
Admissions and Records
- Email: admissions@svcc.edu
- Phone: (815) 835-6273
- Fax: (815) 456-4240
- Visit Admissions to view Hours
Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement
Associate in Applied Science (081)
This program prepares students for careers in law enforcement agencies such as municipal police departments, county sheriffs' departments, state police and private security concerns. The program includes general education courses and provides an emphasis on criminal justice courses and supportive social science courses.
Nature of Work and Employment
Law enforcement majors pursue careers as municipal police officers, sheriffs' deputies, state troopers and private security guards. The job market in law enforcement is closely tied to legislation to fund it. If funding of tax supported law enforcement does not meet society's demand for law enforcement, growth will occur in the market for trained personnel in private security.
Special Considerations
Law enforcement students should cultivate their communications skills. Much of effective law enforcement is based on the communication skills of arresting officers. Students should also be aware of the strength and agility standards required of applicants by law enforcement agencies in Illinois. The College offers a wide range of physical education courses and a super circuit fitness center for those who are concerned about meeting these requirements. Younger students should seriously consider studying for a bachelor's degree as the job market for law enforcement majors is competitive. Previous criminal record and felony convictions can negatively impact the opportunity to gain employment in the field.
Follow this link for career information.
Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College
- Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
- Stephen F. Miko, Professor, Criminal Justice, 815-835-6256
Total Hours Required - 61 Hours
Major Field Requirements - 27 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CJS Elective (CJS250 Recommended) | 3 Hours | |
| CJS130 | Criminal Investigation | 3 Hours |
| The guidelines and requisites for criminal investigators are defined and developed through a general orientation examining both preliminary and supplementary criminal investigations. Specific types of crime are examined in terms of statutory elements modus operandi evidence development and collection sources of information interview and interrogation suspect identification reporting and courtroom presentation and procedure.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS200 | Ethics in Criminal Justice | 3 Hours |
| Ethics is the study of right and wrong good and evil. It involves all aspects of who we are our minds hearts relationships with each other and the intentions and motives for our actions. During this course students become more aware and open to moral and ethical issues in criminal justice and students learn to develop critical thinking and analytical skills causing them to be more personally responsible. The educational process of ethics is recognizing how criminal justice is engaged in a process of authority coercive power and selective discretionary authority. This course will develop whole sight in creation of a vision of ethical and moral standards within the criminal justice environment.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS231 | Criminal Evidence & Procedure | 3 Hours |
| Criminal evidence for police types of evidence criminal procedures in various courts arrest search and seizure collection of evidence discretion and related topics. Prerequisite None. CJS 135 is recommended. 3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS232 | Police and Patrol Operations | 3 Hours |
| This course is a study of the responsibility techniques and methods of police patrol. This includes the areas of patrol distribution selective enforcement pull-over and approach methods emergency pursuit driving search of suspects and buildings field interrogations and procedures in handling police-called-for services.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS233 | Community Policing | 3 Hours |
| This course examines proactive community-oriented policing and problem solving COPPS in the context of changes in law enforcement agencies and communities. Students will be provided with relevant information to understand the COPPS philosophy and its applications for law enforcement and society. Also students will gain experience in understanding policy and program development from beginning to end and the process of analyzing problems and setting goals and objectives as well as how to design programs and policies and conduct action planning and experience the process of implementing monitoring and evaluating outcomes through reassessingreviewing. Pre-requisite CJS 101 or permission of instructorSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CIS109 | Introduction to Computers | 3 Hours |
| This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware software operating systems communications networking Internet systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet multimedia security and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing electronic spreadsheets database management presentation graphics and Internet. Prerequisite None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take CIS 100-Keyboarding3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI BUS 902LectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||
| PSC163 | Am Government & Politics | 3 Hours |
| Students will examine American constitutional foundations and democratic values explore the role of public opinion and the character of the political process and understand the role of the media and interest groups in policy-making. Students will gain an understanding of how the major branches of the federal government work and improve skills in evaluating and analyzing current public policy issues. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S5 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| PSY103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 Hours |
| This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts theories principles and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological behavioral cognitive personality developmental abnormal and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S6 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
Criminal Justice Core Courses - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CJS101 | Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 Hours |
| The course examines the history development and philosophy of the American criminal justice system. It includes discussions of the types of agencies involved in the administration of criminal justice and policies and procedures followed by those agencies using a general career-oriented approach. Specific lectures include those topics such as criminal law criminal offenses and offenders and agencies responsible for the prevention and control of crime.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 901LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS120 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 Hours |
| The course is an introduction and analysis of punishment custody and rehabilitation as administered by law enforcement courts and corrections. It includes an overview of the history evolution and philosophy of the United States correctional system. The operation and administration of institutional and non-institutional settings and issues of constitutional law related to corrections will also be examined. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 911LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS135 | Criminal Law | 3 Hours |
| The factors relevant to resolution and decision in the bringing forth of criminal charges are developed within the adversary system. The basic principles of criminal liability are reviewed laying the foundation for considering specific offenses against property habitation and persons. Special consideration is given to the criminal law within Illinois. Prerequisite CJS 101 is recommended but not required.3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS208 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 Hours |
| The course is an analysis of the social and psychological factors of delinquent behavior. The practical application of theories causation prevention and rehabilitation is considered with regard to programs. The role of the juvenile police corrections and probation officers is considered as well as a look at the Illinois Juvenile Court Act.Prerequisite None CJS 101 is recommended.3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 914LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS238 | Criminology | 3 Hours |
| The course is an analysis of the theories of criminology. Crime in relation to physical and psychological factors to cultural areas to the family and to other social institutions will be examined. Consideration is given to professional crime and white collar crime. Prerequisites SOC 1113 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 912LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
General Education Requirements - 18 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communications ( ENG101 Required and One of the following: COM131, ENG103, ENG 111) | 6 Hours | |
| Humanities / Fine Arts | 3 Hours | |
| Social / Behavioral Science (SOC111 Required) | 3 Hours | |
| Physical / Life Science | 3 Hours | |
| Mathematics (MAT106 or Higher Required) | 3 Hours |
SVCC Degree Requirement - 1 Hour
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
| The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills goal setting academic planning time and money management and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek | ||
Suggested Program
First Semester - 16 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (MAT106 or Higher) | 3 Hours | |
| CJS101 | Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 Hours |
| The course examines the history development and philosophy of the American criminal justice system. It includes discussions of the types of agencies involved in the administration of criminal justice and policies and procedures followed by those agencies using a general career-oriented approach. Specific lectures include those topics such as criminal law criminal offenses and offenders and agencies responsible for the prevention and control of crime.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 901LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS120 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 Hours |
| The course is an introduction and analysis of punishment custody and rehabilitation as administered by law enforcement courts and corrections. It includes an overview of the history evolution and philosophy of the United States correctional system. The operation and administration of institutional and non-institutional settings and issues of constitutional law related to corrections will also be examined. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 911LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS130 | Criminal Investigation | 3 Hours |
| The guidelines and requisites for criminal investigators are defined and developed through a general orientation examining both preliminary and supplementary criminal investigations. Specific types of crime are examined in terms of statutory elements modus operandi evidence development and collection sources of information interview and interrogation suspect identification reporting and courtroom presentation and procedure.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| ENG101 | Composition I | 3 Hours |
| This course 1 develops awareness of the writing process 2 provides inventional organizational and editorial strategies 3 stresses the variety of uses for writing and 4 emphasizes critical skills in reading thinking and writing.Prerequisite Required placement score on approved English placement test high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher or a grade of C or higher in ELA 099.3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
| The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills goal setting academic planning time and money management and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek | ||
Second Semester - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CIS109 | Introduction to Computers | 3 Hours |
| This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware software operating systems communications networking Internet systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet multimedia security and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing electronic spreadsheets database management presentation graphics and Internet. Prerequisite None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take CIS 100-Keyboarding3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI BUS 902LectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek | ||
| CJS232 | Police and Patrol Operations | 3 Hours |
| This course is a study of the responsibility techniques and methods of police patrol. This includes the areas of patrol distribution selective enforcement pull-over and approach methods emergency pursuit driving search of suspects and buildings field interrogations and procedures in handling police-called-for services.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| COM131 | Intro to Oral Communication | 3 Hours |
| The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The course 1 develops awareness of the communication process 2 provides inventional organizational and expressive strategies 3 promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts and 4 emphasizes critical skills in listening reading thinking and speaking.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C2 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| ENG111 | Bus/Technical Communication | 3 Hours |
| Provides information on principles of written and oral communication specifically applied to business and technical fields. Assignments are designed to develop skill and practice in the use of these principles and include the writing of memoranda business letters instructions informal reports and formal reports. Students are encouraged to tailor assignments to the specific careers they are pursuing. Not applicable for humanities requirement.Prerequisite ENG 101 with a grade of C or higher. Because of emphasis on graphics and computer formatting students are advised to complete CIS 109 or IND 105 or to have equivalent word processing skills.3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| - OR - | ||
| ENG103 | Composition II | 3 Hours |
| An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition students receive instruction in logic and reasoning including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 901RLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| PSC163 | Am Government & Politics | 3 Hours |
| Students will examine American constitutional foundations and democratic values explore the role of public opinion and the character of the political process and understand the role of the media and interest groups in policy-making. Students will gain an understanding of how the major branches of the federal government work and improve skills in evaluating and analyzing current public policy issues. Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S5 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| SOC111 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 Hours |
| Students will be introduced to the perspective concepts and methods of sociology. Emphasis will be given to how the groups that make up our society function. The forces that hold groups together or cause them to change will be explored while the students examine how they learn to play roles within the family school religion peer groups and in other social settings.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S7 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
Third Semester - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities / Fine Arts | 3 Hours | |
| CJS200 | Ethics in Criminal Justice | 3 Hours |
| Ethics is the study of right and wrong good and evil. It involves all aspects of who we are our minds hearts relationships with each other and the intentions and motives for our actions. During this course students become more aware and open to moral and ethical issues in criminal justice and students learn to develop critical thinking and analytical skills causing them to be more personally responsible. The educational process of ethics is recognizing how criminal justice is engaged in a process of authority coercive power and selective discretionary authority. This course will develop whole sight in creation of a vision of ethical and moral standards within the criminal justice environment.Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS208 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 Hours |
| The course is an analysis of the social and psychological factors of delinquent behavior. The practical application of theories causation prevention and rehabilitation is considered with regard to programs. The role of the juvenile police corrections and probation officers is considered as well as a look at the Illinois Juvenile Court Act.Prerequisite None CJS 101 is recommended.3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 914LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS233 | Community Policing | 3 Hours |
| This course examines proactive community-oriented policing and problem solving COPPS in the context of changes in law enforcement agencies and communities. Students will be provided with relevant information to understand the COPPS philosophy and its applications for law enforcement and society. Also students will gain experience in understanding policy and program development from beginning to end and the process of analyzing problems and setting goals and objectives as well as how to design programs and policies and conduct action planning and experience the process of implementing monitoring and evaluating outcomes through reassessingreviewing. Pre-requisite CJS 101 or permission of instructorSemester hours 3LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| PSY103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 Hours |
| This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts theories principles and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological behavioral cognitive personality developmental abnormal and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored Prerequisite None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S6 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
Fourth Semester - 15 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Physical / Life Science | 3 Hours | |
| CJS135 | Criminal Law | 3 Hours |
| The factors relevant to resolution and decision in the bringing forth of criminal charges are developed within the adversary system. The basic principles of criminal liability are reviewed laying the foundation for considering specific offenses against property habitation and persons. Special consideration is given to the criminal law within Illinois. Prerequisite CJS 101 is recommended but not required.3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS231 | Criminal Evidence & Procedure | 3 Hours |
| Criminal evidence for police types of evidence criminal procedures in various courts arrest search and seizure collection of evidence discretion and related topics. Prerequisite None. CJS 135 is recommended. 3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS238 | Criminology | 3 Hours |
| The course is an analysis of the theories of criminology. Crime in relation to physical and psychological factors to cultural areas to the family and to other social institutions will be examined. Consideration is given to professional crime and white collar crime. Prerequisites SOC 1113 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 912LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek | ||
| CJS Elective (CJS250 - Criminal Justice Practicum Recommended) | 3 Hours | |