Police Science AAS Degree Courses

This course examines the day-to-day operation of criminal justice in our society. Emphasis is on the inter-relationships of the components of law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system.

This course examines the operational aspects of policing to include patrol theories and methods, crime response, operational skills and factors that influence police operations.

This course provides in depth examination of the State of Iowa traffic laws, and how traffic code enforcement enhances public safety.

This is a one semester, liberal arts mathematics course that satisfies the minimum general education requirement for math. The course is designed to impart math skills which are helpful in everyday life as well as to expose students to areas of mathematics they may not have seen before. Topics include problem-solving skills, set theory, algebra, consumer mathematics, probability, and statistics. Other topics may be included.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

This course is a study of descriptive statistics including graphical representation, central tendency, correlation and regression, intuitive treatment of probability and inferential statistics including hypothesis testing.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

This course is designed to present basic facts of arithmetic including whole numbers, fractions, decimals, powers, roots, English and metric measurement, ratio-proportion, percents, introduction to algebra, introduction to geometry, and applied statistics. Instruction includes use of scientific hand-held calculators and emphasis placed on critical thinking, problem solving skills.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course introduces students to the oral communication process and how it affects human interaction There will be an emphasis on developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills.

This course examines the principles of Constitutional Law utilizing a case study from the United States Supreme Court decisions and examines the judicial legal process. Emphasis is on the nature of due process and the right of criminal defendants.

CRJ-100 with minimum grade of C-.

Employment Strategies for Law Enforcement prepares Police Science students for the steps involved in securing a position in law enforcement. It includes an introduction to the job search process, including the resume, cover letter, and job interview, but it also covers information unique to the law enforcement selection process.

This course examines the juvenile justice system from a practitioner perspective. It provides operational knowledge of how law enforcement, the courts, and correctional facilities navigate the juvenile offender.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-100.

An examination of ethical issues in the criminal justice system with an emphasis on reasoning and decision making for professional competence.

Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material.

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement score or equivalent.

This course surveys the basic principles, concepts, and research findings of social life from small groups to societies. The course examines a range of sociological explanations for the various forms of social behaviors and establishes a basis for reflection and further study in the field.

This course introduces students to a sociological examination of contemporary social problems. Specifically, this course focuses on the interconnection of various social problems, the significance of social inequality in creating and maintaining social problems, and the roles of both human agency and social policy in providing solutions to these problems.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course provides an introduction to the sociological study of group relations in the United States. Intersections of race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, and abilities will be explored. Students will gain a better understanding of the relationship between individuals and society.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course reviews the historical development of criminal law and its use by the criminal justice system. Emphasis is placed on evaluation of an offense, elements present, case preparation and the effects on the criminal justice system from initial contact to the conclusion of the trial process.

CRJ-100 with minimum grade of C-.

This course examines the techniques and procedures used to investigate crimes.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-100.

This course explores theories of factors that influence criminal behavior, and analyzes criminal behavior in relationship to other social problems.

This course involves the study of techniques and procedures used to investigate various crimes and crime scenes. The student will gain fundamental skills in photography, evidence preservation, collection, and processing; and scene measurement and documentation.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-100.

This course prepares public safety personnel for the physical demands of public safety entrance testing and work demands.

A capstone course examining the current issues in the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-100.

This course provides instruction on self defense and control techniques necessary for law enforcement. Emphasis is placed on physical fitness, officer safety, criminal and civil liability.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in CRJ-237 and CRJ-320.

This course covers the fundamentals of using a firearm with emphasis on safe practices, responsible firearm care, and proficient use of firearms to law enforcement standards.

Meet with an advisor to register for course.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-100.

This course expands skills developed in Basic Firearms by enhancing skill and proficiency with pistols and introduces safe use and handling of shotguns.

Meet with an advisor to register for course.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-100.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-252.

Report writing and courtroom testimony skills are essential to detail officer activity and enable effective case prosecution. Report writing chronologically details officer investigative activity, and documents elements of a crime. Effective courtroom testimony is vital to the prosecution and resolution of civil and criminal cases.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-100.

This course uses a criminal justice perspective to examine the methods and techniques of crisis intervention, causative factors, typologies of those involved, and psycho-social factors of crisis situations. A certificate in Mental Health First Aid is included.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-100.

This course challenges student skills and decision making within scenario based learning activities.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-100.

Internship requires 128 hours of supervised volunteer work with a law enforcement agency. Course eligibility requires Advisor consent based on the ability of the student to successfully complete a criminal background check, and be accepted by an agency. Agency placement is dependent on agency assessment of student fitness to meet hiring requirements. Internship is offered during the 16 week Fall & Spring semesters, and during the 8 week Summer term.

Must be in program major. Instructor consent required to enroll.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in CRJ-100.