Criminal Justice Technology AAS.CRJ

1. Criminal Justice Technology AAS.CRJ Do you have what it takes?

2. Desirable Traits and Experience • Good attitude • On time for class • Good grades • Mature • Demonstrates leadership in the classroom • Good work history • Volunteer work such as First Responder, EMT, Volunteer firefighter, Scouts, Explorers, Church or school program, community service • CPR certified • Accepts responsibility • Good decision-making ability • Physically fit

3. Undesirable Traits, History, Behaviors • Late to class, makes excuses, or turns in late work • Spotty job history • Lack of job since high school • Agency disqualifiers include • Inability to pass fitness test • Inability to pass reading/writing test • Arrest history (with or without a conviction) • Excessive tickets • Visible tattoos on arms, head or neck • Unattended credit problems • Association with disreputable people • Some physical and mental conditions • Alcohol and/or drug history

4. What to expect from a career in the Criminal Justice field • Crazy work hours/lots of late nights and weekends • Being a member of a team that takes much pride in their job • Typical starting salary $28,000 and 32,000 • Good benefits, health care, and retirement (at most agencies) • Good job security • Little appreciation at times from community members • Opportunity to help someone in need and protect citizens • Opportunity to receive specialized training • Protective gear • Firearms training • 24 hour a day visibility in the community as a public servant • Lots of report writing-documenting conversations and events • Periods of inactivity followed by a blitz of activity-unpredictable!

5. Probable Types of Jobs If You Meet the Rigorous Standards • Police Officer or Sheriff’s Deputy • 911 Dispatch or telecommunications • Detention officer, Corrections officer or Jailer (working with inmates in jail, detention center or prison) • Some federal jobs such as Border Patrol or TSA • Bailiff • Detective/Narcotics Agent– must first serve time on the road and have many years of law enforcement experience • Records clerk • Loss prevention/security • State Law Enforcement Officer • SWAT team – several years experience required

6. Unlikely Types of Jobs • Most federal position such as FBI, DEA, ATF; 4 year degree required • Game Warden – requires 4 year degree in South Carolina or 2 year degree plus military experience • Paralegal – see BCAS division, AOT program • Victim’s Advocate – limited number of jobs though a possibility; helpful if you have paralegal background • Court Reporter – need certificate from Midlands Tech • Detective – must be willing to be patrol officer first • DNA-CSI-Crime Scene Investigator – must either be a detective or have chemistry/science degree • Private investigator – separate licensing process with the state; many have years of experience in law enforcement • Parole or Probation Agent – need 4 year degree

7. Advantages of CRJ Program • Close mentoring relationship with faculty and faculty advisor • Qualified faculty (current or retired cops, parole officers, investigators) • Small classroom size • Variety of class type such as online, hybrid, and lecture • Afternoon, evening and online CRJ classes • General education class offerings online, morning, afternoon, or evening • No additional supply costs • Hands-on training opportunities • Practice job interviews with faculty/job interview preparation • Opportunity for internship after meeting qualifications • Course curriculum based on current technologies and field applications

8. What Courses Do I Need?

9. What Courses Do I Need?

10. INTERNSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT WARNING • Most employers in public service and human service agencies are concerned with applicant character attributes. Character attributes are determined using criminal background checks, credit history reports, military discharge records, past employment history, and drug screens. • Please be mindful that many agencies will deny opportunities for internships and employment based on criteria that the agencies have legally defined as negative. • Please feel free to discuss these concerns with your advisor or contact the agency of your choice an inquire directly with the hiring point of contact.

11. QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? • Call us with any questions or concerns. You may feel like this isn’t the right career for you, but, call and let’s talk before you decide. • Trish Hovis 981-7376 or phovis@yorktech.com • Chip Guerry 981-7723 or lguerry@yorktech.com