Criminal Justice

2005 - 2006 College of the Ozarks Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

The Criminal Justice program serves to prepare majors for professional careers in the criminal justice system. Program objectives include: 1) understand the responsibilities, interrelationships and career dynamics of law enforcement, the court and correctional components within the criminal justice system; 2) gaining practical and theoretical knowledge of historical and contemporary principles of both criminal law and evidence from constitutional, statutory, case and scientific perspectives; 3) gain an understanding of the study of criminal behavior and 4) become equipped to apply written and oral communication skills in the criminal justice system.

The Criminal Justice program provides the following concentrations :

Emphases and objectives

Law Enforcement: 1) Understand the dynamics of the law enforcement component from both historic and contemporary perspectives; 2) become aware of the political and psychological complexities of the law enforcement profession and the society which it serves and 3) gain the practical skills and knowledge to plan for changes in law enforcement from a management perspective.

Corrections: 1) Understand the type, nature and characteristics of offenders and the rules and regulations for adult and juvenile correctional institutions and community programs; 2) become aware of the political and psychological complexities of the correctional profession and the society which it serves and 3) gain the practical skills and knowledge to plan for changes in corrections from a management perspective.

Forensic Science: 1) Demonstrate a focused awareness of forensic applications, the examination of trace evidence, forensic nomenclature and the role of the forensic laboratory; 2) understand the importance of forensic applications, DNA profiling, laser application, principles of forensic pathology, serology, and toxicology and 3) to gain a foundation for the administration of a forensic operation within the framework of a criminal justice agency. Dependent on career orientation, majors are advised to complete an additional major or minor in one or more of the following: Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, or Speech Communication.

Law Enforcement Emphasis

Corrections Emphasis

Forensic Science Emphasis Twenty hours of BIO and/or CHE required. Those planning to enter this field as a forensic scientist (typically in a laboratory setting) are strongly urged to also major in either BIO or CHE. Those planning a career as a crime scene technician are encouraged to minor in BIO or CHE.

COURSES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (CJS)

103 Introduction to Criminal Justice A study and analysis of crime and the three major components of the criminal justice system: the police, courts and corrections. The philosophical perspectives, which govern the nature and function of these activities, as well as their interrelationships, will also be addressed. (F/S)

213 Corrections Introduction to institutional corrections as well as probation, parole and community correctional approaches and procedures. Judicial decisions that impact correctional programs and policies will be addressed. (F)

223 Criminal Procedure—Prerequisite: CJS 103. Due process of law as it relates to the criminal justice system processes and procedures relevant to the investigation, arrest, and subsequent prosecution of criminal cases. A study of the grand jury, judicial officers and other court personnel responsibilities in adjudicating criminal cases. (S)

233 Juvenile Delinquency An overview of the juvenile justice system process and procedure; of the nature and incidence of pre-delinquent and delinquent behavior and the criminal justice system’s ability to respond. A study of the physical and emotional abuse and neglect of children and differences in law and procedure in responding to child abuse situations. (S)

243 Community Relations A study of the criminal justice system and the role they serve within a variety of community atmospheres. Particular emphasis will be placed on the levels and use of discretion, and identifying and appreciating cultural diversity within a human relations context. (F)

253 Criminal Investigation—Prerequisite: CJS 103 or concurrently. An introductory examination of basic investigative principles from both primary and follow-up investigation perspectives. This examination includes elements of both forensic and non-forensic techniques and applications. (S)

Prerequisite for all 300-400 level courses: 45 hours or permission.

303 Criminal Law—Prerequisite: CJS 103. Substantive criminal law, defenses and criminal responsibility. Emphasis will be placed on emerging laws and practices benefiting victims. (F)

323 Crime Scene Investigation—Prerequisite: CJS 103 and CJS 253. A study of the practical application of contemporary methods and procedures for the securing, processing and preservation of crime scene evidence. Elements include photography, fingerprinting, body fluid and trace evidence collection, and measuring/sketching. An integrated component will be the legal and moral perspectives of crime scene investigation, including interview and interrogation techniques. (F)

334 Forensic Science—Prerequisite: CJS 323. Offers the student exposure to the scientific aspects of the crime lab. The role of the crime laboratory and the need for the scientific crime detection is the emphasis of the course, and a tour of a crime laboratory is required. The methods, techniques, and instrumental applications used to provide investigative information are emphasized and the value of physical evidence is demonstrated. In this course each student is required to select and academically pursue a specific area of interest. (S)

343 Police Field Services—Prerequisite: CJS 103 and permission. From an historical and contemporary perspective, a study of organizational structures, policies and practices of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Emphasis is placed on the delivery of services by patrol, special operations and investigation units and the use of technology, including computer hardware and software. (F)

353 Criminology—Prerequisites: CJS 103 or SOC 103. A study of historical and contemporary theories of criminal behavior. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of environmental, biological, sociological and spiritual components as they relate to this field of study. Writing Intensive. (F)

363 Crime Analysis and Public Policy—Prerequisite: CJS 103 and permission. A study of the practice of quantifying and analyzing crime statistics as they relate to crime patterns, demography and trends. This study also includes an examination of criminal justice policies in the public arena. (F)

373 Criminal Evidence—Prerequisites: CJS 103 and CJS 223. A classroom study of the types, uses and admissibility of evidence in the criminal justice process. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of the court in interpreting constitutional principles that attach to the discovery, documentation and presentation of evidence in court. (S)

383 Correctional Case Management—Prerequisites: CJS 103, CJS 213 and CJS 223. A study and practical application of preparing and managing pre-sentence investigations, court-directed probation and diversion, victim advocacy, parole and other corrections-oriented program management. Components on techniques of client interviews and issues in supervision are included. (S)

423 Organizational Management and Civil Liability—Prerequisites: CJS 103 and CJS 223. An overview of the types and styles of management in criminal justice agencies, and the exposure of system professionals to civil liability. A study as well of risk management, privatization and business practices integrated into justice organizations. (S)

453 Criminal Justice Communications—Prerequisites: CJS 103, CJS 223 and CJS 323. An in-depth review of the types and styles of both written and oral communications practiced in the criminal justice system. Emphasis is on developing effective and proper interviewing and report writing skills, and the use of computers in the communication process. (F/S)

463 Senior Seminar A seminar capstone course for graduating seniors which will bring together knowledge gained in undergraduate courses culminating with an individual research project, the writing of a formal paper and its presentation to the class. (S)

48V (1-6) Internship—Prerequisite: permission. Practical, supervised experience in a public or private agency. One credit hour per forty hours of agency contact. May be repeated not to exceed six credit hour total.

49V (1-3) Special Problems—Prerequisite: permission. Independent or semi-independent study/research under guidance of department faculty. May be repeated, not to exceed three credit hour total.