Criminal Justice

Students desiring careers in Criminal Justice may elect a program of study for upper division transfer, or one which is oriented towards job entry either as sworn or non-sworn employees at a Local, State, or Federal Agency within the Criminal Justice System. The Criminal Justice System includes three components: 

  •  Law Enforcement
  •  Courts
  •  Corrections

Students intending to transfer to a four-year college, such as CSUSB-Palm Desert Campus, for a degree in Criminal Justice, should pursue the Associate in Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer Degree. Students planning to pursue a career in Criminal Justice after graduation from College of the Desert should include more specialization and emphasis in the Criminal Justice courses.

Students desiring the California POST Certified - Basic Peace Officer Training, should visit the Public Safety Academy under Academic Programs on the College of the Desert website.

Advisors:  

D. C. Mayes
dcmayes@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.862.1302

Stan Henry
sthenry@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.565.4828

Associate Degrees for Transfer (AD-T)

Associate Degrees (AA/AS)

Certificates of Achievement

CJ 001  Introduction to Criminal Justice   Units: 3

This course introduces students to the characteristics of the criminal justice system in the United States. Focus is placed on examining crime measurement, theoretical explanations of crime, responses to crime, components of the system, and current challenges to the system. The course examines the evolution of the principles and approaches utilized by the justice system and the evolving forces that have shaped those principals and approaches. Although justice structure and process is examined in a cross cultural context, emphasis is placed on the US justice system, particularly the structure and function of US police, courts, and corrections. Students are introduced to the origins and development of criminal law, legal process, and sentencing and incarceration policies. (C-ID AJ 110)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C2                 CSU GE: D0                 IGETC: 4J

CJ 002  Concepts of Criminal Law   Units: 3

This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law,and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The completion of this course offers a foundation upon which upper-division criminal justice course will build. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes. (C-ID AJ 120)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC*                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 003  Legal Aspects of Evidence   Units: 3

This course includes a study of origin, development, philosophy and constitutional basis for the Rules of Evidence. It includes constitutional and procedural considerations affecting search and seizure, kinds and degrees of evidence and the rules governing admissibility at trial, judicial decisions interpreting individual rights and case studies. (C-ID AJ 124)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 004  Criminal Court Process   Units: 3

This course provides an examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal utilizing statutory law and state and constitutional law precedents. (C-ID AJ 122)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 005  Racial Issues and the Police   Units: 3

This course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics may include the consensus and conflicting values in Culture, Religion, and Law. (C-ID AJ 160)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC*                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C3                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 006  Criminal Investigation   Units: 3

This course provides students with basic principles of all types of investigations utilized in the Justice System. Coverage includes human aspects in dealing with the public, specific knowledge necessary for handling crime scenes, interviews, evidence, surveillance, follow-up, technical resources and case preparation. (C-ID AJ 140)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 008  Patrol Operations   Units: 3

Topics discussed in this course include exploration of theories, philosophies, and concepts related to the role expectations of the line enforcement officer which include patrol, traffic, and public service responsibilities.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 009  Traffic Enforcement   Units: 3

Students study basic accident investigation, the use of the State Accident Report Form, the principles of "selective" enforcement, parking and intersection control, basic provisions of the California Vehicle Code governing the operation of motor vehicles, and the responsibilities of the community in traffic control.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 010  Juvenile Procedures   Units: 3

This course introduces major types of criminal behavior, role of offenders and factors that contribute to criminality or delinquency. It covers methods used in dealing with offenders in the justice system; the changing role of law enforcement and judicial, probation, parole and institutions; changes of the law in crime control and treatment processes, and techniques in handling juveniles. (C-ID AJ 220)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 016  Narcotics Control   Units: 3

This is a study of the laws relating to narcotics and dangerous drugs as well as the procedures and problems in investigations and the control of violations of narcotic laws. Students learn how to identify narcotics and dangerous drugs, how to assess their effect on users, and how to prepare a case for court presentation.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 017  Natural Resources Law Enforcement   Units: 3

This course provides information about enforcement of natural resources and wildlife laws in the United States and California. Topics include the relationships between Federal and State wildlife laws and regulations, laws as management tools, conservation of wildlife and other natural resources, review of State and Federal resource management agencies, law enforcement officer qualifications, duties and responsibilities, enforcement procedures, court systems, fines and forfeitures, hunter safety, public responsibilities, and preservation of the environment. (Equivalent to NR 017.)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 020  Introduction to Social Justice Studies   Units: 3

Introduction to Social Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary course introducing students to the history, psychology and sociology of racial, ethnic, class, gender and sexual oppression in the United States and the history, strategy and structure of movements for social justice and liberation. It will explore the major theories of race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexuality as they are linked to social structures and institutional processes. Specific examples of persecution, segregation, and asymmetric power relations will be drawn from the testimony of the oppressed throughout American history - in art, film, literature and music. The practices of oppression and resistance in the United States will be compared and contrasted to the experiences of other nations and cultures. (Equivalent to SJS 020.)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 001A
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C2                 CSU GE: D                 IGETC: 4

CJ 021  Introduction to Forensics   Units: 3

This course provides an introduction to the role of forensics in criminal investigations. It examines the methods utilized in the forensic analysis of crime scenes, pattern evidence, instruments, firearms, questioned documents and controlled substances. (C-ID AJ 150)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 024  Investigative Report Writing   Units: 3

This course emphasizes the procedures and practices commonly used to gather data and information and prepare a variety of written reports and records. Students learn to write criminal justice reports that meet statistical, legal, and prosecution requirements of the Criminal Justice System. The course provides students with abundant practice in writing effective reports, bulletins, memos, letters, and other short papers.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 025  Introduction to Homeland Security & Terrorism   Units: 3

This course is a study of the fundamental components and historical evolution of terrorism. Included is an examination of the differences of international terrorism and domestic terrorism, with a focus on the modern-day terrorist mindset. Within this examination is an analysis of national, ethnic, ideological, and religious movements involved in the rapidly changing social construct of terrorism. The course identifies governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in the homeland security apparatus, and provides an in-depth evaluation of law enforcement's expanding role in the future of homeland security.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC*                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: C2, C3                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 026  Homeland Security and Intelligence Gathering   Units: 3

This course is a study of the fundamental components and historical evolution of intelligence. Included is an examination of the different methods of intelligence collection, the need for analysis, and the measurement of success in meeting the requirements of the policymaker. This examination will address the evolution of intelligence collection from the basic concept of spying to the latest methods of employing technology and Open Source methods. The course focuses on the intelligence process from the defining of the requirements, to collection, analysis, distribution and the use of feedback to optimize the results. The Intelligence course is a vital supplement to our counterterrorism efforts and to law enforcement's expanding role in the future of homeland security.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: AJ 001 or CJ 001 or concurrent enrollment
Advisory: ENG 061
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None

CJ 030  Introduction to Corrections   Units: 3

This course provides a history of and critical analysis of punishment, the various types of punishment, alternatives to punishment, and the impact of punishment on the Criminal Justice System, corrections, a critical examination of the types of correctional institutions and the clients housed in each institution, and an examination of contemporary correctional issues. (C-ID AJ 200)
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: AJ 001 or CJ 001
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC*                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None                 CSU GE: None                 IGETC: None