Police Science
College of the Desert’s Police Science Program:
- Prepares current and future law enforcement students and professionals for the dynamic challenges of succeeding in the field of law enforcement and the Criminal Justice System.
- Helps students develop a sense of the basic requirements for successful careers in Criminal Justice.
- Allows students to complete the Degree program while working part or full-time, with courses offered during evenings and on weekend days.
Please refer to the Public Safety Academy under Academic Programs on the College of the Desert website for more detailed program information or call 760.346.8041 Ext. 3765.
Advisors:
Stan Henry
sthenry@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.565.4828
D. C. Mayes
dcmayes@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.862.1302
Basic Correctional Officer Training (BCOT)
BCOT 010 Basic Correctional Officer Training Units: 16
The Basic Correctional Officer Training provides entry-level training for correctional officers. The course will introduce the student to adult corrections procedure, interviewing, counseling techniques, defensive tactics, public relations, and oral and written communications. Security and supervision techniques in adult institutions are stressed. The Correctional Officer Training meets or exceeds the mandates of the California Board of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Check the program website for additional information.
Lecture Hours: 218.5 Lab Hours: 241.5 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: KINE 037.
Limitation on enrollment: Completion of POST reading and writing,examination. Completion of POST physical fitness,assessment. Possession of a valid California,driver's license. Successful completion of medical,examination. Fingerprint clearance through the,California Department of Justice.
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
BCOT 020 Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer,Training Units: 10
The Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training provides students with entry-level training for Juvenile correctional officers and other probation positions. The course will introduce the student to juvenile corrections procedure, interviewing, counseling techniques, defensive tactics, public relations, and oral and written communications. Security and supervision techniques in juvenile institutions are stressed. The curriculum is designed to meet or exceed the requirements of the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC -California). Students attend the Academy in full uniform and will be able to attend an orientation 3 weeks prior to the course. The orientation date will be listed in the Schedule of Classes. There is an additional fee of $200-$300 for the uniform and gear.
Lecture Hours: 170 Lab Hours: 70 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
Basic Peace Officer Training (BPOT)
BPOT 001 Basic Peace Officer Training-Module III Units: 7
This course is referred to as the Module III Academy and is designed to meet the minimum requirements of a Level III Reserve Officer as established by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). It is the first of three components of the Regular Basic Course-Modular Format Academy required to become a full time peace officer. The Module III Academy is a discipline/stress oriented program with an emphasis on Professionalism/Ethics & Leadership, Physical Fitness, Vehicle Operations, Arrest Methods/Defensive Tactics, Report Writing, First Aid/CPR, and Firearms training. In addition there are inspections, drill training (formation, facing movements, marching, etc.), and physical exercises (running, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc.). Recruits attend the Academy in full uniform. There are 2 knowledge based examinations administered during the course which require a recruit to receive a passing score in order to successfully complete the Module III Academy. Students must also successfully pass Arrest Methods/Defensive Tactics and Firearms testing. There are a total of 168 hours required in this course.
Lecture Hours: 99 Lab Hours: 81 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061, AJ 001, & KINE 037.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
BPOT 002 Basic Peace Officer Training-Module II Units: 12
This course is referred to as the Module II Academy and is designed to meet the minimum requirements of a Level II Reserve Officer as established by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). It is the second of three components of the Regular Basic Course-Modular Format Academy required to become a full time peace officer. The Module II Academy is a discipline/stress oriented program with an emphasis on Community Relations, Physical Fitness, Cultural Diversity, Arrest Methods/Defensive Tactics, Investigative Report Writing, Chemical Agents training and Firearms/Shotgun training. In addition there are inspections, drill training (formation, facing movements, marching, etc.), and physical exercises (running, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc.). Recruits attend the Academy in full uniform. There is 1 knowledge based examination administered during the course that require a recruit to receive a passing score in order to successfully complete the Module II Academy. Students must also successfully pass Arrest Methods/Defensive Tactics and Firearms testing. There are a total of 268 hours required in this course.
Lecture Hours: 189 Lab Hours: 81 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: BPOT 001.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
BPOT 003 Basic Peace Officer Training-Module I Units: 19
This course is the third module in the Regular Basic Course-Modular Format training sequence. Intensive instruction designed to meet the minimum requirements of a peace officer, or Level I Police Reserve Officer as established by state law. Check the program website for additional information.
Lecture Hours: 288 Lab Hours: 186 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: BPOT 002.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Completion of Peace Officer Standards and Training,(POST) physical fitness assessment; possession of,a valid California driver?s license; successful,completion of a medical examination; and current,fingerprint clearance through the California State,Department of Justice.
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
BPOT 003A Basic Peace Officer Training-Module I Units: 17
This course is the third module in the Regular Basic Course-Modular Format training sequence. Intensive instruction designed to meet the minimum requirements of a peace officer, or Level I Police Reserve Officer as established by state law. Check the program website for additional information.
Lecture Hours: 247 Lab Hours: 200 Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: BPOT 002.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Completion of Peace Officer Standards and Training,(POST) physical fitness assessment; possession of,a valid California driver?s license; successful,completion of a medical examination; and current,fingerprint clearance through the California State,Department of Justice.
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None
Criminal Justice (CJ)
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
CJ 095A Criminal Justice Work Experience Units: 1-5
This work experience course of supervised employment provides students the opportunity to connect academics to applied experiential learning in the workplace. It assists students in developing transferable employability skills, career awareness, learning industry culture, competencies and norms, and developing professional networks that support career mobility. To enroll, students must have a job or internship placement in a part-time or full-time capacity. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to five (1-5) units per semester based on the student's ability to meet the hours required per unit enrolled. Students must work 54 hours per unit earned. This Work Experience course is available to students whose job or internship placement is directly related to Criminal Justice.
Lecture Hours: None Lab Hours: 270 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None CSU GE: None IGETC: None