Technology, Exploration & Career Center WEST

Course Sequence: 

Course Description:

89805800 PRINCIPLES OF LAW, PUBLIC SAFETY, CORRECTIONS, AND SECURITY, 1 credit

Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security is a 9-week course that introduces students to professions in law enforcement, security, corrections, and fire and emergency management services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security, and protective agencies of fire and emergency services.  Guest speakers from all agencies will share their experiences and provide insight into careers in law enforcement and emergency management services.

898055600 LAW ENFORCEMENT I, 1 credit

Law Enforcement I is an overview of the history, organization, and functions of local, state, and federal law enforcement. This basic course includes the role of constitutional law, the United States legal system, criminal law, law enforcement terminology, and the classification and elements of crime. Topics in this course include a brief overview of criminal law, legal systems, arrest procedures, conflict resolution, use of force, active shooter, security planning, interview/interrogation and substance abuse. Students will be required to debate, work in groups, make numerous presentations and participate in role-playing. CPR Certification through American Heart Association. Active shooter response certification through FEMA and ALERRT. Students will be required to participate in regular physical activities to simulate the hiring process, such as running, pushups, and sit-ups. Athletic Physical Required. Fees and physical due by 1st week of class. Uniforms will be required by the end of the 1st week of class (Polo style shirt). Must be taken with Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security.

89804900 LAW ENFORCEMENT II, 1 credit

Law Enforcement 2 is an advanced course in the Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Cluster. This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for a career in law enforcement. Students will learn the ethical and legal responsibilities involved in a career in law enforcement. Students will practice search and seizure techniques, vehicle searches, arrest procedures, fingerprinting and a brief defensive tactics overview. Students will learn and practice undercover policies, use of deadly force policies, and interview techniques. The students will use the mock courtroom and practice testimony and courtroom procedures. Students will make numerous presentations, work in small groups and participate in role-playing activities. Material and supply fees may be required. Students will be required to purchase a uniform for this class. Students will be required to participate in regular physical activities to simulate the hiring process, such as running, push-ups, and sit-ups. Athletic physical required. Must be taken with Federal Law & Protective Services.

Prerequisite: Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security and Law Enforcement 1

89806300 FEDERAL LAW & PROTECTIVE SERVICES, 1 credit

This course provides an overview of security elements and types of organizations with a focus on security measures used to protect lives, property, and proprietary information, to ensure computer security, to provide information assurance, and to prevent cybercrime. Must be taken with Law Enforcement 2.

Prerequisite: Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security and Law Enforcement 1

89805300 FORENSIC SCIENCE, 1 Science Credit

Forensic Science is a course that uses a structured and scientific approach to the investigation of crimes and the psychology of criminal behavior. Students will learn terminology and investigative procedures related to crime scene investigation, questioning, criminal behavior characteristics, and scientific procedures used to solve crimes. Using scientific methods, students will collect and analyze evidence through case studies and simulated crime scenes such as fingerprint analysis, trace evidence collection, ballistics, body fluid collection, and blood spatter analysis. This course must be taken in conjunction with Criminal Investigations (89806200) for 2 full credits. This course counts as a 3rd/4th science credit for FHSP. A $45.00 material and supply fees is required. Students may also be assessed a fee for field trips. Must be taken with Criminal Investigations.

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

89806200 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, 1 credit

Students will learn procedures for how to investigate crimes, write search warrants and narrative reports. Students will develop an understanding of how the fourth amendment applies to crime scene investigation. Students will analyze, collect and process evidence, such as fingerprints, bodily fluids, hair, fibers, shoe and tire impressions, bite marks, drugs, tool marks, firearms and ammunition, blood spatter, digital evidence, as well as several other types of evidence. Teamwork and public speaking are required. Students may also be assessed a small fee for field trips. Must be taken with Forensic Science.

Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry

PRACTICUM IN LAW, PUBLIC SAFETY, CORRECTIONS AND SECURITY, 2 credits 

Grade: 12 

Prerequisite: Law Enforcement II, Court Systems & Forensic Science 

Students will be required to have reliable transportation to and from rotation sites. Students will also have to pass a sport physical prior to the class. A fee of approximately $20.00 for a mandatory drug screening will be assessed and testing will be completed on site. A Parent/Guardian meeting will be required in advance of student participation. This course will allow advanced students in the Pre-Law cluster to intern within the Law Enforcement, Crime/Death Investigation, Court or Legal service providers in Denton, Tarrant, and Dallas County. Community placement will vary and rotation may be required to allow a well-rounded experience. Students must meet strict guidelines that govern community placement and placement is not a guarantee. All placements will be based upon DJCC Law Enforcement instructors’ recommendations or approval and the student having their own reliable transportation. Activities may require additional time outside the school day.