The Criminal justice curriculum is designed to give students the academic background and initial training for careers in law enforcement. Entry into the program is determined through the evaluation of personal qualifications and after the screening of an application, which states the student has no felony convictions. Upon initial enrollment in the program, students must complete an "Application to Participate" form.

Nature of Work
Law Enforcement deals with the safety and well being of citizens by enforcing statutes, laws, and regulations. Duties vary widely, but in most jurisdictions, law enforcement officers will also spend considerable time writing reports and maintaining records that are needed when legal actions require them to testify in court. General law enforcement duties may include directing traffic, investigating fire, giving first aid to an accident victim, or patrolling a designated area to prevent crime.

Jobs
Police officers, correctional officers, guards, fire marshals, and inspectors.

Employers
Police departments, security agencies, correctional facilities, and fire departments.

Outlook
Employment of police officers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. A more security-conscious society and concern about drug-related crimes should contribute to the increasing demand for police services. Government spending determines the level of employment. Because of relatively attractive salaries and benefits, the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of jobs openings in Federal law enforcement agencies and in most state, local and special police departments resulting in increased hiring standards and selectivity by employers.

Earnings
In 1996, the median salary of nonsupervisory police officers ranged between about $25,700 and $45,300. In Illinois, police patrol officer with an Associates Degree earned an average of $32,920-$43,580.

Tech Prep
Criminal Justice is currently designed for Tech Prep. Students in High School should contact their High School Counselor.

NOTE: Acceptable High School Record. NO felony convictions. Good physical condition with no physical impairments. Acceptable corrected vision. No hearing loss. Evidence of emotional stability.

Earnings vary greatly according to location, experience, and individual.