Conceptual Framework
…the individual can find one’s “highest good in working for the good of all.”
-C. Lamont
The Criminal Justice Program at Tri-County Technical College strives to educate all facets of future and present Criminal Justice employees with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at such a level as to engender safety, service, and efficiency in the entire Criminal Justice System. The program addresses the needs of community Criminal Justice leaders while adjusting learning opportunities to meet the needs of 21st century students. The key component of this idea is to be student centered, to put learning first, and to develop a relationship with students, community leaders, and alumni that will garner the best Criminal Justice employees possible.
The Criminal Justice System is comprised of Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Courts. The gamete of employment opportunities lay within these major pillars, but also within the private sector, counseling arena, and other ancillary support services related to Criminal Justice. Law enforcement is the largest component of the system and houses the greatest potential for impact on Criminal Justice System operations. Employment opportunities in the field are expanding rapidly to keep pace with ongoing trends both inside and outside the system.
The ideal graduate of the Associate Degree in Public Services with a Major in Criminal Justice is within the following framework:
- Practical and dynamic problem solver with the ability to think about problems and solutions in real context.
- Analytical modality with a keen attention to detail and an understanding of how micro level issues affect the overall goal.
- Oral and written communications skills that allow jurors, supervisors, judges, peers, and laypersons to understand and follow.
- Legal and practical research, reading, and comprehension ability with respect to trends of the Criminal Justice System that change and evolve over time.
- Comprehension and ability to apply knowledge of technology to the field while understanding the limits of this technology.
- Leadership knowledge, skills, and experiences for use within their career.
- A lifelong self-motivated learning initiative that understands the need for continuous improvement, training, and teaching.
