Criminal Justice Correctional Officer

Criminal Justice Correctional Officer

Associates of Applied Science

Prepare for a career in corrections. The program includes instruction in professional communications, corrections security, and emergency procedures. The program also provides a foundation to prepare the student for future promotion. Students will complete the 200-hour Basic Jail Officer Academy in their first year of the program.

This program is the suggested Criminal Justice track for students planning on transferring to a four-year university prior to entering the workforce or seeking a career in criminal justice that does not require certification as a law enforcement officer.

  • Students in training scenario

Program Outline

Term 1
Course # Course Title Credits
1050410500 Introduction to Policing
Description

This course focuses on the philosophy and history of policing, limitations imposed on law enforcement in a democratic society in accordance with the Constitution; and the role and place of law enforcement in the total criminal justice process.

3.00
1080119500 Written Communication
Description

Develops writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments is designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents.

3.00
1050490700 Community Policing Strategies
Description

Deals with the sociological aspects of police-community interactions. The dynamics of a diverse society are explored in order to develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes that reflect understanding of the diversity within communities.

3.00
1080119600 Oral Interpersonal Communication
Description

Focuses upon developing speaking, verbal and nonverbal communications, and listening skills through individual presentations, groups activities, and other projects.

3.00
1080919900 Psychology of Human Relations
Description

Focuses on improving personal and job-related relationships through understanding and applying sound psychological principles. Topics include self-concept, motivation, emotions, stress management, conflict resolution, and human relation processes.

3.00
Term 2
Course # Course Title Credits
1050410000 Introduction to Corrections
Description

This class will provide a foundation to students that will enter the corrections profession. The course will cover Ethics and Ethical Decision Making, Professional Communication Skills, Report Preparation, and Correctional Law. The course is aligned with the State of Wisconsin DOJ Jail Academy requirements.

3.00
1050492000 Corrections Security Procedures
Description

Learners will demonstrate the steps involved in receiving and releasing inmates, maintaining security, and practicing the basic principles of supervision and behavior control. Topics include: admission, release, and search procedures; use of jail locking and surveillance equipment; principles of supervision; and inmate health management procedures. All procedures are consistent with the DOJ Jail Certifiability Standards. Covers DOJ topics introduction to POSC, admit and release inmates, inmate supervision and behavior control, supervision of special inmates/crisis intervention, maintenance of jail security, supervision of juveniles, and personal stress management.

3.00
1080410700 College Mathematics
Description

Designed to review and develop fundamental concepts of mathematics pertinent to the areas of arithmetic and algebra, geometry and trigonometry, probability and statistics. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, critical thinking and logical reasoning, making connections, and using calculators. Topics include performing arithmetic operations and simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities in one variable, solving proportions and incorporating percent applications, manipulating formulas, solving and graphing systems of linear equations and inequalities in two variables, finding areas and volumes of geometric figures, applying similar and congruent triangles, converting measurement within and between U.S. and metric systems, applying the Pythagorean Theorem, solving right and oblique triangles, calculating probabilities, organizing data and interpreting charts, calculating central and spread measures, and summarizing and analyzing data. Recommended: pre-algebra or appropriate placement scores. Prerequisite: Accuplacer Algebra score >=35 or ACT Mathematics score >=18.

3.00
1050492100 Corrections Emergency Procedures
Description

Learners will demonstrate the Principles of Subject Control (POSC) in a correctional environment with an emphasis on team tactics, and will develop the skills needed for mitigation of hostage-type situations. Learners will apply current fire science concepts to jail fire-prevention and response, including search and rescue, fire suppression, and use of safety equipment. This course will include DOJ topics POSC, jail hostage response, jail health care, jail fire safety, and CPR.

3.00
1080916600 Intro to Ethics Theory and Application
Description

Provides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and/or professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations.

3.00
1080917200 Introduction to Diversity Studies
Description

Introduces learners to the study of diversity from a local to a global environment using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Encourages self-exploration and prepares the learner to work in a diverse environment. In addition to an analysis of majority/minority relations in a multicultural context, the primary topics of race, ethnicity, age, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, and religion are explored.

3.00
Term 3
Course # Course Title Credits
3050450300 Overview of Criminal Justice
Description

Through classroom lecture and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises, students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following WI Department of Justice 720 Academy Phase I curriculum framework topics: Academy Orientation, Fundamentals of Criminal Justice, Ethics, Cultural Competency, Agency Policy, and Professional Communication.

1.00
3050450600 Overview of Investigations
Description

Through classroom lecture, on-campus lab, and WI Department of Justice 720 Academy integration exercises students will learn and apply skills addressed in the following Department of Justice 720 Academy curriculum framework Phase I topics: Constitutional Law I, Crimes I, Interviews, and Report Writing. The DOJ Phase I Written Examination will be administered in this course.

2.00
1050490200 Criminal Law
Description

Deals specifically with substantive criminal law which includes an understanding of acts or omissions, the mental state, and other essential elements, all of which combine to constitute a crime.

3.00
1050412900 Interviewing Techniques
Description

Describes the purposes and mechanics of conducting proper interviews and interrogations, as well as securing and recording confessions. Special emphasis is given to psychological and legal aspects of various interviewing techniques.

3.00
1055011000 Understanding Addiction
Description

This course provides information based on the history, changing trends, and concepts of chemical dependence. It also assists in examining the various types of addictions within current culture(s). Attention will be focused on the impact of society on these trends and depicts the biology of psychoactive drugs. The course will also Illustrate the etiology of addiction from the varying perspectives.

3.00
1050414000 Computer Utilization for Criminal Justice
Description

Introduces the learner to the use of computer and internet technologies available to the criminal justice practitioner. Students will learn the fundamentals of computer usage, internet research methods and resources, fundamental investigative techniques of cyber-crimes, and the specialized use of criminal justice software for crime scene reconstruction and suspect facial reconstruction.

3.00
Term 4
Course # Course Title Credits
1019616000 Leadership Qualities of Leaders
Description

This course covers the importance of effective leaders and leadership to the success of organizations. Students will explore the critical differences between managers and leaders.

1.00
1019616500 Leadership Emotional Intelligence
Description

This course introduces emotional intelligence and its importance in leadership. Leadership qualities and best practices are also covered. Students will assess their emotional intelligence level and leadership acumen and create action plans to leverage and strengthen these skills.

1.00
1019617000 Leadership Organizational Culture
Description

This class will cover what the leader’s role is in creating the optimal workplace. Students will learn the components of a great workplace and how to improve corporate culture. Students have the opportunity to assess their workplace and provide recommendations for strengthening.

1.00
1050415500 Careers in Corrections and Counseling
Description

This course is designed to help the student to explore careers in corrections and counseling that lay outside of the County Jail. Students will research careers in community corrections, extended supervision, counseling, federal level corrections, state level corrections and more. There will be three research projects that the students will complete through the term.

3.00
1052010500 Boundaries and Ethics
Description

This course will examine topics related to ethics and boundaries specific to the field of substance abuse. Students will review and examine the ethical code of substance abuse professionals. Learners will be able to incorporate these ethical standards into a thinking cycle to promote positive solution focused decision-making skills. These skills are evaluated through performance assessment tasks such as analyzing case study scenarios, personal reflection assignments, and in-depth classroom participation. Prerequisite: 1052010000 Introduction to Counseling (C or better).

3.00
1052010600 Methods in Social Casework
Description

This course will prepare the learner for implementing case management techniques used in substance abuse treatment. It will incorporate the twelve core functions of a substance abuse professional and demonstrate how these core functions are implemented in practice. Learners will have the ability to complete the intake process, a bio-psychosocial assessment as well as create individual and client centered treatment plans, coordinate care by making appropriate referrals based on AODA and Mental Health guidelines, and follow up with those referrals. Prerequisite: 1052010000 Introduction to Counseling (C or better).

3.00
1055011500 Family Systems and AODA
Description

This course examines the role of the family with regard to addiction. Additionally, the course introduces family systems theory and provides an overall foundation for understanding the dynamics of family interaction from an AODA perspective. Students will evaluate ethical and boundary issues which are common when working in substance abuse. Prerequisite: 1055011000 Understanding Addiction (C or better).

2.00

At A Glance

How You'll Learn

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On Campus

Term Start Dates

Summer 2024: May 6 Fall 2024: August 26 Spring 2025: January 13

Start dates represent the beginning of a new term. Certain programs or courses may not be available to start every term. Please view the course schedules for a list of upcoming classes or contact the Welcome Center at 715-365-4493.

Program Tuition*

$9,711

Books & Supplies*

$204

*Total cost for degree completion is estimated by current course requirements, books, and supplies. Tuition and fees are set by the Wisconsin Technical College System and subject to change.

Financial Aid Eligible

What You'll Learn

  • Examine the role jails and correctional facilities in the criminal justice system
  • Adhere to the professional code of ethics for a corrections officer
  • Examine the interrelationship between substance abuse, mental illness, and corrections
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of Corrections Officers in county jails
  • Apply professional communication skills
  • Interact effectively with coworkers and inmates

Transfer Opportunities

Take a look at our transfer agreements to seamlessly transfer your degree to a 4-year university.

Your Potential Careers

  • Correctional Officer

Median Annual Salary

$49,893 $42,682 $44,325
Local State National

EMSI 2020.1

Get Started

Your application can be submitted online, it takes just a few minutes to complete.

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