CJ - Criminal Justice

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the Criminal Justice System, with emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of the police, courts, and corrections. It explores the impact of the three branches of the government at the federal and state levels. Federal and State Constitutional rights of the accused and the roles of key players in the judicial process are studied. This introductory course provides a solid foundation of the United States Criminal Justice system and provides a historical context for the examination of currents trends and developments in the field.

This course provides an introduction to the historical and scientific background of fire protection services in the United States. Topics include fire service terminology; duties and responsibilities of firefighters; fire equipment use and function; and the responsibilities of fire service agencies within government and the private sector. Employment and promotional opportunities are also explored.

This course examines contemporary security practices, the history, the philosophy, and the legal authority of private security, the role of private security, and the selection and training of professionals in Criminal Justice and Public Safety systems. Topics include:  protection theory, the security survey, functional security activities, structural security and design, and fire protection and safety planning as they apply to specialized settings.

This course examines the history, structure, organization, and authority of the legal justice system in the United States. Students learn about the evolution of law and legal systems. Topics include jurisdictional issues, the appellate process, and the Constitutional rights of citizens in the civil and criminal process.

This course is an introduction to cyber crimes, which includes the history as well as ethical and technological considerations. Students learn the different types of cybercrimes (identity theft, cyber-bullying, financial fraud, intellectual property, and child exploitation). The course examines of the importance of data evidence collection and the ways technology serves as a contributory tool in facilitating this crime.

This course is an introduction to the history, theory, and practice of the substantive criminal law. It examines the sources of law, legislative responsibilities, major elements of statutory offenses, and their application in the criminal justice process. The New York State Penal Code is emphasized.

This course introduces students to the various components of family law, examining the following:  matrimonial law, family offenses, child protective proceedings, parental rights, and adoption. The expansion of the legal definition of a family, legal rights and protections are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the statutory provisions from the Domestic Relation Law and Family Court Act.

This course is a study of American penology—the study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation—in a sociological context. In addition, it examines the major issues that have helped shape the landscape of American Corrections. This includes a discussion of current treatment modalities, inmate subcultures, prison management, and sentencing trends. The course explores the use of alternatives to incarceration and the latest trends in prisoner re-entry.

This course examines the application of relevant United States and state constitutional requirements and restrictions on the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses. Major topics include the laws of arrest, the rules of search and seizure, the use of force, and interrogation practices. Attention is paid to various aspects of the investigation and judicial process, the concept of due process, and rights afforded to the accused.

This course examines the police patrol function in detail, including the types of patrol and its applications as well as ethics, strategies, and procedures. Specific patrol activities and duties are emphasized including crime response and prevention, medical emergencies, community relations, communication skills, and report writing.

This course examines the history of policing in New York City from 1625 to the present. Students learn the evolution of security forces in NYC from the Shout and Rattle Watch, through the transformation of the Municipal and Metropolitan Police Departments into the modern NYPD. Newsworthy events, high profile cases, and their impact on the reformation of the NYPD are discussed.  

This course is an introduction to the history, theory, and practice of criminal investigation. The course examines evolution of the investigative process, basic procedures, and the ethical and appropriate use of investigative practices. Topics include crime scene procedures, securing, documenting, collecting, and preserving physical evidence, locating and interviewing witnesses, developing an investigative plan, follow up procedures, the role and limitations of the crime lab, identification practices, and case preparation. Students examine investigative practices for burglaries, larcenies, auto theft, and similar crimes.

This course examines the relationship between the components of the criminal justice system and the communities they serve. Contemporary approaches to crime reduction are also discussed. Various community concerns are explored. Issues that prevent a cooperative environment, as well as the internal and external barriers to such relationships are examined in detail. Emphasis is placed on developing community awareness of criminal justice agencies, utilizing resources to engage in problem solving with citizens, and promoting community crime prevention initiatives.

This course examines the purpose and functions of ethics in society, the sources of ethical conflicts in the criminal justice system, and appropriate resolutions. Students address personal and professional value systems, ethical standards, and ethical-decision making. Emphasis is placed on individual responsibility and accountability to society.

This course is a comprehensive examination of managing the risk and liability of public and private events. With theoretical and practical procedures and scenarios, students learn how to recognize, manage, and limit risk in venues that vary in size and scope. The importance of coordination among governmental and private resources is examined, along with elements of overall security and safety.

This course provides an overview of the many issues surrounding women in the criminal justice system. Students gain a historical perspective of women as offenders, victims/survivors, and criminal justice professionals. Relevant criminological theories that explain female patterns of criminal behavior, victimization, and the effects of labeling are also examined.

This course examines the specific aspects of public administration as they apply to correctional organizations. Topics include: the principles of effective management and leadership; models for the organization and administration of correctional agencies and their services; and internal and external accountability. Students learn the specific body of law that governs corrections and how the law protects the rights of inmates and Criminal Justice professionals. 

This course examines counseling services, methods, and strategies used in the correctional system including probation and parole services. Topics include the role of counseling in the rehabilitation process, classification and evaluation of offenders, risk assessment, the counseling process and crisis intervention. Issues including anger management, responsibility training, behavior modification, and counseling techniques are explored.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the trial process. Emphasis is placed on the importance of witness statements, police reports, medical records, as well as other documentation in trial practice. Students are taught how to effectively conduct each phase of the trial process, including pre-trial motions, opening statements, direct examination, cross examination, and closing statements through mock trial presentations and proceedings.

This course examines the history, tradition, and philosophy underlying the United States justice system and court structure at the federal, state, and local levels. Students learn the roles of the judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, defense attorneys, defendants, plaintiffs, jurors, and victims who are involved in case outcomes. The impact of public opinion, public policy, and future trends of the nation’s court systems are also examined.

This course develops the basic skills and techniques necessary for physical fitness as it relates to law enforcement careers. This physical fitness training and conditioning adequately prepares the student for the physical agility law enforcement entrance examinations. Emphasis is placed on aerobic and anaerobic exercises, diet and nutrition, foot pursuits, arrest techniques, and strengthening exercises. 

This course develops the basic skills and techniques necessary for law enforcement officers to control resistance from aggressive subjects. It focuses on non-lethal tactics that include anaerobic exercise, pressure point control, impact weapon techniques, tactical handcuffing, handgun disarming, and other defensive maneuvers.

This course offers students the opportunity to apply learned theory in a practical setting. Placements include police agencies, para-professional positions in probation, correctional counseling, juvenile facilities, or in custodial and non-custodial correctional facilities, detention centers, and similar agencies.

This course serves as a culmination of knowledge acquired at the associate level for the Criminal Justice major. The course synthesizes the academic theories studied with a practical application of critical and contemporary issues. The course provides a framework for the student to identify potential career opportunities within the criminal justice field. Students develop career portfolios, practice interview techniques, and learn how to apply these skills in real life experiences.

This course introduces students to contemporary issues affecting the criminal justice system. Topics will vary according to current events and may range from gun control and prison violence, to police corruption, racial profiling, and other issues affecting communities. Students, working individually or in groups, present their research findings in both oral and written formats.

This course is a comprehensive examination of domestic and foreign terrorist threats and the governmental responses to those threats. Students learn about the recent history of attacks against United States of America, the formation of the Department of Homeland Security, its functions, and the Patriot Act. Terrorist organizations, threat assessment, and intelligence agency activities are examined. Joint efforts of the role of government and private sector in the fight against terrorism are explored. Case studies and best practices are reviewed.

This course examines the history of illegal drug activity in the United States and its impact on the nation's economy, health system, and criminal justice system. Students learn about the National Drug Policy, the national war on drugs, the international drug trade, and current law enforcement tactics. Drug user profiles, current treatment modalities, and new treatment strategies are also explored.

This course is an introduction to the application of the scientific method and the principles of contemporary science to criminal investigation. Students explore how forensic experts apply scientific principles and methods to the analysis, identification and classification of physical evidence in criminal cases.

This course offers a historical and contemporary analysis of organized crime and gangs in America, exploring their origins, components, structures, and activities. Topics include the traditional and emerging organized crime groups, current gang organization, structure and the influences to form gangs and organized crime groups, as well as the impact of the organized criminal activities on American social, economic, and political life. 

This course examines domestic violence, its causes, and its effects on society. Students explore issues related to domestic violence, intimate partner violence, the cycle of violence, as well as intervention techniques. Using case studies, students also explore the culture and legal concepts associated with domestic violence.

This course examines the use of computers to commit crimes including identity theft, hacking, online auction fraud (EBAY, Craig's List), credit card fraud, and child pornography. The focus of this course is the unlawful use of the computer, computer programs and software to facilitate crimes initiated on the Internet. The course explores forensic examination of computers and computer programs for the recovery of evidence.

This course examines current issues of race, gender, social class, sexual orientation, and religion as they affect the criminal justice system. The myths and realities of criminality and victimization are addressed, as well as the impact of these issues on the internal structure and operational practices of the criminal justice system. Special emphasis is placed on police and correctional services.

This course is an introduction to the theories, principles, and practices of disaster management with an emphasis on the roles and functions of key governmental agencies in natural and man-made disasters. It explains emergency planning and preparedness, mitigation, disaster management in the private sector, response and recovery, and interagency cooperation. Relevant case studies and legal issues are examined.

This advanced course in criminal investigation integrates and expands concepts introduced in Criminal Investigation and Criminal Procedure. Students examine homicide investigations from the crime scene through the prosecution process. Specific topics include crime scene processing, forensic examinations, interviewing and interrogation, identification procedures, investigative planning, documentation and report writing, search and seizure issues, court preparation, and testimony.

This advanced course in criminal investigation focuses on the investigation and prosecution of sexual abuse crimes. Students examine the investigative process from the crime scene through the judicial process. Specific topics include crime scene processing, forensic examination, scientific evidence, and interview techniques of victims of sex crimes. The course focuses on the psychological effects of victimization, and the care and treatment of victims. The pathology of sexual offenders, identification procedures, relevant legal issues, investigative planning, court preparation, and testimony are also addressed.

This course is an introduction to the appropriate processing of crime scenes including securing the scene, evidence collection, integrity and the interpretation of evidence. Blood stain pattern analysis, injury patterns, patent friction ridge imprints, DNA laden substratum, and tool-mark impressions, and other forensic evidence are discussed.

This course is an introduction to various areas of forensic psychology and how forensic psychologists contribute to the legal system. Students are introduced to the methods used by forensic psychologists to explain behavior. This course examines the aspects of clinical, neurological, and counseling psychology. Special attention is paid to serial offenders and what motivates their behaviors.

This course is an introduction to the standard social science research designs and methodologies as they apply to criminal justice. The interpretation and uses of scientific data in criminal justice, the analysis of research results regarding crime data, offenders, crime patterns, and related issues are addressed. Topics include introduction to the scientific method, the development of hypothesis and research questions, research design, basic research techniques, sampling, reliability and validity, and the evaluation of findings. Standard surveying techniques are emphasized. Students develop original research projects.

This course exposes students to criminal justice positions that require a bachelors degree for entry-level employment. Students spend a minimum of 100 hours over the course of the semester in a field placement suitable to their career interests, under the guidance of their course instructor and the supervision of the agency’s representative. Placements may include positions in federal law enforcement agencies, U.S. Probation Department, the New York City and New York State Department of Investigations, prosecutors' offices at the county and federal levels, United Nation's Security Services, counseling and case management in correctional facilities, courts, probation services, and similar agencies. Students meet periodically with the instructor to assess progress, share individual experiences, and develop skills necessary for finding and obtaining employment. This course is required for all bachelors level students.

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a corporate experience. Students prepare for their professional career, gaining practical experience while being immersed in a corporate setting. Students are required to complete 320 hours at a corporate internship setting.

This course examines the critical attributes of effective leadership in the criminal justice system. This course provides students with a conceptual and theoretical basis upon which to evaluate criminal justice administration and management.  

This capstone course provides senior students with the opportunity to analyze, integrate, and synthesize the knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills gained in their major program of study. The course also focuses on applying major criminal justice theories that have contributed to an understanding of deviant, delinquent, or abnormal behaviors and crime. Students demonstrate their ability to successfully analyze, evaluate, and interpret issues through a large-scale research project and a presentation of their findings. Additionally, this course serves as a bridge for either entry-level positions in the criminal justice field or graduate studies.