6 answers
Alexa
Student
Lone Tree, Colorado
1
Question
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What classes should I take in high school in order to help me with criminal justice?
What core classes should i focuses on.
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6 answers
Jesse Girgenti
Assist clients in working towards their financial goals and/or helping everyone obtain a home!
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Jesse’s Answer
While not all high schools have specific criminal-justice classes available, Sociology & Economics both look great on a resume when applying for employment in the Criminal Justice sector!
Thank you!
Alexa
Kevin Czora
Law enforcement
18
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Alexa,
As several have stated, there aren't many high school classes that focus on criminal justice. However, there are some very basic courses that will help you prepare for, and become an asset to a department.
First and foremost is English. 80% or more of your job will entail writing. Every call you go on will require at least some narrative writing. What and how you write your reports not only reflect on you as an officer, but will either help or hinder your future testimony. A well written, detailed report shows that you are a professional. It also will help you recall the events of that day years down the road when it goes to trial and you need to testify. I cant begin to tell you how often I would see police reports and have no clue what the officer did.
A foreign language is beneficial as well. Many departments have entrance exams for foreign language speaking candidates. It could set you apart from the flock. Spanish would be my first recommendation.
Athletics, especially team sports. Being a police officer is physically demanding. Being in top physical shape not only is beneficial for your safety and success in apprehension, but it also shows departments that you're a team player, and work well with others.
The last suggestion I would make is computer skills. Everything is digital now. Understanding how to dig into tech and knowing what your looking at can set you above others. Should you go into investigations, much of it revolves around internet and eletronic devices. Having that head start and understanding could go a long ways for your career.
I hope these help you in deciding what classes will help you the most. Congrats in picking a field that is both rewarding and community oriented. Best of luck!
Kevin Czora
As several have stated, there aren't many high school classes that focus on criminal justice. However, there are some very basic courses that will help you prepare for, and become an asset to a department.
First and foremost is English. 80% or more of your job will entail writing. Every call you go on will require at least some narrative writing. What and how you write your reports not only reflect on you as an officer, but will either help or hinder your future testimony. A well written, detailed report shows that you are a professional. It also will help you recall the events of that day years down the road when it goes to trial and you need to testify. I cant begin to tell you how often I would see police reports and have no clue what the officer did.
A foreign language is beneficial as well. Many departments have entrance exams for foreign language speaking candidates. It could set you apart from the flock. Spanish would be my first recommendation.
Athletics, especially team sports. Being a police officer is physically demanding. Being in top physical shape not only is beneficial for your safety and success in apprehension, but it also shows departments that you're a team player, and work well with others.
The last suggestion I would make is computer skills. Everything is digital now. Understanding how to dig into tech and knowing what your looking at can set you above others. Should you go into investigations, much of it revolves around internet and eletronic devices. Having that head start and understanding could go a long ways for your career.
I hope these help you in deciding what classes will help you the most. Congrats in picking a field that is both rewarding and community oriented. Best of luck!
Kevin Czora
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1698
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Alexa !
You have chosen a wonderful career plan and it's never too early to prepare for this.
I would suggest that you can take some classes in high school that would give you a foundation for being a Criminal Justice Major in college. You didn't mention the specific career in criminal justice that you wanted, but, in general, some of these courses would be Physical Education, psychology, health science, history, government, English and perhaps a foreign language. Always remember that if your high school doesn't offer psychology or any of the courses that I've mentioned, you can always read about those subjects in books or watch informative videos about the specific subjects or career you are interested in.
Not sure of your current age, however, once you turn 18, in Colorado you can go for Security Guard training and become certified in Security. Perhaps getting a part time job doing security work while you attend college would be a wonderful experience for you. Many security guards are retired police or state troopers. This training and experience will give you the feel for your observance skills, writing reports and help you with your specific future career.
Some of the positions you can obtain with your degree would be as an Air Marshal, Police Officer, Detective, Victim Advocate, State Trooper, a Probation or Parole Officer, Law Enforcement, Corrections, the court system or Court Administrator. Even though there are so many positions to choose from, the subjects I have mentioned to you would align with your future goal.
Something else you can do now is to call your local police department and ask if you can go on a Ride Along. There are age requirements based on specific Colorado towns and most require that one be age 18, but at Longmont Police Services the age is 14 and older. Check with your area police department to get a possible experience riding along which is actually a good shadowing experience. If the age is 18, you can always arrange to do it at that time.
In addition to taking high school classes, you can take criminal justice courses online. I have left a link below for you to see some of them that you might be interested in taking. You can also watch some criminal justice lectures to see what you may be studying in college. These will provide good insight and I have left a link below of some lectures you may enjoy.
Become familiar with your state and federal laws and read about the different branches of the federal government and what each branch does. I have left a link to a website below that may get you started. Also, while you are in high school, speak with someone about how you can run for class office. Student Council will be a rich experience for you and will sharpen so many important skills that you can take to college and your future career. You can run for Advisor, Class President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Student Committee.
So as you see, even if your high school may not have actual classes in or connected to criminal justice, there are so many other options. I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best in all you do !
FREE ONLINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COURSES https://courseconnected.com/free-online-criminal-justice-courses/
CRIMINAL JUSTICE LECTURES ON YOU TUBE [VIDEOS] https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Crminal+Justice+Lectures
COLORADO STATE LAWS https://leg.colorado.gov/laws
UNITED STATES BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT AND OTHER INFORMATION https://www.usa.gov/branches-of-government
You have chosen a wonderful career plan and it's never too early to prepare for this.
I would suggest that you can take some classes in high school that would give you a foundation for being a Criminal Justice Major in college. You didn't mention the specific career in criminal justice that you wanted, but, in general, some of these courses would be Physical Education, psychology, health science, history, government, English and perhaps a foreign language. Always remember that if your high school doesn't offer psychology or any of the courses that I've mentioned, you can always read about those subjects in books or watch informative videos about the specific subjects or career you are interested in.
Not sure of your current age, however, once you turn 18, in Colorado you can go for Security Guard training and become certified in Security. Perhaps getting a part time job doing security work while you attend college would be a wonderful experience for you. Many security guards are retired police or state troopers. This training and experience will give you the feel for your observance skills, writing reports and help you with your specific future career.
Some of the positions you can obtain with your degree would be as an Air Marshal, Police Officer, Detective, Victim Advocate, State Trooper, a Probation or Parole Officer, Law Enforcement, Corrections, the court system or Court Administrator. Even though there are so many positions to choose from, the subjects I have mentioned to you would align with your future goal.
Something else you can do now is to call your local police department and ask if you can go on a Ride Along. There are age requirements based on specific Colorado towns and most require that one be age 18, but at Longmont Police Services the age is 14 and older. Check with your area police department to get a possible experience riding along which is actually a good shadowing experience. If the age is 18, you can always arrange to do it at that time.
In addition to taking high school classes, you can take criminal justice courses online. I have left a link below for you to see some of them that you might be interested in taking. You can also watch some criminal justice lectures to see what you may be studying in college. These will provide good insight and I have left a link below of some lectures you may enjoy.
Become familiar with your state and federal laws and read about the different branches of the federal government and what each branch does. I have left a link to a website below that may get you started. Also, while you are in high school, speak with someone about how you can run for class office. Student Council will be a rich experience for you and will sharpen so many important skills that you can take to college and your future career. You can run for Advisor, Class President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Student Committee.
So as you see, even if your high school may not have actual classes in or connected to criminal justice, there are so many other options. I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best in all you do !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Laura Turkienicz
Consultant
23
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hello! Most high schools won't offer curriculum specifically designed for law enforcement. It's great that you are looking to get ahead. If possible, you can focus on Sociology & Economics.
Troy O
Police Supervisor
9
Answers
Pinole, California
Updated
Troy’s Answer
Hi Alexa,
It's commendable that you're planning ahead for your career and seeking ways to enhance your future prospects. The criminal justice field is competitive, it will serve you well to possess as many skills and as much knowledge as possible.
When choosing high school courses, I suggest that you maintain a broad perspective as the journey towards a career in Criminal Justice can be long and full of twists. I recommend enrolling in courses that could be beneficial for various career paths. Here are some things to consider:
- English, develop your reading comprehension and writing skills as much as possible.
-Foreign Language, choose a foreign language that is related to the population demographics you hope to work with.
-Political Science/Government, learn how government works.
-Chemistry/Biology, if you're interested in CSI or evidence.
-Computer Programming/Computer Science, computer forensics is growing quickly and used in most investigations,
-Team Sports, learn how to perform as part of a team with other people in high stress and demanding circumstances.
-Student Government, learn group dynamics in a business setting,
Best of luck! The Criminal Justice field is expansive and ripe with opportunities.
It's commendable that you're planning ahead for your career and seeking ways to enhance your future prospects. The criminal justice field is competitive, it will serve you well to possess as many skills and as much knowledge as possible.
When choosing high school courses, I suggest that you maintain a broad perspective as the journey towards a career in Criminal Justice can be long and full of twists. I recommend enrolling in courses that could be beneficial for various career paths. Here are some things to consider:
- English, develop your reading comprehension and writing skills as much as possible.
-Foreign Language, choose a foreign language that is related to the population demographics you hope to work with.
-Political Science/Government, learn how government works.
-Chemistry/Biology, if you're interested in CSI or evidence.
-Computer Programming/Computer Science, computer forensics is growing quickly and used in most investigations,
-Team Sports, learn how to perform as part of a team with other people in high stress and demanding circumstances.
-Student Government, learn group dynamics in a business setting,
Best of luck! The Criminal Justice field is expansive and ripe with opportunities.
Walter Ozeki
Retired law enforcement and current security professional
32
Answers
Honolulu, Hawaii
Updated
Walter’s Answer
Hello Alexa,
I hope this message finds you well. My top recommendation for you is to focus on mastering the fundamentals. It's true that most high schools don't offer a curriculum specifically designed for law enforcement. However, if your ambition is to delve into the practical aspects of law enforcement such as becoming a police officer, investigator, or agent, there are certain skills that are universally crucial in this field.
One such skill is reading comprehension. In law enforcement, you'll often need to sift through and understand a plethora of written materials such as ordinances, laws, policies, procedures, and court decisions. Hence, being able to comprehend what you're reading is of utmost importance.
Writing skills are another essential tool in your arsenal. You'll be required to write reports regularly, and these reports need to be accurate, concise, and well-structured. This is a significant part of any law enforcement job.
Basic math skills are also highly beneficial, especially if you're aiming for a specialized role. As you progress to college, you can then delve deeper into subjects like criminology, sociology, computer science, and cybersecurity. These subjects can be particularly helpful if you have specific areas of interest. Even biological sciences can be useful if you're interested in scientific investigations.
Education is always a valuable asset, but remember to keep an open mind when selecting your field of study. While my path led me to a career in law enforcement, it's important to remember that this profession isn't for everyone. Don't restrict yourself, as most law enforcement careers don't require a specific field of study. Being well-rounded is likely your best bet.
Best of luck on your journey!
I hope this message finds you well. My top recommendation for you is to focus on mastering the fundamentals. It's true that most high schools don't offer a curriculum specifically designed for law enforcement. However, if your ambition is to delve into the practical aspects of law enforcement such as becoming a police officer, investigator, or agent, there are certain skills that are universally crucial in this field.
One such skill is reading comprehension. In law enforcement, you'll often need to sift through and understand a plethora of written materials such as ordinances, laws, policies, procedures, and court decisions. Hence, being able to comprehend what you're reading is of utmost importance.
Writing skills are another essential tool in your arsenal. You'll be required to write reports regularly, and these reports need to be accurate, concise, and well-structured. This is a significant part of any law enforcement job.
Basic math skills are also highly beneficial, especially if you're aiming for a specialized role. As you progress to college, you can then delve deeper into subjects like criminology, sociology, computer science, and cybersecurity. These subjects can be particularly helpful if you have specific areas of interest. Even biological sciences can be useful if you're interested in scientific investigations.
Education is always a valuable asset, but remember to keep an open mind when selecting your field of study. While my path led me to a career in law enforcement, it's important to remember that this profession isn't for everyone. Don't restrict yourself, as most law enforcement careers don't require a specific field of study. Being well-rounded is likely your best bet.
Best of luck on your journey!