Des Moines Area Community College.

Criminal Justice Skills Guide

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

  • *Basic Math
  • Speech
  • *Psychology
  • *Intro. Algebra
  • *Sociology
  • Keyboarding
  • *Composition
 

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Reading

Reading materials in the program include textbooks and articles from appropriate journals. Textbooks are generally written at the college level. The courses are generally based on both text material and lecture material, which are separate from one another. Tests are based on a combination of text and lecture. On the job, reading material includes current journals, specific procedures manuals, and regulations handbooks.
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Language

Speaking activities in the program include oral presentations and participation in mock interviews. On the job, interpersonal communication skills on a one-to- one level are essential. Approximately 95% of the time spent on the job is speaking with "subjects." If working in a small town, the student may, in the interest of public relations, be asked to speak before various civic groups.

Writing in the program includes taking essay tests and writing one or more research papers. On the job, report writing skills are important; many varied forms must be filled out, which are legal documents, and must be completed accurately.

Required English courses: Composition I (ENG 105) and Composition II (ENG 106) or Composition II: Technical Writing (ENG 108)

Fundamentals of Oral Communication (SPC 101) or Interpersonal and Small Group Communications (SPC 126)

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Math

To complete the AA or AS degree, students must take a college-level math course, typically Finite Math (MAT 141), which has introductory algebra as a prerequisite. In program course work, students will use little if any math but may use basic arithmetic skills in their core or elective courses. If employed by a small town, basic math skills will be used in traffic accident investigation to take measurements and evaluate formulas.

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Learning

Students must enter the program with strong general thinking skills, which are then refined and applied in a criminal justice setting to solve problems with reasonable and legal solutions. It is important to be open-minded, know what evidence will be needed to get a conviction, and be able to search tenaciously for appropriate evidence. Criminal justice is basically a social work organization. Therefore, on the job, it is important to be able to analyze situations quickly and apply problem-solving skills and communication skills to diffuse stressful and dangerous situations, such as domestic abuse.

View more information on learning skills in the Criminal Justice program.

Computer

Although computer skills are not required by the program, they are helpful. Students are expected to submit typed papers, and on the job, they must type reports.

View more information on computer skills in the Criminal Justice program.