Criminal Justice (CJS)

This course examines an overview of the criminal justice system on the local, state, and federal levels in the United States. Students will be exposed to the historical, theoretical, philosophical, and practical perspectives of the system's police, court, and correctional agencies. The course is required and is a core class in the Criminal Justice major.

A study of the history, philosophy, and evolution of corrections as well as the function of U.S. jails and prisons. The course also examines the procedures used by state and federal courts that result in the sentencing of offenders to penal institutions and community-based supervision and treatment programs. Topics include plea bargaining, speedy trial, sentencing, prisoner's rights, victimization, and juvenile justice.

A study of the historical, philosophical, and legal basis of security. Emphasis on the role of security and the individual in modern society; and on the concept of professionalism. Course includes a survey of the administration, personnel, and physical aspects of the security world. 

A comprehensive examination of the public safety and law enforcement functions of government in a modern society. Topics covered include; evolution, history, and philosophy of the law enforcement function; the role of the police in a democratic and pluralistic society; police accountability, corruption and deviance; police operational principles and practices; and current problems confronting the police in their relationship to the community they serve. 

An introduction into the fundamental concepts of homeland security, emergency preparedness, and terrorist threats. This course provides an overview of all the important agencies associated with Homeland Security, and their interrelated duties and relationships. A historical perspective of events related to homeland security will also be examined. The principles and practices of emergency planning and management will be emphasized. In addition to technological and transportation implications, the most current and critical threats confronting Homeland Security will be examined.

An analysis of the challenges and benefits police encounter with their community. Students will become knowledgeable in practices which foster positive community relations and police-citizen communication. Students will be given the opportunity to study the police role in relation to sociological and psychological dynamics of the community.

This course will familiarize the student with the patrol function of police organizations, its importance and place within the agency, and its limitations. The various methods of conducting patrol, how to properly prepare for patrol duty, and the various tasks and procedures involved in properly performing patrol duties and responsibilities will be discussed. Students will apply concepts to mock scenario exercises.

The course is designed to serve those students interested in pursuing a career in the criminal justice professions and our seeking basic conversational skills in speaking Spanish. Lessons present typical everyday situations that professionals may encounter when dealing with Spanish speakers in a criminal justice setting. The course will introduce students to a practical vocabulary, everyday on- the-job situations, and the Hispanic culture.

This course provides a detailed overview of narcotics and drugs of abuse including history, identification, effects on the body, mind and behavior, as well as addiction and dependence. Current drug trends, including the legalization of marijuana and its effects, the opioid crisis, and the increased presence of transnational criminal organizations in the supply and trafficking of drugs into the United States will be examined. The evolving response of society and the criminal justice system including applicable law and enforcement tactics will also be explored.

This course provides an overview of law enforcements role and response to various tactical/hostile situations. Topic areas covered include initial response by patrol officers, functions of tactical teams, legal considerations, training and preparation, hostage negotiations and the responsibilities of command and control personnel. Students will have the opportunity to participate in mock scenarios and to interact with law enforcement personnel assigned to tactical units and to view tactical equipment.

This course provides a detailed overview of the various aspects of the police hiring process with an emphasis on preparation for the physical fitness testing component and the oral panel interview. The course will include both classroom instruction and completion of physical fitness assessments.

A comprehensive overview of the processes of interviewing and interrogation. Students will be introduced to a variety of interview and interrogation techniques and strategies. The course will cover interviewing and interrogation of witnesses, victims, suspects, and children. Students will perform mock interviews and interrogations to demonstrate their understanding of the course materials presented. Legal and ethical considerations involved will also be discussed.

This hands-on course will expose students to the fundamental skills necessary for analyzing, documenting, and processing a crime scene. Students will learn the proper methods for collecting and preserving physical evidence, as well the principles of crime scene reconstruction. The finale of the workshop will include the processing of a mock crime scene.

This hands-on workshop will expose students to the fundamental skills necessary for documenting, identifying, and developing latent fingerprints. Students will utilize both chemical and physical visualization techniques to include various fingerprint powders, magnetic powders, SPR, Cyanoacrylate fuming, iodine, crystal, and crystal violet.

The course is designed to provide students with an overview of the use of K-9's in law enforcement. Topics include training, patrol work, special detection, community relations, search and rescue, liability, K-9 psychology, and special care required for maintaining the health and wellbeing of the canine. Course will also illustrate the distinction between working dogs and pets.

This class will connect students to the world of the State of Connecticut's Department of Corrections. Students will be introduced to the DOC thru an interactive lecture and practical exposure that will consist of various correctional staff as guest speakers. Students will learn the historical origin of the DOC, and how it has progressed into current times. Students will also be introduced to the organizational structure of the DOC and how it operates to ensure public safety, staff wellness, and efficiency. Students will also be exposed to various correctional jobs to include Correctional Warden, Correction Officer, K-9 Unit, CERT Team, Gang Intelligence Unit, Security Division, and Parole and Community Services. It will also be arranged for the students to receive a tour of one of the correctional facilities.

This course provides a basic introduction to interview and interrogation. Students will be introduced to a variety of interview and interrogation techniques and strategies as well as ethical and legal considerations in interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects. The course will introduce students to the stages of an interview and focus on how to overcome suspect denials and objections in order to elicit confessions from those individuals involved in criminal behavior. Topics include how to build rapport, how to calibrate a subject's individual normative behaviors and how to detect deception. Students will perform mock interviews and interrogations in application of principles and best practices covered in the course.

Every wonder what in the world a person could be thinking? Students in this course will analyze and examine the mind of a serial killer. Students will begin by learning the basics of the criminal law system, from what happens from the time of the arrest to the time of prosecution and conviction. Students will then move into an examination of famous killers such as Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and Jeffrey Dahmer. Students will take an in depth look at the inner workings of the mind and what makes these killers tick.

Students will be exposed to famous contemporary criminal cases that have been prominent with the field of criminal justice. Additional focus will be on famous cases from Connecticut to include Michael Ross, Cheshire Home Invasion, CT Woodchipper, Martha Moxley, Yale Student, Cannibal in Bridgeport, William Howell, and many more. In the course, students would look at the elements of each case and the trials that ensued. Students will learn to differentiate between credible and valid sources of information, and the impact of the media on public perception of these cases.

This course introduces students to the field of digital investigations, its role and importance as well as the tools and techniques for collecting and curating digital evidence. It provides an overview of digital forensic methods including the tools and techniques used to perform investigations and the types of digital evidence that might be considered for various crimes. Legal considerations, career options and emerging trends are also examined.

Course provides a comprehensive examination of probation services, current practices, and policies for both juvenile and adult offenders. The course will consider local, state, and federal models for the delivery of probation services, as well as innovative and experimental approaches. Students will explore the functions and duties of probation officers, including pre-sentence investigations, risk assessments, strategies for supervision and counseling, community resource development, supervision of sexual offenders, addiction services, and alternatives to incarceration programs.

Examines intelligence analysis and its indispensable relationship to the security management of terrorist attaches, man-made disasters, and natural disasters. It also explores vulnerabilities of our national defense and private sector, as well as the threats posed to these institutions by terrorists, man-made disasters, and natural disasters. Students will discuss substantive issues regarding intelligence support of homeland security measures implemented by the US and explore how the intelligence community operates.

This course is a survey of domestic and international terrorism. And will examine the history of terrorist organizations and the underlying social, political, religious and nationalistic conditions that gave rise to these organizations. The governmental responses in different countries to these organization's activities will also be reviewed.

This course provides an introduction to the principles and concepts of criminology; analysis of the social context of criminal behavior, including a review of criminological theory, the nature and distribution of crime, the sociology of criminal law and the societal reactions to crime and criminals.

Examines the social aspects of juvenile delinquency and the factors that cause this behavior to emerge. The organization, functions and jurisdiction of the juvenile court system, as well as the processing, detention, case disposition and juvenile delinquency statutes are examined.

A close examination of how the juvenile justice process has evolved and expanded as society has sought to understand, control, and influence change in the delinquent behavior of children and youth.

A practical application of previously studied theories and methods in police management. Students will use group work, case studies and projects to theoretically interpret and apply data in management situations.

This course is an academic program that assists students with supervised placement into work experiences that are related to criminal justice. Under the supervision of the college and the host site, the student combines academic learning with work experience. Academic assignments will enhance the student's personal and career growth. The instructor will work with the student and employer to set individualized objectives related to job performance, personal development, problem solving, routine duties, and future career aspirations. Students work 100 to 120 internship hours or the equivalent. In addition to the work placement, students are required to participate and complete all academic requirements. A comprehensive research project may be substituted with permission of the instructor.

Special topics courses may be offered for 1 to 3 credits, depending on the content of the class. These courses are designed to expose students to a vast array of specialized topics within the field of criminal justice. Three, 1-credit courses can be bundled to fulfill a criminal justice directed elective requirement.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the United States Constitution, with emphasis on those amendments to the Constitution that affect the administration of justice and police power. This course will conduct intensive analysis of principles and theories that limit the authority and powers of state and local governments as well as a review of court decisions which interpret the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

A study of the act(s) and mental state(s) which make up the elements of a crime. The analysis of these criminal elements will allow exploration into a wide spectrum of criminal law including felonies and misdemeanors. This is not a course specifically addressing Connecticut laws, although they will be discussed in comparison with other state and federal court decisions, and the Model Penal Code.

This is a continuation of Criminal law I (CJS 2110). Students will engage in more in-depth study of crimes against the state and public administration, digital crimes, and federal criminal law. Topics regarding narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, white collar crimes, organized crime and RICO, terrorism, and immigration law will also be covered in this course.

A study of the U.S. Constitution particularly the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment, as they relate to the functioning of the criminal justice system. Emphasis will be placed on Individual rights, due process and civil liberties.

An introduction to the procedures and techniques of criminal investigations. Topics discussed include crime scene security/searches, collection and preservation of evidence, case preparation and testifying. The development of information sources, identification of witnesses, interview and interrogation, admissions, and case preparation are considered.

An Introduction to the problems and effects of arson, analysis of the chemistry of the fire scene, use of investigative and detection aids, photographs, measurements and diagrams; collection and preservation of evidence; methods of interviewing and interrogation; legal aspects of arson investigation.

This course will provide students with an overview of computer crime and the law enforcement response. Study includes an overview of the various types of computer crimes likely to be encountered in today's computer environment, as well as the methods of preventing, investigating, and prosecuting those crimes. Emphasis will be placed on electronic evidence, detection of computer crime as well as investigative and legal considerations in securing, seizing and examining electronic evidence and computer systems.

A comprehensive introduction to computer operations and computer system components with an emphasis on storage and retrieval of information for investigative purposes. Topics covered include basic operating systems, hardware, software, encryption, identification of evidentiary information, internet servers and websites, freeware, bulletin boards, file types and manipulations, spreadsheets and data bases. Students will develop the ability to assemble evidence for a criminal investigation process.

A study of how the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Physics meld to form the field of forensic science. The course will focus on developing the scientific vocabulary necessary for investigators to communicate with scientists. This course is meant to assist student who are pursuing a career in criminal justice. Emphasis of the course be placed on scientific analysis of data rather than detective work. Students will learn to appreciate how the major fields of science are utilized in solving crimes. Students may take either CJS/SCI 2260 or CJS/SCI 2850.  Students cannot earn credit for both of these classes.

This course focuses on the use of photography in criminal investigations. Students will explore techniques of locating and identifying evidence as well as the scientific application of photography to crime scene and evidence documentation with a focus on best practices and the use of technology. Students will gain experience documenting various types of crime scenes through photograph. Topics will also include computer image enhancement, documentation, and the admissibility of photographs as court exhibits.

This course is designed to give the student a working knowledge of computer security and data protection. Topics that will be covered include types of attacks on computer systems, risk analysis, strategies to counter these attacks and risks, internet security, hacking, and other criminal activity.

This course covers current information security practices and countermeasures put in place to safeguard against security breaches. The course reviews Internet infrastructures such as firewalls, IDS systems, and honey pots. Additional areas include risk analysis, computer-use policies, physical security, Internet/intranet security, Malware, firewall infrastructure, and current information security issues. Students will learn the tools and methods used by malicious individuals against networks and will develop skills to help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their systems.

This course will explore the skills necessary to process various crime scenes. Students will visit mock crime scenes and process these scenes in their entirety. Hands-on instruction will concentrate on teaching students to effectively secure the scene and document the scene with sketches and digital photography. Students will learn proper crime scene note-taking and diagramming techniques. Students will also actively engage in searching for evidence, collecting evidence, and creating chain-of-custody logs. Preparation for effective courtroom testimony will also be covered in this class.

This course will examine the definitions and laws pertaining to white collar crime, as well as the practice, procedure and strategy concerning white collar criminal investigations and prosecutions. It will also provide an overview of the legal defense of white-collar criminal cases. Topics addressed will include the criminology of white-collar crime, investigative techniques used to combat white collar crime, prosecutorial discretion, legal privileges, and common defenses. Indictments, sentencing and the goals of punishment will also be covered, along with a discussion of substantive law as it relates to specific types of white-collar crimes.

This course examines prison administration, including theories of leadership and management, institutional mission, and strategic planning. Students will apply organizational concepts, leadership, and effective administrative approaches to the management of correctional facilities and offender populations. Emphasis will be placed on staff organization and functions, managing security and programs in prison.

This course is an introduction to various concepts, principles, and techniques of counseling as applied by trained professionals in the correctional setting. Group methods, evaluation, and therapeutic Environments will be examined as a means of promoting the understanding of the counseling process. Discussions will include the various counseling models and the history of counseling in correctional institutions and the community.

This course will explore issues and policies in correctional counseling, counselor roles, work settings and challenges, offender classification and assessment, counseling processes, and therapeutic techniques. Current correctional approaches will be considered in examining how the correctional system addresses and balances the security and treatment needs of each individual from admission to release. Emphasis will be on the placement, treatment, community release and successful reintegration of the offender.

This course introduces students to historical, theoretical, and judicial processes in the development of community correctional programs and how they compare with traditional forms of correctional intervention. The emphasis will be on pre-trial diversion, halfway houses, probation, parole, drug, alcohol and self-help programs, recidivism, re- entry and the integration of evidence-based practices.

This course will examine the importance of cultural awareness within the criminal justice field as well as the intersections between diverse groups and the agencies, policies, practices, and actors of the criminal justice system. Issues such as bias, stereotyping, hate and prejudice will be discussed as well as the context structure of various cultures. Students will examine how cultural differences impact perceptions and relationships and identify barriers to cross-cultural communication. Factors such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, class, status, age, disability, religion and marginalized groups will be examined with respect to the contacts that criminal justice practitioners have with citizens, victims, suspects, and co-workers.

This course will introduce students to the concepts of fair and impartial policing and police legitimacy. Topics such as stereotyping, hate, and prejudice will be covered as well as the science of bias and the role of procedural justice in promoting fair and impartial policing practices. The course will also examine the relationship between procedural justice, police legitimacy, and police-community relations.

Introduction to the use of scientific inquiry in the criminal justice field. Topics will include the scientific approach to problem solving, problem and hypothesis formulation, principles of research design, knowledge of research strategies, conducting literature reviews, writing and presenting research ideas, and reading empirical reports.

This course introduces students to the complexities in the administration of modern law enforcement organizations by presenting and analyzing a variety of management styles and administrative techniques used in such organizations. Students will examine many of the internal and external factors that impact contemporary law enforcement organizations.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the major theories about interpersonal processes and their relevance to the problems within the criminal justice system. The course content flows from understanding the theories to techniques of interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on facilitating effective communication, sensitivity, decision-making and action planning in a multicultural society.

The course involves an identification and analysis of the diverse ethical issues and value conflicts encountered by law enforcement, court, and correctional personnel. Emphasis is placed on the function of personal and professional systems, the myriad factors that influence decision making by criminal justice professionals, and the societal, organizational, and legal consequences of unethical behavior.

This course emphasizes the practical aspects of gathering, organizing, and preparing written reports and other documents applicable to criminal justice professions. Student will practice the process and procedure of creating and completing successful professional documents in the criminal justice field, make use of the technologies commonly used for research and writing in the criminal justice field, and learn the convention of evidence, format, usage, and proper documentation.

Examination of the origin, growth and structure of organized crime and drug cartels. Organized street gangs, which can be defined as a criminal enterprise, and operate throughout the U.S. will also be explored.

The process of victim and offender mediation and reconciliation is examined in this course. The effectiveness of the process in the offender rehabilitation will be discussed. Topics to be discussed include conflict resolution, bringing the victim and offender together, restitution of losses, reconciliation, mediation, and conflict management.

This course provides an overview of the various applications of psychology to forensic settings and examines the psychological bases and dynamics of criminal behavior. Topics include landmark legal cases, careers in forensic psychology, forensic psychological assessment, police psychology, criminal investigation and profiling, legal consultation, dynamics of violence and victimology, eyewitness testimony, ethics and a variety of other areas within the criminal and civil justice systems.

A comprehensive course designed to acquaint the student with the many issues faced by victims of crime. Topics covered will include victimology, restorative justice, victim's rights, victim impact statements, costs of victimization and other issues central to crime victim assistance. Students will also gain an understanding of how to address the needs of crime victims and act as advocates for victim issues.

Provides an overview of modern border and transportation security challenges, as well as different methods employed to address these challenges. The course covers the time period post September 11, 2001 to the present. The course explores topics associated with border security and security for transportation infrastructure, to include; seaports, ships, aircraft, airports, trains, train stations, trucks, highways, bridges, rail lines, pipelines, and buses. The course will include an exploration of technological solutions employed to enhance security of borders and transportation systems. Students will be required to discuss the legal, economic, political, and cultural concerns and impacts associated with transportation and border security. The course provides students with a knowledge level understanding of the variety of challenges inherent in transportation and border security.

This course is an overview of the American federal and state criminal court systems. The course will identify the roles of judicial officers and provide a comprehensive outline of criminal trial processes from pretrial to sentencing. Emphasis will be placed on constitutional law, motion practice, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and the Connecticut criminal court system.

A study of how the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Physics meld to form the field of forensic science. The course will focus on developing the scientific vocabulary necessary for investigators to communicate with scientists. This course is meant to assist student who are pursuing a career in criminal justice. Emphasis of the course be placed on scientific analysis of data rather than detective work. Students will learn to appreciate how the major fields of science are utilized in solving crimes. The laboratory component will provide hands on opportunities to integrate scientific methodology as it relates to criminal justice and the limitations of scientific testing. Students may take either CJS/SCI 2260 or CJS/SCI 2850.  Students cannot earn credit for both of these courses.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the various employment opportunities within the criminal justice field, as well as the requirements associated with obtaining different types of criminal justice employment. Topics covered include; how to complete a job search, resume writing, interview skills, ethical decision- making and stress management. Students will learn how to maximize their performances in written, physical agility, oral interview, and background investigations and will also be provided with an overview of the polygraph, psychological, and medical screening phases common to many criminal justice professions. Students will complete mock interview exercises and will be exposed to current professions in the field through guest lectures and job shadow opportunities.

This course exposes students to the contemporary issues that impact the functions, and organization of Criminal Justice agencies in the United States with an emphasis on the use of research methodology in examination of issues. Topics in the course includes issues such as: racial profiling, torture, capital punishment, gender, social stratification, social class, politics, and use of force. The focus and content of the course will change each year to reflect the changes in political and social thought and their impact on public policy.