8600: Introduction to Public Services (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 9-12)

The coexistence of any group of people anywhere in the world requires some form of governance administration or division of labor in order to maintain the existence of the group. The provision of these types of services by public service organizations deliver requires the full time attention of some members of the group.  This course provides an overview of the public services systems and examines the purpose, history, organization, approach, functions of these systems with a special emphasis on current issues, trends, successes and challenges from a population perspective. 

5600: Public Safety (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite: Introduction to Public Services

This course introduces students to careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, fire protection, emergency response services and other related career areas. It will prepare students for application as seniors to a possible Center of Excellence in Public Safety or, as high school graduates, to police and/or fire academies.

Students will learn about public safety careers through engagement in classroom and laboratory activities modeled after real-world work assignments, scenarios and problems. Strong emphasis will be placed on written and verbal communication skills, mathematics applications, problem solving, ethics, accountability and cultural diversity. Students will also learn how current courses they are taking apply to their future career aspirations. Professionals and postsecondary instructors will meet with students to discuss aspects of their respective careers and programs enabling students to make a more informed career choice. 

2407: Psychology (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 10-12)

This course is designed to assist students in gaining an appreciation of psychology as the science of studying and understanding human behavior.  Major units of study will include: the development of philosophies and methods used to gain insights into behavior, a study of the brain and nervous system, human psychological development, physchologic processes and psychological disorders.

2411: Sociology (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 10-12)

Sociology as the study of human behavior in groups is designed to acquaint the student with the types of groups we form, how we function in these groups and how we deal with social problems resulting from the interaction within and between these groups.  These topics are analyzed through sociological perspectives in order to evaluate various interpretations to explain why people behave the way they do.

8505: POLICE SCIENCE I (4 credits PAR @ Herndon, Gr. 11-12)    

Prerequisite: Minimum 2.0 GPA, 90% attendance record; reading, writing and math at a 10th grade level.

This course will provide students knowledge in the field of law enforcement/police science and prepare them for continuing education and ultimately, employment in a related field. This course is designed to acquaint the student with historical perspectives of law enforcement and a variety of criminal justice career fields, including but not limited to: Crime Scene Investigation, Law Enforcement, Police Science, Patrol Theories and Report Writing, Legal Studies, and Leadership Competencies. Course content may include the discussion and viewing of some of man's worst crime scenes. All are significant and vital to our past, present and future in the investigation of such crimes committed by our fellow man. The goal is to become increasingly aware of the social forces that shape our lives and gain insight into the many different aspects of law enforcement and how they influence society's views and opinions on how we deal with and handle the crimes of man. The atmosphere of this class is similar to a mini-police academy. Students will be expected to stand when an adult enters the classroom; they will participate in Roll Call and the Pledge each day. They will be expected to participate in Drill Procedures, learn to march in unison.

NEW: Emergency Medical Technician (4 credits PAR @ MCC-Blue River, Gr. 12)

Basic life support and emergency cae.  Signs, symptoms and procedures of field management for emergency medical situation.  Clinical observations.

2409: Introduction to Criminal Justice (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Police Science or Legal Communications II

The history, nature and function of the criminal justice system in America.  Special attention is given to the philosophical basis underlying this system and to the problems associated with crime control in a democratic society.  At each stage of the process, major issues confronting the system are examined.