Catalog: 2011–2012 Catalog Year

Course Descriptions

Criminal Justice (CRJ)

Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service Division

CRJ 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice I

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Surveys the history, philosophy and functions of criminal justice system, law enforcement, criminal law and constitutional rights as they affect system functioning.

CRJ 102: Introduction to Criminal Justice II

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Surveys the adjudicatory process, adult and juvenile corrections functions within the criminal justice system.

CRJ 103: Communication Within the Criminal Justice Field

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: CRJ 101

Prepares the student to be able to communicate within the criminal justice field by introducing him/her to the five basic communication skills: report writing, non-verbal communication, basic public speaking, interviewing and interrogation skills, and courtroom testimony. * This class must be taken before attending the Western Nevada State Peace Officer Academy

CRJ 106: Introduction to Corrections

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: CRJ 101

Studies the history and development of correctional agencies, particularly prisons. Examines ideas influencing contemporary correctional institutions. Explores the relationship of the Department of Corrections to other criminal justice system components.

CRJ 109: Self-Defense

Units (Credits): 1–6; Prerequisites: none

Provides a course designed with the civilian in mind. Will allow all who complete it and follow its techniques to feel safe in most environments. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CRJ 120: Community Relations

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: CRJ 101

Analyzes the reasons and techniques for developing communication and understanding between the criminal justice system and various segments of the community.

CRJ 140: Elements of Supervision

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: CRJ 101

Addresses current trends in contemporary supervision within the criminal justice field. Covers the rights, obligations, and duties of line supervisors. Assesses the first line supervisor's role within the law enforcement agency.

CRJ 155: Juvenile Justice System

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: CRJ 101

Introduces the field of police work with juveniles. Focuses on juvenile crime problems and their causes, detention and processing of the juvenile offender, practices of the juvenile court, and case disposition.

CRJ 164: Principles of Investigation

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: CRJ 101

Examines the fundamentals of investigation: crime scene search and recording of information, collection and presentation of physical evidence, sources of information, scientific aids, case preparation, and interviews and interrogation procedures.

CRJ 205: L.E./P.O.S.T. Instructor Development

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none

Covers the fundamental skills needed for effective instruction in the law enforcement field. Learning methods, establishing training needs and objectives, overcoming stage-fright, non-verbal communication and methods of instruction will be presented. This course is primarily offered to police instructors, managers of law enforcement training and other personnel involved with any aspect of the training effort. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CRJ 211: Police in America

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: CRJ 101

Explores the historical development, roles, socialization, and problems of police work.

CRJ 214: Principles of Police Patrol Techniques

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: CRJ 101

Identifies community problems which require prevention, suppression or control using the basic methods of police patrol. A history of police patrol and survey of modern patrol tactics will be surveyed.

CRJ 215: Probation & Parole I

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: CRJ 101 & CRJ 106

Surveys the probation and parole system of the U.S. through its evolution to the present. Shows different systems within the U.S. and focuses on executive clemency, parole, rights of prisoners, probationers and parolees, and strategies for treatment.

CRJ 220: Criminal Procedures

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: CRJ 101

Examines the origin, development, and rationale of the structure and procedures of the American criminal justice system. Emphasizes arrest, search and seizure, confessions, and other related legal issues.

CRJ 222: Criminal Law and Procedure

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: CRJ 101 or consent of instructor

Provides an integrated overview of the elements of substantive criminal law and the fundamental concepts of due process and fairness underlying American criminal procedures.

CRJ 225: Criminal Evidence

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: CRJ 101, LAW 101

Examines the origin, development, philosophy, and constitutional basis of evidence. Covers constitutional and procedural considerations which affect arrest, search, and seizure.

CRJ 226: Prevention & Control of Delinquency

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: CRJ 155; Recommended: CRJ 101

Surveys and evaluates police programs designed to prevent juvenile delinquency. Covers techniques of enforcement related to control of delinquency, investigation procedures in individual delinquency cases, and methods of referral to related agencies.

CRJ 230: Criminal Law

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: CRJ 101, LAW 101; Recommended: CRJ 220

Examines substantive criminal law with particular attention to crime, intent, attempts, search and seizure, and the laws of arrest. Relates criminal law to the working police officer. Covers rights and duties of citizen and officer under criminal law.

CRJ 260: 911 Dispatch Emergency Telecommunicator Academy

Units (Credits): 12; Prerequisites: 4 hour sit-in in Dispatch Center (prior to class start date)

Focuses on the skills needed to become a dispatcher with law enforcement agencies, fire centers, trucking firms, taxicab companies, etc. During the 12-unit semester-long course, students will be required to spend 44 hours job shadowing dispatchers, fire fighters and law enforcement officers. They will attend law classes, build their communication and typing skills, and participate in practical scenarios. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CRJ 265: Introduction to Physical Evidence

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: CRJ 101 & CRJ 164

Surveys the forensic sciences to show their role in the use of physical evidence in matters of criminal and/or civil law. Focuses on the value of modern scientific investigations.

CRJ 266: Western Nevada State Peace Officer Academy

Units (Credits): 27; Prerequisites: CRJ 103 with a grade of B or better

Offers an academy which meets all Nevada requirements and is POST certified. Cadets who successfully complete the 30-week program will enhance their employability in attaining positions that require Category I certification (police, sheriffs, etc.); Category II certification (bailiffs, fire investigators, juvenile probation, etc.); and Category III certification (corrections, jailers, etc.). The 800-hour program includes classroom, practical application and physical training. The cadets will attend numerous law related classes, participate in defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations course, DUI investigations, accident investigations and fingerprinting. In addition, cadets will learn basic searching techniques, handcuffing methods, baton and firearms. Note: Non-transferable for an NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.

CRJ 267: Medicolegal Death Investigation

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: CRJ 164, CRJ 265 or consent of instructor

Explores the intricacies of investigating suspected homicidal, suicidal or accidental death, sudden unexpected natural deaths, deaths of concern of public health, and other matters coming under the jurisdiction of the coroner. Students may be required to witness and/or participate in a forensic autopsy.

CRJ 270: Introduction to Criminology

Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none; Recommended: CRJ 101

Examines how society interacts with crime and delinquency through the use of the criminal justice system. Studies effective interaction and communication between the general public and members of the criminal justice system. Emphasizes the understanding of criminal behavior from a sociological and psychological perspective.

CRJ 295: Work Experience - Corrections

Units (Credits): 1–6; Prerequisites: CRJ 101 or consent of instructor

Provides the student with on-the job, supervised and educationally directed work experience.

CRJ 296: Work Experience - Juvenile Justice

Units (Credits): 1–6; Prerequisites: CRJ 101 or consent of instructor

Provides the student with on-the job, supervised and educationally directed work experience.

CRJ 297: Work Experience - Law Enforcement

Units (Credits): 1–6; Prerequisites: CRJ 101 or consent of instructor

Provides the student with on-the-job, supervised and educationally directed work experience.

CRJ 298: Work Experience - Probation and Parole

Units (Credits): 1–6; Prerequisites: CRJ 101 or consent of instructor

Provides the student with on-the-job, supervised and educationally directed work experience.



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