Criminal Justice

Training in criminal justice provides a broad range of career choices, with employment opportunities nationwide. Some common career possibilities include:

• Police Officer
  Provide safety and security to the general public.
• Security Officer
  Patrol and secure hospitals, corporate and university campuses.
• Probation Officer
  Help criminals meet the court’s requirements for their early release.
• Corrections Officer
  Work with inmates in a variety of jails and prisons.
• Insurance Investigator
  Investigate fraudulent insurance claims.
• Cyber Security Investigator
  Investigate computer crimes such as hacking.
• Evidence Tech
  Secure evidence from a crime scene.

Employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 3% from 2021 to 2031. The continued need for public safety is expected to lead to new openings for officers, although demand may vary by location.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics

Emergency Management
This certificate is designed for students pursuing their A.A.S. in Criminal Justice who wish to gain the understanding and experience needed to plan and respond to natural or manmade disasters. Learn versatile approaches by building an educational base of knowledge, professional development through structured learning, and essential responsibilities of preparedness, leadership, and planning. Enhance your skill set and become more marketable in the workforce with the Emergency Management Certificate. 

Upon program completion, the EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT students will be able to:

1. Emphasize the roles & responsibilities of the Incident Command System through Emergency Preparedness.
2. Increase strategic planning initiatives to foster community and organizational resiliency.
3. Influence interagency collaboration, emphasizing emergency management and leadership through public safety.
4. Embed a leadership culture within public safety.
5. Increase effective communication and leadership among community organizations.
6. Hands-on real-time training with immediate practical application
7. Cultivate long-term partnerships between community subject matter experts, practitioners, and academicians by integrating theoretical and practical knowledge.

Homeland Security
The Homeland Security certificate is designed for students pursuing their A.A.S. in Criminal Justice who want to enhance their skill set and become more marketable in the workforce.

Moraine Valley’s Homeland Security Certificate will give you a strong foundation in homeland security principles and allow you to compete more broadly for first responder and emergency planner positions. Our curriculum covers the roles of the emergency management system, including public health and private sector participants; legislation and civil liberties; intelligence gathering; risk assessment and prevention techniques; and counter-terrorism initiatives.

Local, state and federal agencies need well-trained people to provide guidance before, during and after crisis situations. Corporations also need to protect their property and staff and plan for possible threats to their business. Therefore, people with specialized knowledge in public safety are likely to be in high demand. This certificate will help you stand out.

Consider earning an Emergency Preparedness Certificate along with your Homeland Security Certificate at Moraine Valley to master all aspects of crisis management and safety. “Stacking” these certificates can provide you with an excellent hiring advantage.

Upon program completion, the HOMELAND SECURITY students will be able to:

1. Define and discuss local political concerns, governmental organizations, legal issues, record keeping requirements and the future of FEMA in disaster and recovery functions
2. Define NIMS levels 100 and 200 certifications and describe Blood-borne Pathogens Standards required by OSHA. 
3. Identify and describe Biological and Chemical Hazards and discuss decontamination principals. 
4. Develop plans utilizing best practices for Emergency management including Emergency Action Plans, defined exit routes, and basic evacuation principles. 
5. Discuss electrical safety standards, risks, and respiratory protection requirements for first responders. 
6. Define and identify structures to provide safety and security to accommodate modern technology and communication equipment. 
7. Discuss and develop working plans for mitigating threats, addressing natural disasters, and potential Pandemic threats. 
8. Define and discuss terminology related to Homeland Security.

Security and Loss Prevention
The Security and Loss Prevention certificate is designed for students pursuing their A.A.S. in Criminal Justice who want to enhance their skill set and become more marketable in the workforce. Loss prevention is an integral part of the security industry. This certificate program is designed to develop policies to prevent shoplifting, coordinate security for public figures, guard valuable property, or work as bodyguards.

Upon program completion, the SECURITY & LOSS PREVENTION students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the components of security services personnel and their role within the security services field.
2. Explain and discuss the history and evolution of the various areas of security services.
3. Explain and discuss the different processes in the collection and reporting of crime data in the United States.
4. Explain the roles and functions of administrators in each component of the criminal justice system.
5. Define terminology relevant to the criminal justice system and to the area of security services
6. Identify the various legal ramifications as they relate to security services.
7. Identify and discuss personal safety as well the safety to others regarding the use of firearms
8. Define and discuss the role of security personnel as they relate to law enforcement.

Moraine Valley is proud to be partners with the Cook County Sheriff Training Institute, Illinois Department of Corrections and North East Multi-Regional Training, Inc. For more information, please email Michael Espinoza at espinozam9@dos5.net.

If you’re looking for information regarding the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), please refer to this document to help you apply.

The Criminal Justice faculty have a wealth of knowledge and experience in both the classroom and the field. You will learn from a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about good teaching and ensuring high professional standards within the criminal justice field. Learn about the faculty by exploring the program's directory listing.