Program Instructor:
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Mark ChasePhone Number: (802)885-8327Email:
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General Program Description:
Criminal Justice students discover the history, organization, and function of local, state, and federal law enforcement. They learn to utilize communication skills in creating, conveying, and interpreting information and ideas. Students propose solutions to address problems associated with law enforcement, study court cases, determine the impact of court decisions, and analyze procedural and substantive criminal laws that look into reasonable suspicion and probable cause. Students learn fingerprinting and how to process a crime scene using dusting procedures. Guest speakers, field trips, and the use of industry-specific equipment and supplies are an essential part of the curriculum. Students become acquainted with legal concerns associated with a criminal investigation, gain knowledge of terminology and investigative procedures related to a crime scene, as well as questioning, interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, and truth detection. They develop skills to evaluate body language, gestures, and verbal tone. Students study law enforcement procedures pertaining to alcohol laws and driving under the influence. By merging classroom lectures with practical exercises students come to understand various investigative procedures in Criminal Justice and the law.
Criminal Justice is the framework to the inner mechanisms of the three significant criminal justice functions in the United States, Courts, Corrections, and Law Enforcement. This course will give the students an overview of policing in America, the historical development of policing worldwide and locally, and the implementation of community-based policing and criminal investigations. The course will discuss and explain the prosecution, disposition, and incarceration of those suspected of committing criminal offenses along with focusing on the realities of enforcement and the apprehension of criminals at the federal, state, and local levels.
Throughout the two years, an emphasis will be placed on developing reading, writing, and interpersonal communication skills, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Students will interact with members of law enforcement, corrections, and the court system and they will be able to learn from their know-how. Careers in each area will be explored and students will learn more about the expectations and training required for various career options in the criminal justice field.
Program Highlights:
- Students can convert nine (9) FEMA EMI Independent Study courses into college credit from Frederick Community College.
- Class Instructor and guest instructors with real-world experience in their field.
- Internship opportunities with different area of criminal justice agencies.
- Students have the chance to assist in the training of new law enforcement officers at the Vermont Police Academy by participating in role-playing exercises.
Criminal Justice Level I
Credit: 3-4 elective credits
Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12
Prerequisites: None
Scheduled Class Time: Full-year; 2 hours per day 7:45 AM to 9:45 AM
Highlights:
Level One Criminal Justice students complete practical applications, classroom learning, and technology, a solid introduction to the different functions within the criminal justice field.
Criminal Justice Level II
Eligibility: Students in grades 11 and 12
Prerequisites: Signed medical release
Scheduled Class Time: Full-year; 2 hours per day 11:40 PM to 1:40 PM
Highlights: Level Two Criminal Justice students learn the many subsystems within the criminal justice system with an emphasis on criminal investigation. Upon completion of this two-year program, students will be prepared to enter a post-secondary criminal justice program.
Post Secondary Opportunities:
- Associate of Science (A.S.) - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Pre Law - Government- Criminal Justice
Career Opportunities:
- Police Officer
- Detective
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Corrections Officer
- Parole Officer
- Fish and Game Warden
- Lawyer
- Paralegal
- Victims Advocate
- Court Clerk
- Investigator
- Security Guard
Dual Enrollment / Postsecondary Agreements:
Frederick Community College
Prerequisites: During the two years in the Criminal Justice program, students will take a number of online self-paced courses through the FEMA/EMI Independent Study. Upon successful completion of each of these courses, students will receive an Industrial Recognized certificate. It is possible for students to earn transferable academic credit for completion of Independent Study courses into college credit through an agreement with Frederick Community College (at student expense).
Embedded Academic Credit: Social Studies (Vermont students only)
Industry Recognized Credentials:
- Guardian Accord Workshop - FEMA
- Hazardous Materials Prevention - FEMA
- Active Shooter: What You Can Do - FEMA
- Surveillance Awareness: What You Can Do - FEMA
- Protecting Critical Infrastructure - FEMA
- National Incident Management System - FEMA
- Multi-hazard Emergency Planning for Schools - FEMA
- Radiological Emergency Response - FEMA
- Effective Communication - FEMA
- Introduction to Incident Command System - FEMA
- ICS for Single Res. & Initial Action Incidents - FEMA
- Emergency Response - FEMA
- ICS for Law Enforcement - FEMA
- Workplace Violence Awareness - FEMA
- Decision Making and Problem Solving - FEMA
- Radiological Emergency Management - FEMA
- Introduction to Haz-Mat - FEMA
Vermont Career Technical Education (CTE) Program Critical Proficiencies
Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Emergency and Fire Services CTE Programs
Pre-Tech Foundational CTE Programs
Program Advisory Members and Organization:
- Scott Richardson - Springfield Fire Department (Deputy Chief)
- William Daniels - Weathersfield Police (Police Chief)
- Walter Morency - Springfield Police (Police Chief)
- Mark Fountain - Springfield Police (Police Chief)
- Jeffrey Billings - Ludlow Police (Police Chief)
- Marcello D’Alessandro - SRO Hinsdale
- Richard Cloud - Chester Police (Police Chief)
- Thomas Williams - Vermont State Police (Sergeant)
- Michael Ruse - Vermont DMV (Investigator)
- Ladd Wilbur - Vermont Liquor Control (Investigator)
- Paul Stagner - Springfield Fire (Captain)
- Kelly Ryan - Springfield School District (Special Ed Director)
- Jennifer Dodge - Springfield School District (English Teacher)
- Kim McLeod - Vermont Liquor Control (Investigator)
- Steve Waldo - Vermont Liquor Control (Investigator-Ret.)
- Robert Kelcey - Springfield PD (Detective)
Program Links:
Student/Parent Quotes:
“This class makes you look at yourself as a human being and helps you discover who you want to be.”
“This class taught me about the different opportunities within the criminal justice field.”
This class has brought out the best in me. This is one of those times that I will never forget.”
Pre Tech Foundations/Intro Course Description - Springfield High Only
Introduction To Criminal Justice
½ credit
Instructor: Mr. Alvarez
The elective will be an introductory course in forensic science. The primary focus is on practicing forensic science and analyzing physical evidence found at crime scenes. Students will be taught the basic processes and principles of scientific thinking so as to apply them to solving problems that are related not only to a criminal investigation but to all disciplines.