Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Program
Prepare for a Career in Law, Justice, or Forensics
While there are hundreds of potential career opportunities in the law enforcement,
justice administration and forensics fields, each differ significantly in their specific
areas of expertise. Each job, though, from police officers, to security personnel,
public safety dispatchers and more, are essential in keeping local communities and
the country safe.
A degree or certificate in law enforcement, justice administration or forensics at
Harper College ensures students gain the necessary skills and requirements to be a
law enforcement officer or public safety dispatcher in the state of Illinois.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Arts (AA) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related major. Speak
with your advisor about the best courses to take to meet your academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Earn a career-ready degree
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to prepare you for immediate entry into this career field. Coursework
in the AAS may also prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university.
Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program. Many of Harper's certificates are stackable to a degree program through
additional coursework.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
degree/certificate programs. Each career profile offers a complete picture on the
local job market, including salaries, open positions, top local employers and more.
To learn more, visit our Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Careers page.
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local
laws to prevent or solve crimes.
Core tasks:
Check victims for signs of life, such as breathing and pulse.
Obtain facts or statements from complainants, witnesses, and accused persons and record
interviews, using recording device.
Secure deceased body and obtain evidence from it, preventing bystanders from tampering
with it prior to medical examiner's arrival.
Record progress of investigation, maintain informational files on suspects, and submit
reports to commanding officer or magistrate to authorize warrants.
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or
federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol
a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend
and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers
working at educational institutions.
Core tasks:
Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting
people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good
community relations.
Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical
injuries.
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Core tasks:
Supervise and coordinate the investigation of criminal cases, offering guidance and
expertise to investigators, and ensuring that procedures are conducted in accordance
with laws and regulations.
Prepare work schedules and assign duties to subordinates.
Investigate and resolve personnel problems within organization and charges of misconduct
against staff.
Direct collection, preparation, and handling of evidence and personal property of
prisoners.
Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations
to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private
establishment.
Core tasks:
Write reports or case summaries to document investigations.
Conduct private investigations on a paid basis.
Search computer databases, credit reports, public records, tax or legal filings, or
other resources to locate persons or to compile information for investigations.
Conduct personal background investigations, such as pre-employment checks, to obtain
information about an individual's character, financial status, or personal history.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Program News
Get the latest news and updates from the Harper Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
department.
Harper College Police Department joins NIPAS to enhance community safety
The agreement allows members of more than 100 police agencies to share equipment and personnel via a task force that responds to major civil disturbances.
Read More
