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Career options 
Prepare for a career in law enforcement and justice administration with this 61-credit-hour degree program. This is an ideal program for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the law enforcement field. The program also meets the specific entry-level requirements for becoming a law enforcement officer in the State of Illinois.
Take courses in criminal justice, criminal law, juvenile justice, forensics, corrections, patrol procedures, organized crime and more. All classes are taught by expert instructors who have practical knowledge and experience in their respective fields.
This 61 credit-hour program is designed to serve the needs of individuals who are seeking a career in law enforcement and to meet the specific entry-level requirements to be a law enforcement officer in the State of Illinois.
This multi-disciplinary curriculum provides a general education as well as specialized training. Students who successfully complete the initial 30-31 credit hours of this program may continue on with the law enforcement career track (Year 2).
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
First Semester | Hours | |
| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 |
Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options. https://www.harpercollege.edu/testing/english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with a grade of B or better and required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with a grade of B or better and required reading placement test score. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
Description: Studies the history, role, development, and constitutional aspects of law enforcement and public safety. Review of agencies and functions involved in processes of administration of criminal justice. IAI CRJ 901 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 116 | Forensics I | 3 |
Description: Introduces student to the use of scientific disciplines in crime investigation. Identifies the variety of sources of evidence and the means by which comparative analysis can be made. Introduces student to probability theory. Develops skills in crime scene technology, fingerprinting, photography and recording. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology + | 3 |
Description: Analysis and description of the structure and dynamics of human society. Application of scientific methods to the observation and analysis of social norms, groups, intergroup relations, social change, social stratification and institutions. IAI S7 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Second Semester | ||
| LEJ 201 | Criminal Law | 3 |
Description: Examines local, state and federal criminal law. Topics include a definition of the crimes, their elements, and attendant circumstances and related defenses. Prerequisite: LEJ 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 205 | Juvenile Justice | 3 |
Description: Examines organization, jurisdiction and functions of juvenile agencies. Juvenile court movement, juvenile detention, processing and treatment. Statutes and court procedures for juveniles. Problems of juvenile delinquency, theories of causation and prevention programs. Police responsibilities and contacts, current community, state and federal prevention programs. IAI CRJ 914 Prerequisite: LEJ 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| PHI 101 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
Description: Introduces the student to reasoning in a language-centered context. Students will learn how to identify arguments and distinguish them from other types of discourse. Some topics covered will be: evaluating claims, recognizing informal fallacies, problem solving, evaluating media. Students will also learn how to cast issues in a neutral manner to recognize and appreciate a variety of perspectives, and to argue for and against more than one perspective on an issue. The focus of this course is on everyday practical reasoning. IAI H4 906 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology + | 3 |
Description: Investigates human and animal behavior with an emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
Third Semester | ||
| LEJ 104 | Corrections | 3 |
Description: Provides the student with an integrated knowledge about the system through which the criminal offender is processed. Emphasis will be placed upon the philosophical bases of punishment and treatment techniques in institutional community-based programs plus parole programs. IAI CRJ 911 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 135 | Patrol Procedures | 4 |
Description: Introduces techniques and procedures used by police in job-related activities. Includes discussion and practice in areas such as vehicle stops, initiating investigations, responding to calls, building checks, emergency situations, crowd control and report preparation. Prerequisite: LEJ 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 210 | Criminology | 3 |
Description: Examines the nature and extent of crime in American society, theories of crime causation and control of criminal behavior. IAI CRJ 912 Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 214 | Community Policing | 3 |
Description: Examines issues in community policing with emphasis on the concept of public and community relations as well as police involvement in community problems. Stresses the role of the police in maintaining public order and safety as a member of the community and in partnership with other community constituencies. Prerequisite: LEJ 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 216 | Investigative Process | 3 |
Description: Studies the art of investigation to reconstruct facts and circumstances of any event. Prepares students to plan and execute investigations commonly performed in civil and criminal work with concentration on obtaining direct evidence through interviewing, interrogation, observation and the use of documents and records. Prerequisite: LEJ 101 a with grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 16 | |
Fourth Semester | ||
| EMG, KIN or LEJ electives | 6 | |
| LEJ 200 | Leadership and Ethics for Law Enforcement | 3 |
Description: Prepares students to successfully resolve critical ethical and leadership issues they will encounter in their law enforcement careers. Includes developing and maintaining professional integrity, the proper exercise of discretion and authority, morale and motivation, and responsibility for ethical conduct. Prerequisite: LEJ 101with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 202 | Criminal Procedures | 3 |
Description: Examines and analyzes federal and state law relating to arrest, search and seizure, First Amendment activities, interrogation, civil liability of police, and trial procedures. Prerequisite: LEJ 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 225 | Crisis Intervention Communication in Law Enforcement | 3 |
Description: Introduces the phenomenon of crisis and the theories, methods and techniques used by law enforcement. Includes psychological factors, use of force, and de-escalation communication. Prerequisite: LEJ 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 61 | |
Students must place into MTH 101 or higher. If a student does not place into MTH 101, they may seek to retake the math placement exam or complete a college-level math course with a co-requisite to meet math requirements. Students who place into MTH 101 or higher may take a 3 credit-hour AAS General Education elective. See full list of AAS General Education Electives.
This course meets the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EMG 131 | Public Safety Dispatcher I | 3 |
Description: Introduces students to the field of emergency services dispatching and provides an overview of its components and responsibilities. As such, it will provide the foundation for statewide competency as a public safety telecommunicator as outlined by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) in its Public Safety Telecommunicator Training and Standards document, Basic Level Training Curriculum (September 1996). Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| EMG 231 | Public Safety Dispatcher II | 3 |
Description: Builds upon the foundation laid through EMG 131 and provides student with specific knowledge required to professionally handle emergency as well as non-emergency calls for service in the public safety environment. At the conclusion of this course, students will possess a basic understanding of the role, responsibility and equipment utilized by telecommunicators to accomplish their mission. Prerequisite: EMG 131 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| KIN 100 | Physical Fitness I | 1 |
Description: Provides a structured areobic and strength training program designed for individuals free of heart, pulmonary and metabolic disorders. The course offers the student computer-assisited fitness evaluations, guidance in developing and individualized exercise prescription and professional supervision. Prior to beginning the program, a physician supervised exercise stress test is required for men over 45 years or older and women over 55 years or older, and all individuals regardless of age who have multiple cardiovascular risk factors. The stress test will be waived, provided a written physician clearance can be obtained. This class is designed for students who are able to safely participate in cardiorespiratory and resistance activities and may include the use of equipment. This class is not designed for students who may have known heart, pulmonary, metabolic, physiologoical diseases and/or orthopedic challenges. By registering for this class, you assume the full risk of any injuries, damages or loss which may be sustained and are responsible for any associated medical costs or individual damages. This course may be taken twice for credit. Lecture Hours: 0 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 2 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 107 | Vice and Drug Control | 3 |
Description: Studies historical and sociological development problems in drug addiction and vice control; fundamental understanding of narcotic addiction and effects of hypnotic drugs; the operation of lotteries, bookmaking and other types of gambling and prostitution as these factors are involved in the daily routine of police work. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 138 | Defensive Techniques | 3 |
Description: Introduces principles of self-defense and weaponless control for police and security personnel. Includes psychology, physical and mental preparation, practice in defense and control techniques. Prerequisite: Signed waiver of liability required. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 217 | Forensics II | 4 |
Description: Provides an expanded understanding of the procedures for collection and analysis of physical evidence, concentrating on the evidentiary significance of items commonly found at crime scenes. Includes detailed methods of processing a crime scene; documentation, location and proper collection of evidence; proper handling of evidence; and analytical techniques of interpreting evidence. Prerequisite: LEJ 116 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 2 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 218 | Forensics III | 4 |
Description: Focuses on specialized evidence and reconstruction of crime scenes with the use of hands-on training in advanced techniques of identifying, collecting and preserving physical evidence with the use of luminal, biological presumptive tests, trace evidence, arson and explosive evidence. Prerequisite: LEJ 217 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 295 | Forensics IV | 3 |
Description: Provides a unique course in crime scene investigation incorporating a combination of lecture and hands-on training utilizing advanced techniques of crime scene analysis and reconstruction. Students will process a crime scene from its initial discovery to the testimony in court. Prerequisite: LEJ 218 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| LEJ 299 | Law Enforcement Internship | 3 |
Description: Provides students with a broad educational experience through appropriate observation and directed experience in operating segments of law enforcement. Conducted under joint partnership agreements between Harper College and host law enforcement agencies. Students will be assigned to the agency in addition to participation in regularly conducted review sessions to assess the student¿s progress, problem areas and the work environment to which they are assigned. (Students in last semester will receive priority in assignments.) Permissible duties and activities will be determined based upon the student¿s qualifications and the agency¿s needs and restrictions. The students must complete 8 hours of service a week for 14 weeks during the semester to earn 3 semester credit hours. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and consent of program coordinator. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: N/A Contact Hours: 11 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
Students will:
For more information about law enforcement training at Harper, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.