Harper College will be closed Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1 for Winter Break.
Program facts 
Get ready for a career in private security with this 19-credit-hour certificate program. Take courses in criminal justice, forensics, patrol procedures, criminal law, investigative process and private security. All classes are taught by expert instructors who are extremely knowledgeable in their respective fields. Courses may be taken on campus or at the Learning and Career Center (LCC) in Prospect Heights.
After graduation, you’ll be well-prepared to seek entry-level employment in a variety of private security positions. You may also choose to continue your education and complete Harper College’s Law Enforcement and Justice Administration AAS Degree program.
This 19 credit-hour certificate program is designed to serve the needs of individuals who want the core education the Law Enforcement program offers. It also provides students with basic concepts recognized in the Security Industry. It furthers the partnerships between Law Enforcement and Private Security and offers the student an opportunity to incorporate a Certificate in Private Security within the AAS Degree in Law Enforcement thereby producing a stackable degree, something that did not exist in the Law Enforcement programs in the past.
F = Fall only course S = Spring only course U = Summer only course
A grade of C or better in all LEJ courses is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| LEJ 116 | Forensics I | 3 |
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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. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| LEJ 135 | Patrol Procedures | 4 |
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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. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| LEJ 140 | Introduction to Private Security | 3 |
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Description: Enables the student to examine the history, nature, and scope of private security in modern society. Investigates the basic principles of physical security, internal loss prevention, risk management, physical and environmental controls, and the security function(s) in a corporate structure. Exposes students to operations and career opportunities exemplified in areas such as retail, hospital, cartage, IT, and proprietary security services. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| LEJ 201 | Criminal Law | 3 |
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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. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| LEJ 216 | Investigative Process | 3 |
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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 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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Students interested in law enforcement and justice administration may also be interested in:
For more information about private security training, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.