The Wenatchee Valley College Criminal Justice program was developed in response to local law enforcement professionals who saw a growing need for personnel who understand the fundamentals of justice processes.
The program covers key components of the justice system, including corrections, police procedures and criminal justice. Students study crime prevention; tactical crime and intelligence analysis and its importance to investigation and patrol divisions; and crisis intervention, psychology of victims and identification of social services available in the community.
Students who successfully complete the program may attain an associate of technical sciences degree after two years of course work.
Twelve regional law enforcement agencies in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties employ more than 200 officers. Criminal justice graduates are qualified to work as dispatchers, police and sheriff's patrol officers, corrections officers, and records managers within the justice system. U.S. government agencies hire individuals with criminal justice backgrounds as border patrol agents, drug enforcement officers and other enforcement positions.
Individuals interested in the criminal justice program must complete an interview with the instructor before enrolling. For more information, contact Bob Smet at 509.682.6645.
Criminal Justice (ATS) Students who complete the ATS in Criminal Justice will be able to:
Communicate effectively in writing in order to document the actions of criminals, investigators, corrections officers and probation officers and meet the requirements of the American court system.
Research the elements of criminal and procedural law in order to define criminal activity for adult offenders and juvenile delinquency.
Assess crime scenes and criminal activity for the purpose of investigating the dynamics of criminal motivation.
Think critically in the criminal justice setting and develop leadership qualities through examination and verbal communication of adversarial issues.
Understand and articulate the evolution of the criminal justice system in American through the study of history and efforts of governmental and private sources to shape society and achieve improvements in the justice system.
Recognize the dynamics of victims of criminal activity and identify the community’s social services and other resources to assist those victims.
Complete a job application, resume and prepare for civil service testing procedures in local, state and federal criminal justice professions.
Acquire training and education to seek employment or advance in current employment.
Develop a foundation to continue their studies in criminal justice or related fields.
1300 Fifth Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801 Phone: (509) 682-6800
