Associate in Applied Science Degree

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This degree is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement. The program follows standards prescribed by the New York State Municipal Police Training Council. Graduates are eligible to receive more advanced police training, which can lead to New York State Certification. The program provides the associate level credentials required by many law enforcement agencies for hiring and promotion. 

Goal 1. Prepare students to meet the SUNY General Education requirements

  • Graduates will have completed at least 6 out of 10 SUNY silos of General Education.

Goal 2. Prepare students to enter the field of Law Enforcement

  • Graduates of the program will enter into a career in Law Enforcement or related fields.
  • Graduates will indicate satisfaction with preparation.

Goal 3. Prepare students to speak and write effectively

  • Students will demonstrate their ability to research, write, and document clear reports.
  • Students will demonstrate their ability to devise and confidently deliver clear oral reports.

Goal 4. Prepare students to interact in a diverse population

  • Student will demonstrate their understanding and respect for diverse points of view.
  • Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the diverse cultures and communities that comprise US society.

Goal 5. Prepare students to analyze quantitative information, and think critically

  • Students will be able to read, interpret, and use social science data skillfully.

Goal 6. To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy

  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

 

Total Credit Hours: 64

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course introduces the basic elements of the American criminal justice system, from its legal roots and history to its most current concerns. It analyzes the criminal justice process - from arrest to trial and disposition - emphasizing the function and structure of each component. It provides an understanding of how each component responds to crime and how the key question of individual rights and public safety is addressed. Attention is given to the elements of crime, the role of the police, courts, and corrections, and to the challenges facing this system in an increasingly diverse democratic society.

This course provides knowledge of relevant computer skills and a solid foundation in the terminology and concepts of computer technology. Experience is provided with a variety of microcomputer software applications, including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, graphics, file management, and integrated software. Concepts and terms focus on preparing for a technologically oriented society and using the computer as a tool for productivity, research, and communication.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

This course gives an understanding of and a feeling for the society in which we live. The concepts and theories discussed relate to humanity, its culture and society, and to those forces that contribute to the smooth operation of this society as well as those forces that contribute to conflict and social problems. Topics include culture, socialization, stratification, population, and patterns of social organization.

This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.

Second Semester

This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

This course examines the nature and functions of the criminal law. It uses controversial and landmark cases as a framework for an intensive examination of the classification of crimes and the assignment of penalties. It addresses recent court decisions involving the administration of the penal law, jurisdictional questions, and Constitutional protections. It uses the New York Penal Code as an exemplar.

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course focuses on understanding and applying scientific methodology to an area of inquiry within the social sciences. It covers quantitative and qualitative methods of research including survey research, interviewing, archival analysis, experimentation, and participant observation. Using data-gathering techniques, a number of mini-research projects are conducted. The application of statistical techniques to data analysis is stressed. Computer software applications are used to analyze data from a variety of sources. Research teams are formed to design and implement final research projects. Prerequisites: SO101 Introduction to Sociology or CJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice or PS102 Introduction to Public Policy.

Choose any Natural Science from the General Education List

Third Semester

In this course, students examine the operations of the criminal justice system with a specific emphasis on the role and responsibilities of police officers. There is a particular focus on the legal basis for law enforcement operations derived from the United States Constitution. In addition, students explore New York State Penal Law, Civil Procedure law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, and Juvenile Procedures. Routine patrol responsibilities are also explained.

In this course, students study various topics, actions, and procedures required to investigate a crime. It provides students with proven techniques that assist in obtaining information critical to any investigation. This includes street traffic stops, as well as violation, misdemeanor, and felony investigations.

This course covers community relations issues as well as the skills needed to address them. Topics include cultural diversity and special needs of the community. Emphasis is placed on ethical issues and the limitations of community resources and services, and crime prevention. The course also addresses effective and compassionate approaches to child abuse cases.

Choose any Physical Education Course

Fourth Semester

This course examines the history and contemporary aspects of law enforcement. It introduces students to fundamental police processes, particularly the role that discretion plays in policing. The bodies of law that are relevant to law enforcement are practically applied and critical thinking skills are developed and assessed through exercises both inside and outside the classroom. The use of force continuum is explained, practiced and evaluated. Students begin to develop the physical skills and defense tactics necessary to transition into a law enforcement career.

This course introduces students to the intermediate skills required of police officers. Building on the foundation received through the successful completion of LE118 Police Procedures - Basic, students begin to learn more advanced techniques of police observation and patrol. Application of the scientific method in both accident and criminal investigation is developed. Ancillary New York State law is discussed and practically applied.

Building on the foundations of the LE118 Police Procedures-Basic and LE 119 Police Procedures-Intermediate, this course immerses the students in the more advanced techniques of American policing. Students employ the laws, techniques, and methodologies required of the modern law enforcement officer. Essential proficiencies are applied through continued hands-on development. Students display competencies in advanced areas including crowd control techniques, responding to incidents of domestic violence, detecting and apprehending intoxicated drivers, and responding to unusual incidents.

This course covers the physiological capacity for successful completion of the fitness requirement for an entry-level police officer as prescribed by the Municipal Police Training Council of the State of New York. The NYS Police Officer minimum fitness requirements are incorporated.

This course introduces basic self-defense moves, escapes from grabs, using restraining holds, kicking techniques and punching. Escaping and restraining will be done with partners. Punching and kicking will be done against targets and pads held by partners. This is not formal Martial Arts training; this is an introduction only. Emphasis is placed on preventative measures for personal protection.