Criminal Justice – Legal Systems and Policing

This program introduces law enforcement and emergency service careers aimed at high school students and young adults under 21 years of age. Students will study concepts of the legal system, criminal law, police function, defensive tactics, jail detention, and firearm safety. Students will also focus on public safety, community policing, and community relations. . Applied concepts in physical fitness will be part of the program. Upon completing this major, students 17 years or older will be qualified to take the Oklahoma State Unarmed Security Guard License exam (CLEET Phases I & II). Students will also become certified in CPR and First Aid.

***Individuals 21 years of age or older interested in a career in law enforcement are encouraged to enroll in one of the many Basic Peace Officer Certification (BPOC) training that are offered around the state.

Students will be required to adhere to the Criminal Justice Program Standards.

How You’ll Learn Hands-On

Hands-on activities will include participation in SkillsUSA contests. Students will also apply their knowledge with traffic stops, report writing, jail detention, police patrol, security and radio procedures. Students will also learn the legal process through discussion of various legal cases and observing courtroom proceedings.

Where It Can Take You

Law Enforcement Officer
Security Guard (Unarmed)
Corrections Officer
Criminal Justice Officer
Jailer
Deputy Sheriff
Courtroom Security

Possible Certifications you can earn

• Unarmed Security Guard 1 & 2 (CLEET)
• Adult/Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
• Precision Exams:
  – Criminal Justice I
  – Criminal Justice II

What You’ll Learn

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

Students in the criminal justice program will participate in SkillsUSA. This organization promotes professionalism, leadership, and skill attainment for students. Students are expected to maintain active membership in these organizations to advance their skills.

Criminal Justice Work-Based Experience

Students will have the opportunity to participate in various activities to help them gain experiences relative to their criminal justice education. These activities are not all inclusive but may include:

• Security activities at local events such as sporting events, festivals, and other community activities
• Interaction with local, state, and federal law enforcement, and military professionals during presentations and guest lectures
• Ride-a-longs with law enforcement personnel
• Field trips relative to their law enforcement educational experience
• Participation in skills related exercises

Criminal Justice Program Uniform Requirements

The program uniform will consist of khaki tactical pants, a royal blue and navy blue professional polo shirt, a white undershirt, a desert tan tactical belt, and a MTC Student identification card. Footwear must be black in color. The physical fitness uniform will consist of a grey t-shirt, black athletic shorts, white or black socks, and running shoes.

The instructor will have locations for ordering specific uniform items listed above. A white t-shirt and black or green socks are also required. PT uniform will include white or black socks and running shoes.

The estimated uniform cost is approximately $350. (Students selected to join the program will receive more information before starting class).

Criminal Justice Uniform Policy

Any student who is missing part of their uniform or whose uniform has not been properly maintained may be held out of skills training and will not receive credit for activities until their uniform is brought back to standards.

Physical training is an integral part of this program and proper workout attire will be required for workouts.

For any workout session, appropriate dress requirements include:

• Appropriate undergarments for both male and female students
• Jewelry such as rings, earrings, bracelets, and piercings that interfere or can potentially injure a student during a workout or physical activity will not be worn.
• All students will follow industry and program standards for hairstyles, including styles that will not interfere with calisthenics or aerobic exercise.
• Spandex garments may be worn underneath regular workout clothing, but shall NOT be considered appropriate as an outer garment.
• Cotton athletic socks will be required by all students.
• Athletic shoes for running are required.
• Improper workout attire will result in a loss of points.

Career Readiness Certificate

WorkKeys®, an assessment tool from the ACT® organization, measures skills employers have identified as critical to job success in their industry and are used in hiring and promoting employees. Students are able to earn the ACT®-issued National Career Readiness Certificate by meeting the score requirements for their job field on three WorkKeys® assessments.

Matching the right employees with the right job creates employee job satisfaction, increased self-confidence and the best wages possible for the employee. The employer benefits with reduced turnover and training, increased productivity and overall company success. To learn about the WorkKeys® scores needed for your future career field visit Job Profiles.

Graduation Requirements

In order to be successful in a career, students will need to meet all technical and academic standards related to their career of choice at Meridian. Meridian offers rigorous programs of study designed in cooperation with business and industry to ensure students are fully prepared for the demands of the workplace.

Meridian’s Career Ready Credential

When a student completes all standards as set forth in their program of study, they will be considered a graduate of Meridian and receive the Career Ready Credential. Students who do not meet these standards will not be considered graduates of Meridian. Students should have:

• Completed all courses in a career major with a grade of “C” or above and achieved required industry-based certifications for the career major
• Achieved WorkKeys® scores at or above the level required for the career major or earned an ACT® composite score of 19 or greater (Students may substitute equivalent scores on SAT, ACCUPLACER or other approved assessments.)

Additional Endorsements

Students earning a Career Ready Credential may also earn the Postsecondary Ready Endorsement, Citizenship Ready Endorsement and the National Career Readiness Certificate (CRC).

Postsecondary Ready Endorsement

• Earned, or was on track to earn, a high school diploma or GED at the time of Meridian graduation
• Achieved a subscore of 19 or greater on the ACT® in math, English, reading and science (Students may substitute equivalent scores on SAT, ACCUPLACER or other approved assessments.)

Citizenship Ready Endorsement

• Completed employment profile, résumé, job application, cover letter, mock interview and job search training through OKJobMatch.com
• Documented active membership in a CareerTech Student Organization or professional association related to the program of study
• Documented 20 hours of volunteerism or service in a community activity

National Career Readiness Certificate (CRC)

• Completed WorkKeys® assessments in Applied Math, Workplace Documents and Graphic Literacy and received a silver, gold or platinum National Career Readiness Certificate through the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

Apply for admission as a high school student. Apply for admission as an adult. Contact the Career Planning Center with questions at 405.377.3333.