Certificate Program in Criminal Justice Education

A program in Criminal Justice Education is offered at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia to students enrolled in the National Academy Program. All students in this 10-week program are required to complete a minimum of 17 credits of academic work (undergraduate and/or graduate) with courses taken in the following areas: behavioral science; forensic science; law enforcement communication; law; leadership development and physical fitness.

Each student may elect to take an additional one to three credits of course work. Some of the courses may be taken for graduate level credit.

Required Courses (6): minimum of 17 credits, including one course in each of the following areas: behavioral science, forensic science, law enforcement communication, law, and leadership development.

Electives (variable): students may elect to take an additional one to three credits of course work.

Course Descriptions

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Behavioral Science

CJ 361 - (3) (Y)
Applied Behavioral Science for Law Enforcement Operations
An overview of applied behavioral science for law enforcement operations. This course includes an introduction to criminal investigative analysis, negotiation concepts for commanders, and a wide array of other psychological/criminological topics of interest to law enforcement managers.

CJ 403-(3) (Y)
Managing Death Investigation (Evolving to "Major Case Management")
This course is designed to equip law enforcement managers and supervisors with the unique skills and management techniques necessary for the overseeing and monitoring of death investigations. The course is designed to provide the tools necessary for the application of the analysis of all aspects of the death case to determine the true cause and manner of death (homicide, suicide, accidental, or natural). The course emphasizes the importance of the role of the managing investigators at the death scene and in correctly interpreting the elements of a case, thereby ensuring more accurate conclusions. Management, personality assessment, and criminal investigative analysis are discussed.

CJ 404 — (3) (Y)
Introduction to Counterterrorism
Provides an overview of terrorism and law enforcement's counterterrorism efforts in the United States.. The course will be taught in part, by subject matter experts from the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) and State and Local Anti-Terrorism Training (SLATT) staff. Students will learn the role of law enforcement agencies and officers in detecting and preventing terrorist acts and how intelligence on terrorism matters is lawfully collected, retained, and disseminated. Includes an overview of terrorism resources available to state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.

CJ 416, 516 - (3) (Y)
Crime Analysis, Futuristics, and Law Enforcement: The 21st Century
Seminar conducted at both the undergraduate and graduate level in which law enforcement managers are introduced to the study of crime analysis and futures research and the utility that each has for law enforcement managers. Students will learn to utilize databases and mapping techniques to analyze criminal activity and will be shown how to forecast, manage, and create the future.

CJ 470 - (3) (Y)
Gangs, Developmental Issues, and Criminal Behavior
Provides police administrator with a basic understanding of the applicability of behavioral science to the investigation of juvenile violence and gang behavior. This course will examine gang dynamics, causation, various types of gangs and juvenile offenders, violence in schools, crime patterns and trends, and solvability factors. Other areas to be discussed include risk predictors, and contributing factors.

CJ 475 - (3) (Y)
Stress Management in Law Enforcement
This course introduces a holistic approach to stress management and wellness for law enforcement executives. Students will identify and examine stressors from an organizational and personal perspective, while exploring individual responses to such stressors. Topics include critical incidents, police suicide, coping mechanisms, relaxation techniques, diversity issues, physiology of stress, resiliency, retirement issues, and conflict resolution.

CJ 484,584 - (3) (Y)
Applied Criminology
This course covers the theories, principles, techniques, materials, and methods commonly employed in the disciplines of criminology and criminal justice. The particular emphasis is on examining empirical bases for decision-making through examination of existing research and contributions of criminology and other social sciences to identifying "best practices" for law enforcement operations. Students are expected to complete a class project based on the course material, applying this material to issues they confront in their own departments. Both oral and written products reflecting these projects are required.

CJ 514 - (3) (Y)
Violence in America
Encompasses an historical, contemporary, and future perspective. Issues include the role of weapons in American culture, patterns and trends of violence, legitimate use of violence, cultural differences and formulation of value systems, relationship of drugs and violence, and the role of women and the media. Examines research findings and discusses the role of high technology in dealing with violence and the future of violence in America. All students must bring with them a completed, fully adjudicated case that can be used for teaching and research purposes. The case must exhibit some degree of violent behavior, for example, hate-related homicide, suicide by cops, serial murder, or serial sex offense.

CJ 560 - (3) (Y)
Violent Behavior: A Biopsychosocial Approach
An advanced seminar geared toward the student with a general background and understanding of the basic principles of psychopathology and psychodynamics. Focuses on behavioral analysis of crime scenes and behavioral aspects of interviewing and interrogation. Enrollment is limited to 12 students, and each student is required to bring a closed homicide or sex offense case.

Forensic Science

CJ 375 - (3) (Y)
Evidentiary Photography
Provides photographic concepts and techniques for crime scene and latent fingerprint photography. Students learn about the essential processing equipment, techniques, and legal aspects of laboratory photography. Includes practical application of classroom instruction.

CJ 385 - (3)(Y)
Latent Fingerprint Photography
This course explores traditional silver halide photography (analog photography) and parallel it with digital imaging technology (photography). The course introduces the student to the capture technology for latent impressions from physical evidence found at crime scenes and in crime laboratories.

CJ 466 - (2) (Y)
Latent Fingerprints: From Crime Scene to Courtroom
Intensively examines all phases of latent print work including powdering, photographing and lifting latent prints, preparation of chemicals and chemical development of latent prints, crime scene search, comparisons of inked and latent prints, preparation of charted enlargements, and moot court training. Emphasizes practical training in Forensic Science Identification Laboratory.

CJ 473 - (3) (Y)
Overview of Forensic Science for Police Administrators and Managers
Addresses forensic science issues, such as managing a crime scene, the role and value of different types of physical evidence, and current trends and issues. Provides a basic overview of forensic science.

CJ 477 - (5) (Y)
Administrative Advanced Latent Fingerprints
An advanced course providing concentrated studies in all phases of latent print work, including related administrative matters and how to effectively identify, develop, process, and preserve latent print evidence both at the crime scenes and in the laboratory. Emphasis is placed on identifying latent prints with inked prints and the presentation of expert fingerprint testimony.

CJ 544 - (3) (Y)
Forensic Mitochondrial DNA Analysis
This course provides classroom and laboratory experience in the principles and procedures involved in typing mtDNA from evidentiary items such as hair, teeth, and bones. Classroom instruction is focused on the nature of mtDNA, molecular biology principles involved in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, and legal issues related to this technique. Discussions regarding scientific literature published in the area of forensic mtDNA analysis are also conducted. Laboratory procedures include DNA extraction, PCR, quantification of amplified products by capillary electrophoresis, and automated sequencing. Computer-based practice compiling sequences and database searches using appropriate software is provided and moot court exercises are conducted.

Law Enforcement Communication

CJ 226 - (2) (Y)
Law Enforcement and National Security: Defining Global, National, and Regional Issues Affecting Local
Communities
Explores the myriad world issues which have an effect on the safety and security of the community that law enforcement must serve and protect. Discussions revolve around issues of terrorism, money laundering, smuggling, immigration, disease, poverty, education, international criminal enterprises, environment, Internet fraud, political economy, culture, and employment. Does not meet course requirement for Leadership Development; offered only as an elective.

CJ 324, 524 - (3) (Y)
Interviewing Strategies through Statement Analysis
Hands-on seminar provides a structured method of examining verbal and written statements of suspects, victims and witnesses. Provides linguistic tools to assist investigator in gaining insight to the speaker/writer and in detecting areas of deception.

CJ 326, 526 - (3) (Y)
Communicating in a Changing Security Environment: Law Enforcement and Global Issues
Focuses on post-911 police-media relations. Touches on the relationship between international security issues and utilizing the media for effective community policing. Concentrates on the development of competent media skills in a local Homeland Security context.

CJ 327, 527 - (3) (Y)
Interpersonal Communications for the Law Enforcement Executive
Highly interactive course designed to acquaint the leader not only with his/her communications styles and preferences, but how the communications process influences interpersonal relationships in both social and work-related environments. Practical application a major focus.

CJ 367 - (3) (Y)
Effective Writing
Explores writing as a process comprising at least five steps. Students learn methods for getting started and sound guidelines for developing a clear, organized writing style. Course is designed to help the student become a more confident and effective writer.

CJ 369 - (3) (Y)
Public Speaking
An introduction to effective communication techniques with emphasis on oral communication. Frequent researched and rehearsed oral presentations in a variety of settings, from formal to informal, help prepare the law enforcement official to become a more articulate, confident, and fluent public communicator.

CJ 372 - (3) (Y)
Mass Media and the Police
This course is designed for the police executive interested in exploring the relationship between law enforcement and today's mass media and/or those interested in improving their media interview sills. This course will focus on police/media relations issues with specific emphasis on a practical "hands on" approach to dealing with the news media. This course will also present a systematic approach to the process of preparing a news media interview. Class discussion will enter on the nature and function of the news media in modern society, contemporary issues affecting police/media relations, and crisis planning for dealing with the news media during high visibility events. Students recently assigned to media relations positions are strongly encouraged to enroll in this course.

CJ 373 - (3) (Y)
Interviewing and Interrogation
Examines the fundamentals of interviewing for both the investigator and the trainer and deals with the physiological and cognitive aspects of interviewing and interrogation. Topics include interviewing techniques, detection of deception, including statement analysis, and interrogation. Emphasizes practical application.

CJ 522 - (3) (Y)
Seminar in Organizational Communications for Law Enforcement Executives
Highly interactive seminar designed to explore communications systems within public and private organizations, with particular focus on federal, state, and local law enforcement. Course will provide organizational leaders with strategies and competencies designed to promote a communications-intensive work environment as well as hone individual interpersonal communications skills.

CJ 523 - (3) (Y)
Seminar in Media Relations for the Law Enforcement Executive
Focuses on contemporary relations between law enforcement and the news media. Emphasizes the development of a proactive versus reactive departmental media strategy and the formation of effective media policy.

CJ 525 - (3) (Y)
Seminar in Team Writing for Executives
Focuses on the frameworks and skills needed to supervise and participate in the production of documents that involve multiple authors, such as homeland security directives, joint terrorism task force-related documents, cooperative agreements, annual reports, budget narratives, grant applications, articles for publication, and brochures for the public. By working in teams to write a document, participants examine both the theory and practice of collaborative writing.

Law

CJ 210 - (1) (Y)
Basics in Criminal Justice Research
Instructs students how to use electronic and print academic resources from the Web homepage of the FBI Library, the Internet, and onsite facilities. It covers improving searching abilities and information-gathering skills needed by the law enforcement community. Does not meet course requirement for Law; offered only as an elective.

CJ 356 - (3) (Y)
Legal Issues for Command-Level Officers
Discusses legal considerations that impact administrative and investigative decisions of command and mid-level police administrators. Provides a review of recent developments in federal Constitutional criminal procedure. Also explores the impact of Constitutionally-based employment rights on departmental operations and the impact of Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act on police administration.

CJ 357 - (3) (Y)
Labor Law Issues for Law Enforcement Administrators
Focuses on the basics of Labor Law for police administrators. Contents of the course include forming the employment relationship; constitutional employment rights; conducting internal investigations; employment discrimination law; wage and hour statutes; fitness for duty; departmental civil liability to employees; and workers compensation laws.

Leadership Development

CJ 211 - (2) (Y)
Introduction to Microcomputers in Law Enforcement

This course is designed for the law enforcement officer who has little or no experience with microcomputers. Primary goals are to provide an orientation to the fundamentals of microcomputer operation and to help the student cultivate computer learning skills. Major software applications in the Windows operating environment are covered. Does not meet course requirement for Leadership Development; offered only as an elective.

CJ 212 - (2) (Y)
Contemporary Issues in Drug Law Enforcement
This course exposes students to the basic leadership concepts related to the operation of a narcotics enforcement group. This course further helps students to understand the external influences that impact the decision making process, and to synthesize these concepts into a comprehensive strategy for effective drug unit management. Does not meet course requirement for Leadership Development; offered only as an elective.

CJ 352 - (3) (Y)
Management for Law Enforcement
Principles of management concepts and theories are identified, defined, and applied to law enforcement. Theories and practices used in industry and business are examined and evaluated, and practical problems and exercises are used to illustrate avenues to achieve objectives.

CJ 355 - (3) (Y)
Leadership, Ethics, Decision-Making
Explores the areas of leadership, ethics, and decision-making in the context of law enforcement using class discussion and participation, small-group dynamics, and some case studies. Topics include understanding organizational culture and history, future trends, and the impact these topics have on decision making and police management.

CJ 374 - (3) (Y)
Computer Crimes for Police Supervisors
This is a hands-on class for police managers. The course is divided into four parts. Part one is the intermediate to advanced use of common office production software to create reports for case files and court. Part two is the examination of policies and procedures related to the proper use of department-owned computers, such as laptops, desktops, mobile data terminals/computers, web cell phones, PDAs and other digital storage devices. Part three consists of three hands-on practical exercises associated to digital evidence. Part four is how to organize, maintain and manage a high tech computer crimes unit for state and local law enforcement.

CJ 381 - (3) (Y)
Ethics in Law Enforcement
This course focuses on the current, ubiquitous ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement leaders, and uses known best practices, student experiences and case studies to form the basis of a continuous quest to raise the bar for the most professional and highest ethical standard for the modern police agency. Dilemmas uniquely inherent to law enforcement are explored. Truth versus (vs.) justice, due process vs. crime control, and honesty vs. loyalty are examined. Topical presentations include vehicle pursuits, use of force, racial vs. criminal profiling, and police corruption. Also reviewed are the ethical policies and legal decisions that affect: (1) public privacy vs. intrusion, (2) regulating police off-duty activities, and (3) weighing public right/need to know vs. legitimate LEO investigative needs.

CJ 392 - (3) (Y)
Educational Leadership
This course covers principles and concepts of academic administration, specifically tailored for the law enforcement training and educational setting. The course is designed for the police manager who supervises a training function.

CJ 501 - (3) (Y)
Human Behavior in Organizations
Advanced course focusing on changing patterns of behavior in organizations. Identifies problem areas in organizations, how structural relationships and leadership patterns influence the climate of an agency, and how groups influence the behavior of individuals within an organizational setting. Examines the methods and strategies of organizational development with the aim of increasing effectiveness and adaptation to change.

CJ 503 - (3) (Y)
Executive Leadership
Analysis of the leadership role and the leadership process. Emphasizes the requirements and developmental needs for current and future leadership roles.

CJ 507 - (3) (Y)
Managing Organizational Change and Development
This seminar focuses on the effect of change and development on the behavior of employees. It studies the nature of planned change, methods of managing change, ways to diagnose changes and development, and ways to implement change in police departments and other organizations.

CJ 521 - (3) (Y)
Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement
Focuses on contemporary issues and leadership concerns in various areas of law enforcement, leadership and management, emphasizing problem solving and the systematic development of improvement innovations.

CJ 536 - (3) (Y)
Advanced Computer Crimes for Police Supervisors
This forty-four hour course is designed for law enforcement managers who desire to learn and practice advanced investigative computer techniques, methods and data recovery. Students will work with computer hardware and forensic software tools used by computer crimes investigators and forensic data recovery personnel. This course will provide the opportunity for hands-on experience to help prepare or enhance the student’s supervisory role as it applies to the investigation of computer related crimes.

CJ 555 - (3) (Y)
Enlightened Leadership
The curriculum for this course is designed to represent a progressive leadership development strategy focusing on human behavior, self awareness, and decision-making. A significant portion of the course will focus on ethical behavior as it relates to decision-making. Activities include student presentations, breakout groups, personality and leadership effectiveness instruments, practical exercises and case studies.

Physical Fitness

CJ 340 - (2) (Y)
Fitness in Law Enforcement
This course is designed to help law enforcement officers adopt and maintain behaviors associated with a healthy lifestyle. Major emphasis will be place on the relationship between physical activity, exercise and wellness. Additional topics to be covered include balanced nutrition, stress management and prevention of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and low-back pain.

Behavioral Science and Leadership Development

CJ 490 - (1-3) (Y)
Directed Study
Provides students with the opportunity to work under close faculty supervision on individual projects when particular needs cannot be met by taking regular courses.

CJ 502 - (3) (Y)
Independent Study and Research
This graduate experience permits students to work, under close faculty guidance, on individual research projects when particular needs cannot be met by taking regularly scheduled courses. Credit is determined by the nature and scope of the project undertaken.