Public Service and Safety Cluster

12 credits required for graduation
 

Exploratory and Introduction to Criminal Justice and Protective Services (CJ110)

Grade 9 · 3 Credits

After the exploratory rotation, CJPS students immediately begin earning life-safety certifications such as CPR and Stop the Bleed.

The first year is dedicated to the foundations of criminal justice and safety. Students learn about blood-borne pathogens, the basics of scene safety, and special considerations when working with people in crisis.

Students learn the foundations of the legal ladder, from Constitutional law to state and local law, and develop an understanding of court cases that have shaped our current system, as well as the elements that must be met in order for a crime to be charged.

Students present mock cases in real courtrooms around the state and learn proper documentation and communication skills.

Disaster Response, Fire Science, and Scene Safety (CJ210)

Grade 10 · 3 Credits

In Grade 10, students learn how disaster response training affects every level of the field.

Students earn numerous federal certifications in incident command and incident management. They begin an exploratory period in the CJPS Emergency Operations Center, applying their new knowledge in leadership positions.

Students learn about fire science and become experts in scene safety and scene operations, earning certification in hazardous materials response.

Students have numerous opportunities to learn directly from local fire departments about equipment, operations, and scene management.

Throughout the year, students are exposed to basic crime scene investigation and documentation in preparation for criminal investigations in Grade 11.

Emergency Medical Responder and Criminal Investigations (CJ310)

Grade 11 · 3 Credits

In Grade 11, students take their Emergency Operations Center knowledge and apply it to real-world disasters. In this role, students interact with federal responders deployed around the country and provide real-time assistance.

The primary focus for Grade 11 students is learning criminal investigative techniques and applying them to intermediate crime scene investigation skills learned through hands-on mock crime scenarios.

Students continue developing documentation and communication skills leading up to the major lesson of CJ310: emergency response medicine.

Students receive extensive training in emergency medicine and learn how to treat a variety of injuries and medical emergencies, from a broken leg to a stroke.

Students have the opportunity to test for state licensure at the end of the school year.

Specialized Operations and Senior Capstone (CJ410)

Grade 12 · 3 Credits

In Grade 12, students learn about terrorism and how it affects the field. Students earn certifications related to this topic and meet several specialized units that focus on this aspect of public safety.

Students also learn about other field-specific specialized operations that are possible career opportunities, including dignitary protection, crisis intervention, and narcotics enforcement.

Students learn advanced forensic techniques and apply them to their capstone project: a full emergency response to an incident that they manage from the initial response through the criminal investigation. Students also present an arrest warrant for approval by a real judge within the Connecticut Judicial System.

Students continue their Emergency Operations Center leadership experience by guiding underclassmen on fundamentals and best practices.

Industry Credentials & Career Pathways

Criminal Justice is a field that enables students to develop an understanding of the techniques and principles that help improve the safety and security of lives and communities.

Throughout this program, students can earn certifications that prepare them for several jobs in the field. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to obtain an entry-level position in such fields as police, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and the armed forces.

Many of these certifications are required for promotional opportunities within the field, and many are eligible for college credit should students pursue further education.

In their junior year, students will be eligible to test for state emergency medicine licensure. Students will also learn leadership skills as they operate an emergency operations center and provide support to federal resources deployed around the country in times of disaster.

According to recent data, this is the fourth-fastest-growing field, and these students will be at the forefront. Individuals involved in Criminal Justice and Protective Services aid in enhancing the lives of everyone by solving problems and ensuring the safety of the community.

The demand for individuals trained in career pathways within Criminal Justice and Protective Services will continue to be strong.

Students successfully completing this program can pursue entry-level positions within the field with a resume of certifications and experience similar to those working in the field for several years.

Students who wish to continue their education will have valuable skills, experience, and even college credits. Students deciding to join the military will be eligible to enter at a higher level and have the skills necessary for advancement.