“To serve and protect”…this phrase will take on new meaning when you enroll in the Criminal Justice program.  This profession constantly demands thorough and up-to-date training for professional law enforcement personnel.  The Criminal Justice program at Polaris Career Center is committed to providing you with the quality education and training needed to perform effectively in a wide variety of career positions within the criminal justice field.

You will be trained in the enforcement of the law and the protection of life and property in both the public and private sectors.  Dressed in uniforms, you will assist Polaris Career Center, associate schools, and the community at special events.  Successful completion of this program may also lead to certification by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission as a private security officer.

To enroll in the Criminal Justice program, you and your parent/guardian must agree to allow a review of your school records and a background check to be conducted by local law enforcement agencies, as well as drug screening.  In addition, you must secure three letters of recommendation to be considered for the program.

As a Criminal Justice student, you need to be physically fit, honest, patient, and have good judgment.  You should also be able to work with a minimum of supervision, and as part of a team, and enjoy having a clear set of rules and guidelines.Science 1.0

Skills
Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission Security
Certified Protection Officer
OPOTA Security Academy
Emergency Service Certification
Terrorism awareness
Communication skills and human relations skills
Accident and crime scene investigation
Defensive tactics and use of firearms and ASP baton
First aid and CPR
Patrol procedures
Report writing skills
Techniques and mechanics of arrest
Pepper spray certification
911 Telecommunications course

Equipment
Evidence collection and plaster casting kits
Police radio
Handcuffs
Fingerprinting equipment
Camera
Redman self-defense suit
Computer
Investigative Software
.38 caliber revolver and .9 mm
ASP baton
OC/pepper spray 

Career Options
Private security officer and industrial security
Ohio State Patrol Cadet
Police dispatcher
Military police officer and Federal protection officer
Fingerprint technician
Bureau of Criminal Identification officer
Traffic/parking control officer
Police officer/Deputy sheriff*
Ohio State Trooper*
Federal Law Enforcement Intern*

*Most police departments in Ohio, to include federal law enforcement agencies, require you to be 21 to become a law enforcement officer. A department that is not civil service may hire you at 18, especially out-of-state departments.

Future Opportunities with Further Education (to name a few)F.B.I. Special Agent
Immigration Customs Enforcement Special Agent
Secret Service Agent
C.I.A. Clandestine Operations Field Officer
A.T.F. Special Agent
Border Patrol Officer
GSA Police Officer
State Criminal Investigation Agency Special Agent
Railroad Police Special Agent

High School Credit Junior Year
Criminal Justice 2.5
Technology .5
Forensics 1.0

Potential College Semester Hour Credit
Articulated Credit
Cuyahoga Community College 7.0