police officers

Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice program is committed to providing you with the education and training needed to perform effectively in a variety of career positions.

Questions? Call 440.891.7732

“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 and 911 Dispatcher.

 As a Criminal Justice student, you need to be physically fit, honest, respectful, caring and have good judgement. You should also be able to work in a team environment with minimal supervision.  All students in this program must successfully pass a drug screen.

Teacher: Kevin Gibson

Teacher:  Kevin Gibson

Email Kevin Gibson
Education:  Attended Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University.  Currently enrolled at Kent State University.  Graduate of the U.S. Army Military Police School.
Certifications: State Certification in Subject Control, Impact Weapons, Taser, STOPS, Critical Injury First Aid, Physical Fitness & Bike Patrol.  Certified in Public Safety Diving and as a Swift Water Technician.  Certified Instructor for Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.
At Polaris Since:  2019
Industry Experience:  Sergeant Gibson has 13 years law enforcement experience.  He has served as a Sergeant with a metropolitan police agency near Cleveland, Ohio and has considerable tactical training in numerous law enforcement skills.  He was also the lead instructor for the agencies Subject Control/Intermediate Weapons Control team.  In 2009 Sergeant Gibson was awarded the Life Saving award.  He also served as a Sergeant in the Ohio Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer.
Hobbies/Interests:  In his free time Sergeant Gibson enjoys physical fitness, the arts, sports and attending films with his son and daughter.

Teacher: Erik Fendenheim

Teacher:  Erik Fendenheim

Email Erik Fendenheim
Education:  Associate Degree in Information Technology; Stark State College  
Certifications:  Ohio Peace Officer Certification & Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor  
At Polaris Since:  2022
Industry Experience:  Erik has 10-years of law enforcement experience with the Akron Police Department, 5-years experience as a k9 Decoy and 8-years as a Field Training Officer   
Hobbies/Interests:  Eric enjoys fitness, weightlifting, going to the movies and concerts. 

Criminal Justice 2023-2024 Advisory Members
Mr. Ryan Acker, Ohio Army National Guard
Dr. Carol Gregory, Baldwin Wallace University
Mr. Augustus Lenhard, Target
Mr. Ray McCarthy, Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office
Mr. Charlie Moore, Cleveland Metroparks Police Department
Mr. Bryan Penvose, Koblentz, Penvose, & Froning, LLC.
Mr. Tyler Plaso, The Sherwin-Williams Company
Mr. Benjamin Tyrrel, United States Secret Service
Mr. Nick Valente, Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation