Course Catalog - Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement

Public Service Endorsement

PR: Prerequisite   |   CR: Credit for Course   |   SEM: Semesters   |   LC: Local Credit

(It is recommended students follow the program of study sequence level 1-4 as outlined by TEA.)

Level 1: Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security #8550

Level 1: Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Dual #8571 (check campus for availability)

Introduces students to professions in law enforcement, security, corrections, and fire and emergency management services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security, and protective agencies of fire and emergency services.

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Level 2: Criminal Investigation #8554

Students will understand basic functions of criminal investigations and procedures and will learn how to investigate or follow up during investigations. Students will learn terminology and investigative procedures related to criminal investigation, crime scene processing, evidence collection, fingerprinting, and courtroom presentation. Through case studies and simulated crime scenes, students will collect and analyze evidence such as fingerprint analysis, bodily fluids, hairs, fibers, shoe and tire impressions, bite marks, drugs, tool marks, firearms and ammunition, blood spatter, digital evidence, and other types of evidence.

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Level 3: Law Enforcement I #8552

An overview of the history, organization, and functions of local, state, and federal law enforcement. This course includes the role of constitutional law, the United States legal system, criminal law, law enforcement terminology, and the classification and elements of crime.

PR: Prin. of Law, Public Safety, Corr,& Security

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Level 4: Law Enforcement II #8556

Law Enforcement II provides the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for a career in law enforcement. This course includes the ethical and legal responsibilities, operation of police and emergency telecommunication equipment, and courtroom testimony.

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Level 3 or 4: Forensic Science #8553

Students learn terminology and investigative procedures related to crime scene questioning and interviewing, criminal behavior characteristics, truth detection, and scientific procedures used to solve crimes. Students will use scientific methods such as fingerprint analysis, ballistics, and blood spatter analysis to collect and analyze evidence. Students must meet the 40% laboratory and fieldwork requirement. 

PR: one credit in biology, one credit in chemistry, integrated physics and chemistry, or physics.

SEM: 2 Science CR: 1