RRCC is the only two-year Colorado Criminal Justice program to offer an AA in Victim Assistance (which transfers to social work, human services or counseling psychology degrees.) Unique criminal justice courses such as sex assault, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, criminal profiling, crime scene investigation, victimology, criminal investigation I, II, & III, crisis intervention, policing systems, violence against children, intro to forensic science, and criminalistics, etc.
With a basic understanding of the law and the criminal justice system, criminal justice professionals may work in the prevention, enforcement and investigation field as police officers; in the corrections field in a variety of positions; or in the area of providing assistance to victims of violence and trauma. Those in the profession tend to be physically fit, have strong critical thinking skills, and are able to deal with all kinds of people in crisis. All criminal justice professionals need to be computer literate and have strong writing skills.
In addition, the emergency public service department operates a Basic Law Enforcement Academy. This is an intensive, 17 to 18 week program that satisfies the training requirement for prospective or newly-hired law enforcement or parole officers or for any position in Colorado requiring state certification as a peace officer. Requirements for the academy certificate exceed the Colorado Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) for entry level training with a local agency. Students include beginners as well as experienced officers who are seeking certification to work in Colorado.
The requirements needed to complete this certificate represent a good start on the two-year associate of applied science degree needed for entry-level positions with an increasing number of law enforcement agencies. Admission into the Academy is by separate application.
What can I do with a criminal justice degree?
Turnover among Colorado's 4,000 corrections officers tends to be high. Entry level jobs pay roughly $19,000 per year with advances up to $30,000. Senior officers in this field can make up to $75,000.
The police departments in Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Edgewater, and the sheriff's department in Jefferson County, anticipate more than 80 new openings per year. Some 20 more are anticipated annually in Gilpin, Clear Creek, and Park Counties.
Employment in victim assistance can be affiliated with a district attorney's office; police or sheriff's department; or with a private/non-profit agency. Positions range from volunteers to PhD's. Many entry-level positions require a two-year or four-year degree in victim assistance, psychology, human services, or social work. Speak to your criminal justice advisor for more information.
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.
Red Rocks Community College offers courses in Arvada, Lakewood and online as well as hybrid courses.
In collaboration with Colorado 4-year schools, Colorado has developed a statewide guaranteed transfer program to create a seamless transfer.
Becoming a student at RRCC prepares you for transfer to a four-year university, prepares you for an exciting new career or can enhance your current skills.