Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM at DACC is a true 2+2 program leading into core subjects at NMSU. The classes offered in this program, prepare students for a career in criminal justice whether it be with a federal agency such as the FBI or DEA or local and state agencies such as Las Cruces PD and New Mexico State Police.

Classes are administered by highly qualified former law enforcement practitioners that bring a dynamic balance of Criminal Justice Education and decades of police work. Our instructors and professors are all retired law enforcement practitioners with years of experience in policing in both field work and police supervision.

The classes in the criminal justice program prepare students for a career in policing and law enforcement because the classes offered range in the different functions of a law enforcement agency. Some notable courses offered are Introduction to Criminal Justice which provides an overview of policing in general. Criminal Investigations, which takes a deeper dive into the specifics of conducting a criminal investigation as well as scene preservation and handling. Criminal Law addresses the details that the United States criminal justice system relies on for justice. Finally, our Criminal Courts class offers a deep dive into what the American Court system consists of and the different types of criminal and civil courts that exist within our criminal justice system.

THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OPTION provides students with a general understanding of the police officer’s multifaceted role in the United States. This program offers more detailed courses for police officers looking to gain education for promotional purposes or simply students seeking for possible employment opportunities with local, state, and federal agencies.

Some notable classes within the law enforcement option include: Police Supervision, Traffic accidents and crash reconstruction, as well as Concepts of terrorism.

THE CORRECTIONS OPTION Imparts a broad understanding of correctional institutions and their alternatives. Students gain general preparation for employment in confinement facilities, institutional security, and other similar programs. They are also prepared to work in adult and juvenile correctional agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.