Administration of Justice

The Las Positas College Administration of Justice program offers courses that lead to an Associate of Arts degree, an Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T), and a Basic Peace Officer Academy for students seeking full-time employment in law enforcement.

Degrees:

• AS-T – Administration of Justice
• AA – Administration of Justice

Certificates of Achievement:

• Law Enforcement

A California Peace Officer’s Standards and Training Basic Academy Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the Alameda County Sheriff ’s POST Academy.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities in AJ include: Municipal or Special District Police Officer, County Deputy Sheriff , Game Warden, Highway Patrol Officer, State Narcotics Agent. Some careers requiring a 4-year degree include, but are not limited to: FBI agent, DEA, Secret Service, Parole Agent, Probation Officer, and Forensic Specialist.

Administration of Justice Courses

AJ 1 - Basic Academy Modular Level One

16 Units

This course includes fundamental principles, procedures and techniques of law enforcement, including; criminal law, patrol procedures, cultural diversity, investigative procedures, report writing, defensive tactics, firearms, community relations, police vehicle operations, traffic enforcement and accident investigation. The course satisfies all minimum required training mandates for POST Entry Level I Peace Officer. Prerequisite: Successfully completed Basic Police Academy Modular Level Three and Basic Police Academy Modular Level Two, Passed the POST Reading/Writing Test (PELLETB), Passed the POST Physical Agility Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) Test, Successfully completed Level Two End-ofcourse Proficiency Exam within 12 months of the start of the Level One course, Completed the Academy Application process, including medical clearance, proof of medical insurance, DMV history and DOJ Firearms Clearance. 180 hours lecture, 324 hours laboratory

Course Material Fees May Apply

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 29 - Independent Study, Administration of Justice

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies".

AJ 50 - Intro to Admin of Justice

3 units

History and philosophy of administration of justice in America; recapitulation of the system; identifying the various subsystems, role expectations, and their interrelationships; theories of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation; ethics, education and training for professionalism in the system. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D8; IGETC: 4G, 4J; C-ID# AJ 110.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

AJ 54 - Investigative Reporting

3 units

Investigative reports with emphasis upon accuracy and details necessary. Includes arrest reports, incident reports, and miscellaneous field reports. Techniques and methods used to cover information; how to analyze and present information in a clear and concise report. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 55 - Intro to Correctional Science

3 units

Aspects of modern correctional process as utilized in rehabilitation of adult and juvenile offenders. Emphasis on custody, rehabilitation, and treatment programs as recognized by modern penology. Exploration of career opportunities. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# AJ 200.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

AJ 56 - Fundamentals of Crime and Delinquency

3 units

Survey of the sociological and psychological theories pertaining to the causation of crime and delinquency. Includes ethnic considerations and their relationships. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: D0. * AJ 56 and 66 combined: maximum UC credit, 1 course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

AJ 59 - Child Abuse in the Community

3 units

Dynamics of battered child syndrome. Focus on the abusive caretaker, patterns of abuse and means necessary for effective intervention and treatment, including effective legal and social action to control child abuse in the community. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

AJ 60 - Criminal Law

3 units

Historical development, philosophy of law and constitutional provisions; definitions, classification of crime and their application to the system of administration of justice; frequently used Penal and other code sections; case law, methodology and concepts of law as a social force. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: D8; IGETC: 4G, 4J; C-ID# AJ 120. * AJ 60, 70, and 74 combined: maximum UC credit, 1 course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 61 - Evidence

3 units

Origin, development, philosophy and constitutional basis of evidence; constitutional and procedural considerations affecting arrest, search and seizure; kinds and degrees of evidence and rules governing admissibility; judicial decisions interpreting individual rights and case studies. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# AJ 124.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 63 - Criminal Investigation

3 units

This course addresses the techniques, procedures, and ethical issues in the investigation of crime, including organization of the investigative process, crime scene searches, interviewing and interrogating, surveillance, source of information, utility of evidence, scientific analysis of evidence and the role of the investigator in the trial process. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# AJ 140.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 64 - Patrol Procedures

3 units

The responsibilities, techniques of observation, community relations and methods of police patrol. Emphasis on legal and practical aspects. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 66 - Juvenile Procedures

3 units

This course is an examination of the origin, development, and organization of the juvenile justice system as it evolved in the U.S. justice system. The course explores the theories that focus on juvenile law, courts and processes, and the constitutional protections extended to juveniles in the U.S. justice system. Strongly Recommended: Eligibility for ENG 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: D0, D8; IGETC: 4G, 4J; C-ID# AJ 220. * AJ 56 and 66 combined: maximum credit, 1 course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 68 - Police Ethics and Leadership

3 units

This course will explore the ethical, legal and moral complexities of law enforcement in a democracy. From the initial application process and background investigation of a potential law enforcement recruit, to the working law enforcement officer, the course will examine society's need for ethical behavior and leadership by law enforcement agencies and the personal commitment to ethical behavior and ethical leadership by individual law enforcement officers, both on the job and in their private lives. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

AJ 69 - Sex Crime Investigation

3 units

Sexual assault investigations; human behavior in relation to sexual attitudes and behavior; sexual assault laws and investigations; interview and interrogation techniques; court preparation and trial phase; sex crime prevention. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 70 - Community Relations

3 units

This course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. Topics may include the consensus and conflicting values in Culture, Religion, and Law. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU, UC*; C-ID# AJ 160. * AJ 60, 70, and 74 combined: maximum UC credit, 1 course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 71 - Narcotics & Drug Enforcement

3 units

Local, state, and federal narcotics problems and laws; application of investigative procedures and the work and method of special narcotics units; method of locating and apprehending violators; the use of informants and undercover persons. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

AJ 74 - Gangs and Drugs

3 units

Definition of a gang and gang activity. Historical, cultural and ethnic/racial aspects. Interrelationships among local, national, and international gangs, including prison gangs. Gang activity in relation to drug trafficking. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU, UC*. * AJ 60, 70 and, 74 combined: maximum UC credit, 1 course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

AJ 78 - Introduction to Probation and Parole

3 units

The history, evolution and current state of probation and parole in the United States, with an emphasis on the differences and similarities of both. Modern trends, such as the justice model, determinate sentencing, restorative justice, "broken windows" supervision, and intensive supervision in the adult and juvenile system are also examined. The course includes discussion of the community resources that can be brought to bear on the correctional task and the concept of shock probation. Designed for students interested in the field of law enforcement or probation/parole. Strongly Recommended: AJ 50 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 79 - Homicide Investigation

3 units

Process of analysis of all aspects of the death case in order to arrive at the true cause and manner of death, whether it is murder, suicide, accidental, or natural. Emphasis on the importance of the death scene related to the investigation of cause. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 87A - PC 832 Arrest

1.5 units

Leadership, professionalism and ethics; laws of arrest; arrest and control; search and seizure; investigative report writing; methods of arrest; investigation and communications; use of force; evidence; cultural diversity/discrimination. Designed to satisfy the 2019 revised requirements of Penal Code 832. Prerequisite: Must demonstrate ability to lawfully possess a firearm and be able to pass DOJ firearms clearance. 18 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory.

Course Material Fees May Apply

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 87B - PC 832 Firearms

1 unit

PC 832 Firearms Familiarization and Chemical Agents is a 24- hour course designed to cover the legal, moral and safety aspects of firearms use, range firing and qualification, weapon care and cleaning as well as expending and identification if Chemical agents. It complies with the requirements of Section 832 of the Penal Code. Because this course is designed to provide practical hands on training in police tactics and weapon usage, participants in this course will engage in physically demanding classroom training exercises that include a risk of injury to the participant. Prerequisite: Must demonstrate ability to lawfully possess a firearm and be able to pass DOJ firearms clearance. 9 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory.

Course Material Fees May Apply

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 89 - Family Violence

3 units

Origins of violence in the family from the administration of justice perspective. Specific types of violent interactions and abuse among family members. Emphasis on techniques for use by police officers to intervene effectively. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

AJ 9954 - Defensive Tactics Instructor

2.5 units

Students will develop knowledge in practices and philosophy of use of force, basic principles and concepts of Arrest & Control and legal issues. Students will develop skills in course development, class planning, instructional techniques, and instructor liability for a defensive tactics program. Students will develop a basic lesson plan and teach assigned blocks of instruction in defensive tactics to other class participants. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the physical techniques of defensive tactics. Completion of this Defensive Tactics Instructor Course satisfies Regulation 1070 in the POST Administrative Manual. This course also satisfies the Arrest and Control perishable skills mandate. 27 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 9965 - Internal Affairs Investigations

1.5 units

Designed to teach the student the proper investigative techniques into alleged misconduct by California peace officers, correctional officers and others in the employ of any California agency that employs peace officers. The student will learn the legal, ethical, moral and technical standards by which these investigations shall be conducted under state law and the discipline that may result from the outcome. This class is designed for POST certified peace officers who hold a minimum of a basic POST certificate or civilian police employees who have been designated by their respective agency as an IA investigator. 27 hours lecture, 81 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 9969 - Firearms Instructor

2.5 units

Designed to train individuals to be firearms instructors. Covers basic firearms knowledge, teaching techniques and lesson planning, range preparation, combat shooting techniques and safety. A California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified course designed for full-time peace officers. 27 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 9979 - Basic Police Cyclist

1.5 units

A course designed for those newly assigned to bicycle patrol work. Covers basic cycling principles and skills, including riding in traffic, bicycle fitness, gear selection, basic maintenance, health and nutrition, emergency handling skills, hazard evasion, night riding, patrol tactics, legal issues, traffic laws and scenarios. This is a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified course regular or reserve peace officers in federal, state, or local law enforcement. 18 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 9980 - Rifle Marksmanship and Sniper/Observer

2 units

A course designed to provide the necessary rifle and tactical skills for the Sniper/Observer to function in support of high-risk law enforcement operations. Course content includes team missions, organization, marksmanship skills, field craft, ballistics, information collection, reporting procedures and tactical command post. This is a California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certified course designed for regular or reserve peace officers in federal, state, or local law enforcement and/or active duty military personnel. 27 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 9982 - Patrol Rifle Instructor

1.5 units

Instruction and practical exercises focused on the specific needs of the rifle instructor. Includes the use and application of the rifle as it pertains to law enforcement and the skills to instruct others in its use and maintenance. A California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certified course designed for full-time peace officers. 18 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 9987 - Basic S.W.A.T.

2.5 units

Introduces officers to basic weapons and tactical skills associated with the responsibilities of a SWAT team member. Training includes member selection and team make-up, keys to survival, introduction to tactical weapons and movement of fire, weapon retention and take away, tactical building searches, rappelling, incident management under SMEAC and liability issues. This is a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified course designed for full-time peace officers approved for SWAT training for their agency. 27 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 9988 - Academy Orientation

0.5 units

A 9 hour course that orients potential recruits to the academic, physical and mental rigors of the Alameda County Sheriff's POST Basic Training Academy. 9 hours lecture.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 9995 - Firearms/Tactical Rifle for the Fire Responder

0.5 units

This course is designed to train individuals in the use of the patrol rifle or carbine. This course will enable the first responder an option now becoming the standard in Law Enforcement. Some of the topics covered are rifle safety, marksmanship, zeroing procedures, firing positions, ballistics, reloading drills, malfunction drills, proper use of the rifle sling, basic tactics, low light engagements, and cover. Each attendee will be required to demonstrate proper usage and safe handling of the rifle. This course is designed for full time sworn law enforcement and/or active duty military personnel and other Public Safety First Responders. 27 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 9997 - Law Enforcement Academy

29 units

Basic concepts of law enforcement, covering investigation, procedures, records, laws, tactics, firearms, and public and human relations. The Law Enforcement Academy is certified by the Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Strongly Recommended: AJ 50 with a minimum grade of C and AJ 60 with a minimum grade of C and AJ 61 with a minimum grade of C and AJ 70 with a minimum grade of C or employment as a peace officer. 252 hours lecture, 810 hours laboratory. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

AJ 9998 - Post Basic Supervisory

4.5 units

This course will cover the basic theories of leadership as they apply to problem-solving. The principles of authority and command will also be explored; as will the concept of failure as it relates to organizational decision-making. Examples will be offered from various models of leadership, including historic leadership styles, command and control, and leadership roles. Problem-solving/decision-making and strategic planning are current themes to be covered in the context of leadership. Prerequisite: AJ 9997 with a minimum grade of P or Possession of a Basic California POST Certificate. 81 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP