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CJ Courses
Currently Offered Criminal Justice Courses
The courses listed below are either currently offered or in development at Central Piedmont Community College. See the semester schedule of courses to learn when the classes are typically offered or the colleges on line schedule for exact course offerings.
In addition to the name and course number for each class, each course also lists the number of hours per week of class and lab time (in hours), plus number of credits, as well as any prerequisites or corequisites. The course description is from the North Carolina Common Course Library. CPCC currently offers courses in several different formats, including traditional classes, on-line classes and Fast Track classes..
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 111 | Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course introduces the components and processes of the criminal justice system. Topics include history, structure, functions, and philosophy of the criminal justice system and their relationship to life in our society. Upon completion, students should be able to define and describe the major system components and their interrelationships and evaluate career options. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement for transferability as a premajor and/or elective course requirement. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 112 | Criminology | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course introduces deviant behavior as it relates to criminal activity. Topics include theories of crime causation; statistical analysis of criminal behavior; past, present, and future social control initiatives; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain and discuss various theories of crime causation and societal response. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 113 | Juvenile Justice | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers the juvenile justice system and related juvenile issues. Topics include an overview of the juvenile justice system, treatment and prevention programs, special areas and laws unique to juveniles, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss juvenile court structure/procedures, function and jurisdiction of juvenile agencies, processing/detention of juveniles, and case disposition. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 114 | Investigative Photography | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers the operation of various photographic equipment and its application to criminal justice. Topics include using various cameras, proper exposure of film, developing film/prints, and preparing photographic evidence. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate and explain the role of photography and proper film exposure and development techniques. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 120 | Interviews/Interrogations | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers basic and special techniques employed in criminal justice interviews and interrogations. Emphasis is placed on the interview/interrogation process, including interpretation of verbal and physical behavior and legal perspectives. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct interviews/interrogations in a legal, efficient, and professional manner and obtain the truth from suspects, witnesses, and victims. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 121 | Law Enforcement Operations | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course introduces fundamental law enforcement operations. Topics include the contemporary evolution of law enforcement operations and related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to explain theories, practices, and issues related to law enforcement operations. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement for transferability as a premajor and/or elective course requirement. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 122 | Community Policing | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers the historical, philosophical, and practical dimensions of community policing. Emphasis is placed on the empowerment of police and the community to find solutions to problems by forming partnerships. Upon completion, students should be able to define community policing, describe how community policing strategies solve problems, and compare community policing to traditional policing. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 131 | Criminal Law | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers the history/evolution/principles and contemporary applications of criminal law. Topics include sources of substantive law, classification of crimes, parties to crime, elements of crimes, matters of criminal responsibility, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the sources of law and identify, interpret, and apply the appropriate statutes/elements. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 132 | Court Procedure & Evidence | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers judicial structure/process/procedure from incident to disposition, kinds and degrees of evidence, and the rules governing admissibility of evidence in court. Topics include consideration of state and federal courts, arrest, search and seizure laws, exclusionary and statutory rules of evidence, and other related issues. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss procedures necessary to establish a lawful arrest/search, proper judicial procedures, and the admissibility of evidence. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 141 | Corrrections | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers the history, major philosophies, components, and current practices and problems of the field of corrections. Topics include historical evolution, functions of the various components, alternatives to incarceration, treatment programs, inmate control, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the various components, processes, and functions of the correctional system. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement for transferability as a premajor and/or elective course requirement. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 144 | Crime Scene Processing | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course introduces the theories and practices of crime scene processing and investigating. Topics include legal considerations at the crime scene, processing indoor and outdoor scenes, recording, note taking, collection and preservation of evidence and submission to the crime laboratory. Upon completion, the student should be able to evaluate and search various crime scenes and demonstrate the appropriate techniques. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 145 | Crime Scene CAD | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course introduces the student to Computer Aided Diagramming software for crime scenes. Topics include drawing, editing, file management and drafting theory and practices. Upon completion, students should be able to produce and plot a crime scene drawing | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 146 | Trace Evidence | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course provides a study of trace evidence as it relates to forensic science. Topics include collection, packaging, and preservation of trace evidence from crime scenes such as bombings, fires and other scenes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the fundamental concepts of trace evidence collection, preservation and submission to the crime laboratory. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 151 | Intro to Loss Prevention | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course introduces the concepts and methods related to commercial and private security systems. Topics include the historical, philosophical, and legal basis of security, with emphasis on security surveys, risk analysis, and associated functions. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate and understand security systems, risk management, and the laws relative to loss prevention. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 160 | Terrorism: Underlying Issues | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course identifies the fundamental reasons why America is a target for terrorists, covering various domestic/international terrorist groups and ideologies from a historical aspect. Emphasis is placed upon recognition of terrorist crime scene; weapons of mass destruction; chemical, biological, and nuclear terrorism; and planning consideration involving threat assessments. Upon completion, the student should be able to identify and discuss the methods used in terrorists’ activities and complete a threat assessment for terrorists’ incidents. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 170 | Critical Incident Management | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course prepares the student to specialize in the direct response, operations, and management of critical incidents. Emphasis is placed upon the theoretical and applied models to understand and manage disasters, terrorism, and school/work place violence. Upon completion, the student should be able to identify and discuss managerial techniques, legal issues, and response procedures to critical incidents. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 211 | Counseling | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course introduces the basic elements of counseling and specific techniques applicable to the criminal justice setting. Topics include observation, listening, recording, interviewing, and problem exploration necessary to form effective helping relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss and demonstrate the basic techniques of counseling. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 212 | Ethics & Community Relations | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers ethical considerations and accepted standards applicable to criminal justice organizations and professionals. Topics include ethical systems; social change, values, and norms; cultural diversity; citizen involvement in criminal justice issues; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply ethical considerations to the decision-making process in identifiable criminal justice situations. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 213 | Substance Abuse | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course is a study of substance abuse in our society. Topics include the history and classifications of drug abuse and the social, physical, and psychological impact of drug abuse. Upon completion, students should be able to identify various types of drugs, their effects on human behavior and society, and treatment modalities. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 214 | Victimology | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course introduces the study of victims. Emphasis is placed on roles/characteristics of victims, victim interaction with the criminal justice system and society, current victim assistance programs, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss and identify victims, the uniqueness of victims' roles, and current victim assistance programs. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 215 | Organization & Administration | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course introduces the components and functions of organization and administration as it applies to the agencies of the criminal justice system. Topics include operations/functions of organizations; recruiting, training, and retention of personnel; funding and budgeting; communications; span of control and discretion; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss the basic components and functions of a criminal justice organization and its administrative operations. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 221 | Investigative Principles | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course introduces the theories and fundamentals of the investigative process. Topics include crime scene/incident processing, information gathering techniques, collection/preservation of evidence, preparation of appropriate reports, court presentations, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, explain, and demonstrate the techniques of the investigative process, report preparation, and courtroom presentation. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 222 | Criminalistics | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers the functions of the forensic laboratory and its relationship to successful criminal investigations and prosecutions. Topics include advanced crime scene processing, investigative techniques, current forensic technologies, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and collect relevant evidence at simulated crime scenes and request appropriate laboratory analysis of submitted evidence. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 223 | Organized Crime | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course introduces the evolution of traditional and non-traditional organized crime and its effect on society and the criminal justice system. Topics include identifying individuals and groups involved in organized crime, areas of criminal activity, legal and political responses to organized crime, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the groups and activities involved in organized crime and the responses of the criminal justice system. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 225 | Crisis Intervention | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course introduces critical incident intervention and management techniques as they apply to operational criminal justice practitioners. Emphasis is placed on the victim/offender situation as well as job-related high stress, dangerous or problem-solving citizen contacts. Upon completion, students should be able to provide insightful analysis of emotional, violent, drug-induced, and other critical and/or stressful incidents that require field analysis and/or resolution. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 231 | Constitutional Law | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| The course covers the impact of the Constitution of the United States and its amendments on the criminal justice system. Topics include the structure of the Constitution and its amendments, court decisions pertinent to contemporary criminal justice issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss the basic structure of the United States Constitution and the rights/procedures as interpreted by the courts. |
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| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 232 | Civil Liability | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers liability issues for the criminal justice professional. Topics include civil rights violations, tort liability, employment issues, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to explain civil trial procedures and discuss contemporary liability issues. |
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| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 233 | Correctional Law | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course introduces statutory/case law pertinent to correctional concepts, facilities, and related practices. Topics include examination of major legal issues encompassing incarceration, probation, parole, restitution, pardon, restoration of rights, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss legal issues which directly affect correctional systems and personnel. |
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| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 241 | Community-Based Corrections | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisities | None | |||
| Corequisities | None | |||
| This course covers programs for convicted offenders that are used both as alternatives to incarceration and in post-incarceration situations. Topics include offenders, diversion, house arrest, restitution, community service, probation and parole, including both public and private participation, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify/discuss the various programs from the perspective of the criminal justice professional, the offender, and the community. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 244 | Footwear and Tire Imprints | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course provides a study of the fundamental concepts of footwear and tire imprint evidence as related to forensic science. Topics include proper photographic recording, casting, recognition of wear patterns and imprint identification. Upon completion, the student should be able to recognize, record, photograph, and identify footwear and tire imprints. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 245 | Friction Ridge Analysis | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
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This course introduces the basic elements of fingerprint technology and techniques applicable to the criminal justice field. Topics include the history and meaning of fingerprints, pattern types and classification, filing sequence, searching and referencing. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss and demonstrate the fundamental techniques of basic fingerprint technology. This course is a unique concentration requirement in the Latent Evidence concentration in the Criminal Justice Technology Program. |
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| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 246 | Adv. Friction Ridge Analysis | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
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This course introduces the theories and processes of advanced friction ridge analysis. Topics include evaluation of friction ridges, chart preparation, comparative analysis for valued determination rendering proper identification, chemical enhancement and AFIS preparation and usage. Upon completion, students must show an understanding of proper procedures for friction ridge analysis through written testing and practical exercises. This course is a unique concentration requirement in the Latent Evidence concentration in the Criminal Justice Technology Program. |
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| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 250 | Forensic Biology I | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course covers important biological principles that are applied in the crime laboratory. Topics include forensic toxicology, forensic serology, microscopy, and DNA typing analysis, with an overview of organic and inorganic analysis. Upon completion, students should be able to articulate how a crime laboratory processes physical evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 251 | Forensic Chemistry I | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course provides a study of the fundamental concepts of chemistry as it relates to forensic science. Topics include physical and chemical properties of substances, metric measurements, chemical changes, elements, compounds, gases, and atomic structure. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of forensic chemistry. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 252 | Forensic Chemistry II | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course provides a study of specialized areas of chemistry specifically related to forensic science. Topics include properties of light, emission and absorption spectra, spectrophotometry, gas and liquid chromatography, and related topics in organic and biochemistry. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of specialized concepts in forensic chemistry. | ||||
| Course and Description | Class | Lab | Credit | |
| CJC 255 | Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Prerequisites: | None | |||
| Corequisites: | None | |||
| This course provides an opportunity to exhibit interpersonal and technical skills required for application of criminal justice concepts in contemporary practical situations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and integration of theory and practical skills components. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the knowledge required of any entry-level law enforcement officer. | ||||