Law and Public Safety
People depend on police officers to protect their lives and property. Law enforcement officers have duties that range from controlling traffic to preventing and investigating crimes. They maintain order; enforce laws and ordinances; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; present evidence in court; serve legal documents for the court system; and apprehend, arrest and process prisoners.
Security personnel often work in public buildings such as museums or art galleries to protect paintings and exhibits by inspecting people and packages entering and leaving the building. In factories, laboratories, government buildings, data processing centers, and military bases, security officers protect information, products, computer codes, and defense secrets and check the credentials of people and vehicles entering and leaving the premises.
Corrections officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in a jail, reformatory, or penitentiary. While the primary mission of corrections is protection of the public, many in this field are involved with the treatment, education and reintegration of offenders.
This program can be completed in two years (1080 clock hours).
Class starts in August each year.
First year: Monday-Friday 7:25 AM-10:15 AM
Second year: Monday-Friday 11:15 AM-2:23 PM
Required Courses:
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Seminar in Law Enforcement
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Ethical Issues in Public Safety
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Fundamentals of Public Safety Leadership
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Practical Applications of Public Safety
Elective Courses:
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Seminar in Corrections
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Seminar in Courts and Legal System
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Strategic Security and Legal System
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Public Safety and Wellness
Certifications:
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Certified Criminal Justice Professional (with required work experience; WV credential with international reciprocity)
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CPR
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HAZMAT Awareness
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Mass Casualty Incident Awareness and Operations Training
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Stop The Bleed
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NOCTI
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Articulation agreement with Bluefield State College for 14 credit hours
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Fire Extinguisher Training
Sample Job Titles
Police Officer, Patrolman, Public Safety Officer, Law Enforcement Officer, Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent, Dispatcher, Communications Operator, Public Safety Dispatcher, Communications Officer,Communications Specialist, 911 Dispatcher, Communications Supervisor, Emergency Communications Dispatcher, Security Officer, Safety and Security Officer, Security Agent, Security Guard, Campus Security Officer, Loss Prevention Officer, Customer Service Security Officer, Hotel Security Officer, Store Detective, Correctional Officer, Corrections Officer (CO), Jailer, Detention Deputy, Detention Officer, Correctional Sergeant, Deputy Jailer, Booking Officer, Jailer, Public Safety Officer , Emergency Preparedness Coordinator