Criminal Justice/Forensic Investigation/Law Enforcement

NEW! Forensic Psychology Option

About the Program

Police officers and detectives maintain law and order, collect evidence and information, and conduct investigations and surveillance. Wallace State provides law enforcement officers the necessary skills to conduct routine investigations. There is emphasis in forensic science and criminalistics, with special emphasis placed upon laboratory practices used to develop investigative evidence. Graduates go on to careers in such jobs as police officer, game warden, corrections officer, forensic investigation/crime scene tech or probation officer. Some jobs require a four-year degree, but a two-year associate’s degree is all that is required at many police departments.

Forensic science technicians investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Often, they specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination. When criminal cases come to trial, forensic science technicians may give testimony on specific laboratory findings by identifying and classifying substances, materials, and other evidence collected at the scene of a crime.

Law enforcement agencies are encouraging applicants to take postsecondary school training in law enforcement-related subjects. Many junior colleges, colleges, and universities offer programs in law enforcement or administration of justice. Other courses helpful in preparing for a career in law enforcement include accounting, finance, electrical engineering, computer science, and foreign languages.