Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

In our Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice program you will learn how to identify and explain the function of law enforcement agencies, the courts and the jails and prisons, articulate the most significant constitutional amendments that have a direct effect on the day-to-day functioning of anyone working in the criminal justice system.

You will be able to describe the elements of the most often encountered laws in the Illinois Compiled Statutes that police officers use and explain the impact of the Community Policing/Problem Solving model has in current and future law enforcement practices.

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This certificate provides students with practical hands on experience in the proper techniques of identifying, processing, collecting, and preserving physical evidence associated with crime scenes. The instruction focuses on the understanding of the criminal justice field, the investigative process, criminal law, and the legal aspects of handling evidence and recovered property.

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This 18 credit-hour certificate program is designed to serve the needs of individuals who want the core education the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice program offers. Upon completion, students will be prepared and certified to seek entry level employment positions in the private security field, which include but are not limited to: security officers, loss prevention officers, private inspectors, and private detectives.

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Licensure Requirements: Each state and territory has different licensure and certification requirements. Oakton has researched and/or contacted state licensing authorities to confirm that the program meets the educational requirements leading to professional licensure.  Other licensure requirements may include professional certification exams, background checks, years of work experience, fingerprinting, etc.

Licensure information is reviewed and updated on this site in June of each year. Licensure information is reviewed and updated on this site in June of each year. As of June 1, 2023, we have determined that individuals that successfully complete Oakton’s Private Security Guard Program curriculum:

Meets the education requirements leading to licensure/certification in these states and U.S. Territories: Illinois

Does NOT meet the education requirements For licensure/certification in these states and U.S. Territories: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

If you intend to practice in any state other than Illinois, you should contact the appropriate licensing agency to independently verify whether Oakton’s program satisfies the educational requirements for licensure in a particular state before beginning Oakton’s program. Be aware that state licensure requirements may change from time-to-time and that states may have conditions for licensure in addition to educational requirements.

This information is provided to meet the Disclosure Requirements for Academic Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification.

• Oakton - Elmhurst University A.A. to B.A. in Spanish transfer agreement
• Oakton - Southern Illinois University Carbondale Saluki Step Ahead Transfer Path: A.A. to B.S. in Criminology or Criminal Justice transfer agreement