Learning in the Field
Connecting with community is a key part of COCC's Criminal Justice programs, both to inform the learning process and to model public service.
Students learn from guest speakers, take field trips, and embark on real-world experiences. In addition to site visits to places like the Deschutes County Circuit Court, Deer Ridge Correctional Institution, and Deschutes County's 9-1-1 Dispatch Center, students participate in job shadowing and begin to see themselves as public service professionals. The options are diverse, helping define career paths.
With faculty members who are civic leaders and community advocates, students develop professional skills while becoming part of an educational resource that brings trainings and services to local school groups, organizations, and COCC's Youth Camps.
"This Criminal Justice program is a strong and well-rounded program which produces knowledgeable students ready to work in the public safety field. As an employer, I have been very impressed with the skill level of the graduates and have found it to be a very valuable recruiting pool."
Criminal Justice also emphasizes student skill-development within the community. These service-oriented connections include providing crowd control at local events and assisting with self-defense and alcohol-awareness trainings.