Apply today and study Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer at Inver Hills Community College, just 10 miles southeast of the Twin Cities, MN
Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer

The Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer A.S. degree and certificate give you the option to navigate toward the professional peace officer route or, more broadly, toward criminal justice studies.

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Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer

Contact Information

Admissions Team

admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3000
College Center

This program is designed to prepare individuals for a career in the public and protective services as a culturally responsive professional peace officer. Graduates of this program are qualified to take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board licensing examination.

The program is guided by a mission, vision and five (5) core values that promotes the connection of knowledge, skills and abilities needed in the field of public and protective services, including professional peace officers.

Mission

We are committed to developing leaders in the public and protective service profession through culturally responsive, transformative education and training.

Vision

As innovators in education, who promote accountability, culturally responsiveness, communication, and integrity; we create public servant leaders who are prepared to work in and support communities.

The Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer program and curriculum promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.  

Information Sessions

Interested in learning more about the exciting educational and career opportunities in the Criminal Justice field? If so, sign up to attend this information session about the Criminal Justice Department here at Inver Hills. You will learn more about our Criminal Justice and Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer Associate of Science degrees and Corrections certificate programs.

Degrees

A.S., Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer – 68 credits

Coursework   Program Planning Guide

Professional Peace Officer Curriculum – 12 credits

Course Number Title Credits
CJS 1150 Introduction to Criminal Justice1 3 cr
CJS 1152 Peace Offer and Community1 3 cr
CJS 1154 Juvenile Justice1 3 cr
EMS 1100 Emergency Medical Responder2 3 cr
Total Credits: 12

General Education Curriculum – 30 credits

Course Number Title Credits
ENG 1108 Writing and Research Skills1 4 cr
ENG 1111 Research Writing3 2 cr
COMM 1100 Interpersonal Communications1 3 cr
MnTC Goal 4 elective MATH 1101 or PHIL 1115 recommended 3 cr
PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology1 4 cr
POLS 1121 OR
POLS 1161 		State & Local Government4 OR
Introduction to Constitutional Law 		3 cr
SOC 1127 Social Inequalities: Race, Class and Gender1 3 cr
PHIL 1112 Ethics1 3 cr
INTS 1150 Public Service in Diverse Communities1 2 cr
COMM 2240 OR
SJS 1100 		Intercultural Communication OR
Introduction to Social Justice. 		3 cr
Total Credits: 30

1 Required for admission to the Peace Officer Professional Licensing Core. Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of C and a cumulative GPA of 2.50.

2EMR students will be required to receive certification through the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board.

3ENG 1114 or ENG 1130 may be substituted to fulfill this requirement.

4Students intending to transfer to MN State University Mankato should choose POLS 1121 State & Local Government.

Professional Licensing Core – 26 credits

Holistic Admissions Processes: Students must apply for the Inver Hills Peace Officer Professional Licensing Core, 26 credits. A formal application and acceptance are required prior to enrollment in the Professional Licensing Core. After completion of the first semester of the Professional Licensing Core, students must complete an additional formal application for acceptance into a MN P.O.S.T. Board approved Skills Training provider.

Students pursuing this degree must meet minimum selection standards under Minnesota Rule 6700.0700, Subpart 1., F. before they will be admitted into the Inver Hills Peace Officer Professional Licensing Core. According to Minnesota Rule, no student may be admitted to the PPOE who has been convicted of any of the crimes listed in MN Rules 6700.0700, Subp. 1., F.

First Semester - 14 credits
(Academic, Theory Based Courses)

Course Number Title Credits
CJS 2225 Theory and Practice of Criminal Investigations 3 cr
CJS 2230 Legal Issues and Procedures in Policing 3 cr
CJS 2231 Minnesota Criminal and Traffic Code 3 cr
CJS 2235 Professional Police Report Writing & Employment Preparation 2 cr
CJS 2240 Peace Officer and Human Behavior 3 cr
Total Courses: 14

Second Semester - 12 credits
(MN P.O.S.T. Board approved Skills Training provider)

Course Number Title Credits
CJS 2261 In Progress 3 cr
CJS 2275 Traffic and Driving School. 2 cr
CJS 2280 Defensive Tactics 3 cr
CJS 2285 Crime Scene and Evidence 1 cr
CJS 2290 Firearms 3 cr
Total Courses: 12

Full-Time Recommended Course Of Study

Note: not all courses will be available every semester. For a complete list of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Goal Area course choices, please visit: inverhills.edu/MnTC

Semester 1 - 14 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
CJS 1150 Introduction to Criminal Justice1 3 cr
ENG 1108 Writing and Research Skills1 4 cr
SOC 1127 Social Inequality: Race, Class, Gender1 3 cr
PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology1 4 cr
Total Credits: 14

Semester 2 - 14 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
CJS 1152 Peace Officer and Community1 3 cr
INTS 1150 Public Service in Diverse Communities1 2 cr
POLS 1121 OR
POLS 1161 		State and Local Government3OR
Introduction to Constitutional Law 		3 cr
SJS 1100 OR
COMM 2240 		Introduction to Social Justice OR
240 Intercultural Communication 		3 cr
COMM 1100 Interpersonal Communications1 3 cr
Total Credits: 14

Semester 3 - 14 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
CJS 1154 Juvenile Justice1 3 cr
EMS 1100 Emergency Medical Responder2 3 cr
ENG 1111 OR
ENG 1114 OR
ENG 1130 		Research Writing OR
The Research Paper OR
Writing & Research for the Professions 		2-3 cr
MnTC Goal 4 elective MATH 1101 or PHIL 1115 Recommended 3 cr
PHIL 1112 Ethics1 3 cr
Total Credits: 14

Professional Licensing Core (acceptance required prior to enrollment)

Semester 4 - 14 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
CJS 2225 Theory and Practice of Criminal Investigations 3 cr
CJS 2230 Legal Issues and Procedures in Policing 3 cr
CJS 2231 Minnesota Criminal and Traffic Code 3 cr
CJS 2235 Professional Police Report Writing & Employment Preparation 2 cr
CJS 2240 Peace Officer and Human Behavior 3 cr
Total Credits: 14

Semester 5 - 12 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
CJS 2261 In Progress 3 cr
CJS 2275 Traffic and Driving School 2 cr
CJS 2280 Defensive Tactics 3 cr
CJS 2285 Crime Scene and Evidence 1 cr
CJS 2290 Firearms 3 cr
Total Credits: 12

1 Required for admission to the Peace Officer Professional Licensing Core. Each course must be completed with a minimum grade of C and a cumulative GPA of 2.50.

2 EMR students will be required to receive certification through the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board.

3 Students intending to transfer to MN State University Mankato should choose POLS 1121 State & Local Government.

Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer Certificate – 28 credits

The Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer Certificate prepares individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree or A.A./A.S. degree, in any discipline, at a regionally accredited college/university, for entry into the professional peace officer profession in Minnesota. This certificate is designed to prepare individuals for a career in the public and protective services as a culturally responsive professional peace officer. Graduates of this certificate, in addition to the completion of EMR certification and Skills training, are qualified to take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board licensing examination.

Coursework   Program Planning Guide

Professional Peace Officer Curriculum - 14 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
INTS 1150 Public Service in Diverse Communities 2 cr
SOC 1127 Social Inequalities: Race, Class, & Gender 3 cr
CJS 1150 Introduction to the Criminal Justice 3 cr
CJS 1152 Peace Officer and Community 3 cr
CJS 1154 Juvenile Justice 3 cr
Total Credits: 14

Professional Licensing Core (Semester 1)1,2 - 14 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
CJS 2225 Theory and Practice of Criminal Investigations 3 cr
CJS 2230 Legal Issues and Procedures in Policing 3 cr
CJS 2231 Minnesota Criminal and Traffic Code 3 cr
CJS 2235 Professional Police Report Writing & Employment Preparation 2 cr
CJS 2240 Peace Officer and Human Behavior 3 cr
Total Credits: 14

1 Students must apply for the Professional Licensing Core. Refer to the Holistic Admissions Processes below.

2After completion of the Professional Licensing Core (Semester 1), students must complete the second semester (Skills) at a MN POST Board approved Skills provider, prior to qualification for the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board licensing examination. A minimum grade of C must be earned in all required certificate coursework.

Note: Individuals must receive EMR certification through the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board prior to qualification for the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board licensing examination. EMS 1100 Emergency Medical Responder is offered at Inver Hills.

Holistic Admissions Processes: Students must apply for the Inver Hills Peace Officer Professional Licensing Core, 26 credits. A formal application and acceptance are required prior to enrollment in the Professional Licensing Core. After completion of the first semester of the Professional Licensing Core, students must complete an additional formal application for acceptance into a MN P.O.S.T. Board approved Skills Training provider. Students pursuing this degree must meet minimum selection standards under Minnesota Rule 6700.0700, Subpart 1., F. before they will be admitted into the Inver Hills Peace Officer Professional Licensing Core. According to Minnesota Rule, no student may be admitted to the PPOE who has been convicted of any of the crimes listed in MN Rules 6700.0700, Subp. 1., F.

Course Descriptions

CJS 1150  Introduction to Criminal Justice   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 1150

Describes the American system of criminal justice, including theories of crime and justice, criminal law, policing, courts, associated pre- and post-trial legal processes, corrections, juvenile justice, and special issues in criminal justice. This course will also explore criminal justice careers, changes to the system, and the future of criminal justice. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.?

CJS 1152  Peace Officer and Community   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 1152

Studies the historical and contemporary roles of policing in society, strategies for positive peace officer-community relations and career-related issues for peace officers. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.

CJS 1154  Juvenile Justice   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 1154

Examines the historical foundations, current philosophies, procedures and characteristics of the juvenile justice system. This course explores theories of delinquency, evaluation methods to assess behaviors and develop strategies while working with juveniles, as well as, Minnesota statutes and community corrections systems that apply specifically to juveniles. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.

CJS 1156  American Corrections   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 1156

Considers the history, theories and practices of corrections, which will be reviewed and applied to the Minnesota corrections system. Course formerly known as CJS1156 Introduction to Corrections.

CJS 1158  Criminology   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 1158

Explores the biological, sociological, and psychological perspectives on the etiology of criminal behavior and applies them to selected case histories.

CJS 1160  Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice Professionals   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 1160

Acquaint students with relevant content of the United States Constitution and Constitutional Amendments within political, social, and historical contexts; and examine the cognitive process in key judicial decisions. Prerequisites: CJS 1150 or instructor approval.

CJS 1162  Special Populations in CJ   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 1162

Explains the current trends in criminal justice, which recognizes the diversity of offenders that populates the criminal justice system. Taken from criminological, anthropological, and sociological perspectives, this course will analyze the issues which prompted a specialized approach to various offender groups. Topics will include elderly offenders, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders, sexual deviants, gang classified offenders, drug/alcohol abusers, various minority groups, and juvenile offenders. Historical development, societal issues, crime and punishment, discrimination, employment, and other serious problems are considered throughout.

CJS 1190  Field Experience: Criminal Justice   4.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 1190

Accomplishes an off-campus learning experience in an agency providing a learning environment for students interested in the sociological perspective. Emphasis will be placed on experiences that relate to the student's career interests. In most instances these placements will be with law enforcement agencies and/or corrections. Prereq: CJS 1150, permission of internship coordinator, and attendance at an orientation session during the semester prior to registering for CJS 1190.

CJS 2112  Community Corrections   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2112

Introduces alternatives to traditional incarceration for convicted criminals and people on probation and parole. Topics include the history of community corrections, the legal framework for community corrections, the growth potential of the field, and the role of the corrections professional. Emphasis is upon sentencing, probation, parole, pre-trial release programs, intermediate sanctions, and halfway houses. Prerequisites: CJS 1156 with a grade of C or higher.

CJS 2114  Legal Issues and Corrections   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2114

Studies the legal rights and obligations of probationers, inmates, and parolees. Constitutional issues such as privacy, search and seizure, correspondence, medical treatment and religious practice will be studied. Topics will also include the legal rights of incarcerated individuals confined in public and private facilities, along with the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of corrections agencies and personnel. Juvenile corrections included. Prerequisites: CJS 1156 with a grade of C or higher.

CJS 2116  Report Writing in Corrections   1.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2116

Provides the technical understanding and practical application in basic report writing, note taking and standardized report forms commonly used by corrections personnel. Topics include proper note-taking, report writing mechanics, style, and editing, and data privacy rules and regulations. Emphasis is placed on developing a clear, concise style in expressing factual, relevant information. Job search skills are covered; including resume/cover letter writing, and background/interview preparation. Prerequisites: CJS 1156 with a grade of C or higher and ENG 1108 with a grade of C or higher.

CJS 2158  Criminology   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2158

Explores the biological, sociological, and psychological perspectives on the etiology of criminal behavior and applies them to selected case histories. Course formerly known as CJS 1158 Criminology.

CJS 2160  Criminal Justice and the Constitution   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2160

Acquaint students with relevant content of the United States Constitution and Constitutional Amendments within political, social, and historical contexts; and examine the cognitive process in key judicial decisions. Course formerly known as CJS 1160 Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice Professionals. Prerequisites: CJS 1150 or instructor approval.

CJS 2189  Corrections Internship   4.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2189

Provides an off-campus experiential learning experience in a professional organization in the field of corrections. Emphasis will be placed on experiences that relate to the student's career interests. Prerequisites: CJS 1156, CJS 2112, and permission of internship coordinator and attendance at an orientation session during the semester prior to registering for CJS 2289.

CJS 2225  Theory and Practice of Criminal Investigations   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2225

Examines the documentation, evidence handling procedures and preservation needed in crime scene investigations. This course also explores the legal, procedural and ethical considerations in interviewing and interrogations along with balancing the constitutional rights and protection of suspects, witnesses and victims. Investigative preparation, documentation and report writing will be explored. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.

CJS 2230  Legal Issues and Procedures in Policing   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2230

Explores the principles of criminal procedure and the rules established by the U.S. Supreme Court relating to suspect identification, search and seizure, arrest procedures, interrogation of suspects, and the legal processes applicable to policing. Students will study the legal concepts involved in the application of various amendments to policing as well as the Minnesota State Constitution, the U.S. Constitution and their procedural requirements. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.??

CJS 2231  Minnesota Criminal and Traffic Code   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2231

Prepares professional peace officers with contemporary policing options and practices to identify, analyze and apply Minnesota criminal statutes and traffic code. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders

CJS 2235  Professional Police Report Writing and Employment Preparation   2.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2235

Prepares students in the construction of professional police reports using the Minnesota POST Board approved format. Professional police report writing includes peace officer terminology, effective grammar, sentence structure and syntax. This course also includes career preparation skills such as resume development, cover letter writing, background check preparation, and interviewing for the policing field. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.??

CJS 2240  Peace Officer and Human Behavior   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2240

Integrates the academic knowledge, skills, and abilities of the basic patrol function of professional peace officers. These include, but are not limited to, vehicle stops, traffic enforcement, pedestrian checks, officer safety issues, and other duties as they relate to the basic patrol functions. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.??

CJS 2261  In Progress   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2261

Instructs students in the areas of crimes in-progress.

CJS 2275  Traffic & Driving School   2.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2275

Familiarizes students in the areas of Low Risk Traffic Stops, High Risk/Felony Stops, DWI enforcement, Crash Scene Management, Additionally, introduction to basic defensive and emergency driving techniques.

CJS 2280  Defensive Tactics   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2280

Examines defensive tactics and active shooter response.

CJS 2285  Crime Scene and Evidence   1.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2285

Examines search and seizure, booking and fingerprinting, crime scene investigations, latent prints, courtroom testimony, evidence collection and preservation.

CJS 2289  Field Experience; Criminal Justice   4.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2289

Accomplishes an off-campus learning experience in an agency providing a learning environment for students interested in the sociological perspective. Emphasis will be placed on experiences that relate to the student's career interests. In most instances these placements will be with law enforcement agencies and/or corrections. Prereq: CJS 1150, permission of internship coordinator, and attendance at an orientation session during the semester prior to registering for CJS 1190.

CJS 2290  Firearms   3.0 cr

Course Outline for CJS 2290

Integrates instruction and practical application in the use of deadly force, simunitions, firearms, and judgmental shootings.

CJS 2444  Special Topics in Law Enforcement   cr

Course Outline for CJS 2444

Examines the topics of crisis response, conflict management, and cultural diversity. This course allows students training in crisis management and mental illness crises; conflict management and mediation; and recognizing and valuing community diversity and cultural differences, which includes implicit bias training.
Transfer Pathways

With this transfer pathway, you will be able to transfer to the following majors at:

Meet the Faculty

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Education Credentials

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Clubs & Organizations

BSOL (Beta Sigma Omega Lambda): Criminal Justice Club

Purpose: Provide criminal justice forums, job fairs, community service and awareness of criminal justice careers and academic programs, including raising awareness of the Inver Hills Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement degree and certificate programs. Visit BSOL on Facebook.

To learn more, contact:

Leslie Palmer
Criminal Justice Instructor
BSOL Faculty Advisor
651-450-3619

Professional Organizations

Employment Information

Law enforcement

Law enforcement officers focus on preventing criminal activity, investigating crimes committed, and apprehending suspects. Officers work with the court system to make sure perpetrators are prosecuted.

Law enforcement professionals pursue careers in three general areas:

  • Uniformed officers
    First line of defense against criminals
  • Investigators
    Investigate and solve crimes
  • Support personnel
    Work behind the scenes analyzing evidence, including crime scenes and ballistics

Law enforcement officer core competencies

  • Sound judgment
  • Problem solving
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Multitasking
  • Courage
  • Responsibility
  • Resourcefulness
  • Initiative
  • Assertiveness
  • Integrity
  • Teamwork
  • Collaboration

Job titles in law enforcement

  • ATF investigator
  • Border patrol agent
  • CIA operations officer
  • Computer forensic technician
  • Crime lab analyst
  • Crime scene investigator
  • Customs agent
  • DEA agent
  • Deputy sheriff
  • Diplomatic security agent
  • FBI agent
  • Federal air marshal
  • Fraud investigator
  • DHS agent
  • Immigration agent
  • INS agent
  • IRS special agent
  • K9 officer
  • NSA officer
  • Private security specialist
  • Police detective
  • Police officer
  • Private investigator
  • Secret Service agent
  • Sheriff
  • State trooper
  • Surveillance officer
  • U.S. Coast Guard maritime enforcement specialist
  • U.S. marshal

Below are just a few examples of possible career paths that can start with earning an A.S. in Law Enforcement at Inver Hills.

Additional resources

Why Inver Hills?

MISSION

We are committed to developing leaders in the public and protective service profession through culturally responsive, transformative education and training.

VISION

As innovators in education, who promote accountability, cultural responsiveness, communication, and integrity, we create public servant leaders who are prepared to work in and support communities.

The Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer program and curriculum promotes five core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.

Completing your Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer A.S. degree obligations at Inver Hills is smart on several key levels:

  1. Examine the critical roles of corrections, rehabilitation, and probation in the criminal justice system
  2. Analyze the causes and effects of criminal behavior and delinquency
  3. Explore how state and federal laws work to keep our communities safe
  4. Serve and protect fellow citizens while enforcing the laws of our community
  5. Perform operations such as SWAT, crime scene investigation, interrogating suspects, counter-terrorism, and threat assessment
  6. Strengthen your mind and body through rigorous mental and physical training
  7. Receive an excellent education with one-on-one interactions with CRPPO faculty
  8. Get firsthand experience working on real-world criminal justice issues, situations and problems
  9. Save money and continue your academic and professional careers with less student debt*

*In the first quarter of 2021, student loan balances in the United States increased by $29 billion to $1.73 trillion. Around 43.2 million Americans owe an average of $39,351 each in student loan debt.

According to the nonprofit Student Borrower Protection Center, there are 775,300 student-loan borrowers in Minnesota with a collective $29.1 billion in student-loan debt, for an average student-loan debt load of about $37,500 per borrower.

Tuition and fees for one year at Inver Hills costs just under $5,600. Compare that to $15,000 to $20,000 at a for-profit college, or $40,000 to $50,000 at a private college or university. You can complete your first two years at Inver getting a topflight education firsthand from Ph.D. instructors and then transfer to a four-year as a junior all while saving thousands of dollars. It's a no-brainer.

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