Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer

A.S.

The 68-credit Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer (CRPPO) A.S. degree program prepares you for a career in the public and protective services as a culturally responsive professional peace officer. As a graduate of the program, you will be qualified to take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board licensing examination.

As a student in this A.S. program, you will complete the Professional Peace Officer Curriculum (12 credits), the General Education Curriculum (30 credits), the Professional Licensing Core (14 credits), and Minnesota Post Board-Approved Skills Training (12 credits) for a credit total of 68.

Guided by a mission, vision, and five (5) core values, this program promotes the connection of knowledge, skills, and abilities needed in the public and protective services field, including the career path of the professional peace officer.

Note: If you have been arrested, charged, or convicted of any criminal offense, you should investigate the impact that the arrest, charge, or conviction may have on your chances of employment in the field you intend to study or on your chances to obtain federal, state, and other higher education financial aid.

Full-time schedule recommendation

See how to schedule your classes each semester to complete your degree in two years.

Full-Time Recommended Course of Study

Part-time schedule recommendation

Recommendations for a part-time schedule are included in the Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer Program Planning Guide (see below).

Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer Program Planning Guide

2023-2024 Required Courses

Professional Peace Officer Curriculum

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
CJS 1150	Introduction to Criminal Justice Footnote ¹	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 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.? Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
CJS 1152	Peace Officer and Community Footnote ¹	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 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. Prerequisites: CJS 1150 Introduction to Criminal Justice Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
CJS 1154	Juvenile Justice Footnote ¹	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 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. Prerequisites: CJS 1150 Introduction to Criminal Justice Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
EMS 1100	Emergency Medical Responder Footnote ¹	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 This course meets the National EMS Education Standards for Emergency Medical Responders. It includes the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for individuals first on scene to initially assess and provide care for sick or injured emergency patients. Successful completion qualifies the student to apply for certification in MN as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) through the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
Total Credits in Professional Peace Officer Curriculum		12

General Education Curriculum

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
ENG 1108	Writing And Research Skills Footnote ¹	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Provides instruction and practice in reading, researching, and writing for college. Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: ENG 0108 Workshop for Writing and Research Skills Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
ENG 1111	Research Writing Footnote ³	2
Course Outline Credits: 2 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02 Students will analyze primary and secondary sources and develop formal research writing in students' academic and/or professional disciplines including EMS, Paralegal, and Criminal Justice. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better. Prerequisites: ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
COMM 1100	Interpersonal Communication Footnote ¹	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 07 Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
	General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4) MATH 1101 or PHIL 1115 recommended ‡	3
Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
PSYC 1101	Introduction to Psychology Footnote ¹	4
Course Outline Credits: 4 MNTC Goal Areas: 02, 05 Presents a survey of the science of psychology including theoretical and experimental findings and applications. Topics include research methodology, the nervous system, perception, cognition, learning, memory, human development, emotions, motivation, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, attitudes, social influence and growth processes. This course may not be taken for credit if you have already earned credit for Introduction to Psychology with Lab (PSYC 1201). Prereq: Placement into ENG 1108 or successful completion (grade of C or above) of ENG 99/Read 93 Prerequisites: Please go to e-Services to see Pre-requisites for this course Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
POLS 1161 POLS 1121	Introduction to Constitutional Law OR State and Local Government Footnote ⁴	3
Introduction to Constitutional Law Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 09 Provides students with an overview of the nature and scope of American Constitutional rights and liberties based upon the United States Constitution as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. In your exploration of contemporary U.S. Constitutional issues, you will critically examine your own political values, experiences and behaviors. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 State and Local Government Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 09 Examines state and local government political institutions, behavior, public policies, tax and spending issues. The course will also analyze structure and behavior of state legislatures, governors, courts, and political parties, including the nomination and election process of state and local officials. The course emphasis will be on the Minnesota political system. In your exploration of contemporary Minnesota policy issues, you will critically examine your own political values, experiences and behaviors. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
SOC 1127	Social Inequalities: Race, Class, & Gender Footnote ¹	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 07 Describes and analyzes selected inequality relationships in the United States. Topic areas will include economic inequality-poverty; ethnic inequality-racism; and gender inequality-sexism. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.3200, Subp. 3, Standard 12a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
PHIL 1112	Ethics Footnote ¹	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 06, 09 Examine major classical and contemporary ethical theories, and in light of these theories, addresses some current contentious topics. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024
INTS 1150	Public Service in Diverse Communities Footnote ¹	2
Course Outline Credits: 2 MNTC Goal Areas: 09 Prepares students for meaningful careers in public service in an increasingly multicultural American society. This course will examine preconceptions, unconscious bias, and foster understanding of historically disadvantaged populations. Through assigned materials, class meetings, and completion of a comprehensive portfolio, students will critically examine their values, experiences, and behaviors to better understand and compassionately serve diverse communities. This course is recommended to be taken after completing one semester of coursework. It is also recommended to take concurrently with or after completing SOC 1127. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
COMM 2240 SJS 1100	Intercultural Communication OR Introduction to Social Justice	3
Intercultural Communication Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 08 Explores factors that influence communication between individuals of different cultures. In our global society we are increasingly called upon to communicate in a variety of intercultural contexts. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between cultural orientation and communication behaviors. Identifying their own cultural biases and assumptions will help students increase their awareness and tolerance of individual and group differences. Students will learn to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in interpersonal contacts and identify skills for interacting with people from culture groups other than their own. Students may not earn credit for both COMM 1114 and COMM 2240. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Introduction to Social Justice Course Outline Credits: 3 MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 07 Explores the concepts of justice, oppression, and social change and examines the ways in which political, economic, legal, education, and other institutions create challenges for justice. In this course, students will explore, critique, and apply the fundamental concepts of justice, oppression and social change. Through course activities, students will begin integrating ideas and perspectives, formulating personal ideologies, and developing an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. They will also examine the broad concept of social change through explorations of different social movements, profiles of human rights activists, and various policies. The course seeks to broaden student understanding of contemporary justice issues and to enhance their knowledge of how they can become positive social change agents. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
Total Credits in General Education Curriculum		30

Professional Licensing Core - First Semester (Academic, Theory Based Courses)

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
CJS 2225	Theory and Practice of Criminal Investigations	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 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. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
CJS 2230	Legal Issues and Procedures in Policing	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 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.?? Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
CJS 2231	Minnesota Criminal and Traffic Code	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 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 Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
CJS 2235	Professional Police Report Writing and Employment Preparation	2
Course Outline Credits: 2 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.?? Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
CJS 2240	Peace Officer and Human Behavior	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 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.?? Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: Spring 2024
Total Credits in Professional Licensing Core - First Semester (Academic, Theory Based Courses)		14

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

Course #	Course Name	Credit(s)
CJS 2261	In Progress	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Instructs students in the areas of crimes in-progress. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
CJS 2275	Traffic & Driving School	2
Course Outline Credits: 2 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. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
CJS 2280	Defensive Tactics	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Examines defensive tactics and active shooter response. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
CJS 2285	Crime Scene and Evidence	1
Course Outline Credits: 1 Examines search and seizure, booking and fingerprinting, crime scene investigations, latent prints, courtroom testimony, evidence collection and preservation. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
CJS 2290	Firearms	3
Course Outline Credits: 3 Integrates instruction and practical application in the use of deadly force, simunitions, firearms, and judgmental shootings. Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Future Offering: None
Total Credits in Second Semester (MN P.O.S.T. Board approved Skills Training provider)		12

Total Credits:

‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.