The following video is from our friends at Northland Career Center in Platte City.  They have graciously allowed us to upload their video to show potential students in St Charles what the program could be like at Lewis & Clark.  Thank you Northland Career Center and instructor Officer Bruns!

1 or 2 year program; 3 credits per year

The Law Enforcement program is a one year program with an optional second year that focuses on the core principles of criminal justice, the basic knowledge, skills, and standards taught at Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training Program (POST) Certified Police Academies, and the curriculum from Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  Professionalism, character, and integrity are embedded into this program and serve as a foundation for every participant. In addition, the program includes a strong emphasis on communication (verbal, non-verbal, and written) and teamwork.  

This course will include many opportunities for students to connect classroom experiences through practical application.  Students will be involved with investigation techniques, law enforcement procedures and protocols, and courtroom etiquette.  

Students will be taught the materials and skills using a variety of teaching and learning methods.  They will have daily lessons or learning activities where students will be expected to actively participate.  Some examples include: class discussions, lectures and slide presentations, practical skill demonstrations, drills and exercise, physical training sessions, team building activities and “role play” scenarios.  Students will be required to complete various assessments, worksheets, written assignments, oral presentations, practical exams, group/team projects, and physical training tests.

This program will be foundationally built on principles of character and leadership development.  As such, student professionalism, participation and behavior will be assessed and included in the student’s overall grade at between 25%-35% of the total grade.  Students will have an opportunity to earn class professionalism points each day for professionalism.  Examples of being professional include: being on time, wearing a clean neat uniform, listening and following instructions, actively participating in class, and using professional language. 

Physical training is a part of the Law Enforcement curriculum.  Students should be able to: perform basic physical exercises and be generally physically fit; tolerate the loud sounds associated with law enforcement, such as sirens, bangs and yelling/vocalizations; climb, lift, bend and handle taxing physical activity; tolerate an environment including high places, small spaces, extreme temperatures, and dirty environments.  A physical examination by a medical professional (such as a family physician) will be required for students enrolling in the law enforcement program.  More specific information will be provided during the summer.  

Uniforms will be worn daily. The uniform will consist of a blue polo shirt with the Lewis & Clark Law Enforcement Program logo, khaki cargo pants, and black polishable boots.  A police duty belt with equipment will be provided. The shirt must be tucked into pants. Hair should be pulled back off the collar/shoulder. Exposed jewelry is prohibited except for small stud earrings on women.  On physical training (PT) days, uniforms will consist of black shorts or workout pants, grey t-shirt or sweatshirt with the LE Program lolg, and athletic shoes.

Students will have the opportunity to purchase the blue uniform polo shirts and grey PT shirts during the first week of class.

Essential Skills Needed For Success in Law Enforcement

Students enrolling in the Law Enforcement program will learn the necessary skills to prepare for post secondary education and the general work environment of law enforcement careers.  Successful students understand that this program will require working hard towards mastering the following core essential skills:

• Work under stress; ability to control temper and regulate emotions in stressful situations, reliance; strong coping skills
• Tell when something is wrong or likely to go wrong
• Integrity
• Service oriented; desire to serve community
• Attention to detail
• Communicate information effectively with peers and instructor
• Comfortable public speaking
• Strong report writing and reading skills; independent note-taking skills
• Able to perform basic physical exercises and is generally physically fit
• Able to tolerate the loud sounds associated with law enforcement, such as sirens, bangs, and yelling/vocalizations
• Able to climb, lift, ben and handle taxing physical activity
• Able to tolerate a law enforcement environment including high places, small spaces, extreme temperatures, and dirty environments

Credit and Certifications Offered

Students will receive 3 credits of high school credit per year.

Students may obtain certifications in:

• OSHA 10 for Public Safety
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• "Stop the Bleed" Bleeding Control
• Transportaion Security Administration (TSA) Suspicious vs. Unattended Package Training
• International Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Telecommunicator Certification

Curriculum Outline

1. U.S. Court System & Constitutional Law
2. Communications
3. Criminal Law and Procedures
4. Legal Responsibilities and Ethics
5. Basic Police Concepts and Procedures
6. Technical Knowledge & Skill
7. Basic Police Equipment
8. Corrections
9. Career Planning & Management
10. History of Criminal Justice
11. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

SkillsUSA

Students in the Law Enforcement program will have the opportunity to join SkillsUSA, the Lewis & Clark CTSO (Career & Technical Student Organization). SkillsUSA activities develop positive attitudes, build self-esteem and empower students to excel.  They give students a head start in developing valuable professional skills such as communications, interpersonal abilities, time management, teamwork and more.  Because SkillsUSA works hand-in-hand with business and industry, students get the skills employers want. 

All students at Lewis & Clark learn the SkillsUSA Framework as a part of the curriculum in each program.  The SkillsUSA Framework has three components: Workplace skills, Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, and Personal Skills.  They illustrate how students fulfill the mission of the organization “to empower members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens.