aBOUT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLASS
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Richmond High School
Instructor Information
Course Information
Course Description
Introduction to Criminal Justice introduces students to the inner workings of the three significant criminal justice functions in the United Sates, Law Enforcement, Courts and Corrections. The course will give the students and overview of policing in America, the historical development of policing internationally and locally and the implementation of community-based policing and criminal investigations. The course will also focus on the realities of enforcement and the apprehension of criminals at the federal, state and local level. The course will also discuss and explain the prosecution, disposition and incarceration of those suspected of committing criminal offenses.
During the year, an emphasis will be placed on developing reading, writing and interpersonal communication skills, critical thinking, logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The ability of the students to deal with stress and interact with people in various settings will be emphasized as well. Students will learn the value of honesty and integrity as it relates to working in law enforcement.
During the year, students will interact with members of law enforcement, corrections and the court system and they will be able to learn from their experiences. We will also use video, audio and slide presentations to expose the students to the realities of the law enforcement profession.
Course Goals
Richmond High School
Instructor Information
- JoAnn Herd
- Room # 206
- Office Phone: 586-727-3225
- Email: [email protected]
- Available for conference, by request.
Course Information
- Introduction to Criminal Justice is a two hour, two-semester course
- Completion of Intro to Criminal Justice will grant 2 credits
- This is an introductory course and requires no prerequisite class
Course Description
Introduction to Criminal Justice introduces students to the inner workings of the three significant criminal justice functions in the United Sates, Law Enforcement, Courts and Corrections. The course will give the students and overview of policing in America, the historical development of policing internationally and locally and the implementation of community-based policing and criminal investigations. The course will also focus on the realities of enforcement and the apprehension of criminals at the federal, state and local level. The course will also discuss and explain the prosecution, disposition and incarceration of those suspected of committing criminal offenses.
During the year, an emphasis will be placed on developing reading, writing and interpersonal communication skills, critical thinking, logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The ability of the students to deal with stress and interact with people in various settings will be emphasized as well. Students will learn the value of honesty and integrity as it relates to working in law enforcement.
During the year, students will interact with members of law enforcement, corrections and the court system and they will be able to learn from their experiences. We will also use video, audio and slide presentations to expose the students to the realities of the law enforcement profession.
Course Goals
- Explain the three major concepts of the criminal justice system in the United States: Police, Courts & Corrections.
- Understand the workings of the justice system in America
- Acquire and understand basic law enforcement techniques
- Improve basic reading, writing and interpersonal communication skills
- Develop critical thinking, logical reasoning and problem-solving skills
- Learn and understand basic report writing techniques
- Learn and comprehend basic radio procedures and codes
- Study and interpret basic laws and codes, (Penal Code, Vehicle Codes…etc)
- Exposure to careers in the criminal justice system through presentations by criminal justice professionals
- Take class trips to the County Jail and local law enforcement locations (unless restricted because of COVID-19 protocols)
- Identify trends and current law enforcement issues through television media, social media, and print media.
About Me
I am in my 4th year of teaching Criminal Justice at RHS. I am a retired Federal Agent. During my 26 year career I worked as a Special Agent both with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Internal Affairs (IA). My duty stations included, Los Angeles, CA; Dallas, TX; Washington D.C.; and Detroit, MI. I retired in 2015 and made Columbus, MI my home.
I am a graduate of Midwestern State University, in Wichita Falls, TX with a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science. I also completed my Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).
I grew up as a "military brat" and have lived in Japan, Italy, and Germany overseas and in Florida, Massachusetts, Virginia, California, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas and Michigan. I speak fluent Italian, love music, movies and animals!
I have come to love teaching Criminal Justice at RHS because of the students! I love working with my students and always look forward to meeting their parents as well. Feel free to contact me for any reason.
JoAnn Herd
[email protected]
Photo used under Creative Commons from verchmarco