Law Enforcement Science, AAS

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement Science, a student will be able to:

Science & Technology

• Utilize current technology during investigations.
• Demonstrate the ethical usage of current technology.
• Reconstruct crime scenes utilizing current technology.
• Demonstrate safe and effective use of less-than-lethal and lethal weapons technology.
• Demonstrate an ability to locate and apply relevant law to alleged offender conduct.
• Manage patrol time to achieve departmental objectives.
• Understand and apply uses of force in a constitutional manner.

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking

• Cooperate with other law enforcement agencies to effectively investigate criminal activity.  
• Identify relevant crime-scene facts and secure evidence.
• Apply constitutional standards to investigative situation.
• Understand and apply community-oriented policing strategies.
• Apply law with proper discretion.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations.

Professionalism

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.
• Represent State’s power through proper uniform wear.
• Active in professional organizations.
• Continue life-long learning.
• Utilize proper discretion on- and off-duty.
• Demonstrate dignity and respect when dealing with public and colleagues.
• Respect cultural diversity.
• Exhibit tolerance, compassion, equality, honesty, and integrity.

 Communication

• Communicate professionally with law enforcement team.
• Communicate professionally with the public.
• Testify professionally.
• Prepare clear, factual reports.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Communicate professionally with other people in the criminal-justice system.
• Network with community agencies.
• Conduct research of relevant law.
• Read and understand case law.

Program Curriculum - Total Credits: 72

Additional Information

Obtainment of Law Enforcement Science, AAS degree is required to take the following course.

• LE 291 - Certification Review
    1 Credit(s) *

*Satisfactory completion of LE 291  is required to take the South Dakota Law Enforcement Standards and Training Commission Reciprocity Examination, which must be taken within two years of graduation. Applicant must be 21 years of age to sit for this exam.

Requirements: Achievement of a “C” or better for all LE courses. Overall GPA must be a 2.0 to graduate.

Students entering a program in any semester other than outlined may not graduate in the expected amount of time.

Estimated total program fees