2013-2014 Catalog & Handbook 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog & Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Law Enforcement Science, AAS


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Satisfactory completion of the Law Enforcement Science Program rewards the student with an AAS degree and the opportunity to become a Certified Law Enforcement Officer in South Dakota. Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally on and off campus. Employment opportunities include entry-level positions in law enforcement and private security firms. The first year of study focuses on basic skills development and an overview of the law enforcement system. The second year of training is more specialized with students taking advanced law enforcement courses.

Background checks and drug screenings are required for this program.

  • Bring Your Own Laptop (BYOL) (You can either purchase a laptop on your own or purchase one from the STI Support Center. Estimated 750.00 for laptop.)

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


Fall Semester


Additional Information


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

*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


Tuition $7,488
Fees $6,408
Books & Supplies $2,350
Background check/drug screen $ 110
TOTAL $16,356

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