Criminal Justice Level 1 & 2

Visit the Academy YouTube page for Criminal Justice to learn more about what to expect in the Criminal Justice course.

Course Instructor

Denise Johnson
- Room # 232

Course Description

The Falls Church Academy Criminal Justice program is designed for students who are considering a career in criminal justice. The program prepares students for career opportunities within the criminal justice system as well as entrance into institutions of higher learning. Specific areas of training will be provided in criminal law and investigation, security training, communications, emergency response, crimes, search and seizures, arrests, crime prevention, court procedure and police operations as well as an in-depth study of crime in America, our courts in action, and law enforcement efforts to deal with crime. The program is structured to give students a strong academic background with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the needs of a career in any of the cited fields. In addition, experts from various agencies provide in-depth information and experiences.

Finally, students will gain knowledge of employment careers in private and mechanical security systems as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement.

Darrell Haley graduated from the Falls Church Academy and current works for the Fairfax County Police Department. Hear him describe the value of his Academy experience in this short video.

General Course Prerequisites:

A minimum grade point average of 2.0
Capability of performing in a physical training and defensive tactics program
Genuine interest in pursuing a career in the Criminal Justice field
Parental permission prior to specific activities
Purchase and wear a law enforcement uniform on selected days
Strong Attendance
FEES: Each of these courses requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922

Criminal Justice 1:

Course #: 870226 – Grades: 10, 11, 12 – Credits: One

This course is designed to give students a strong academic background with the skills and technical knowledge necessary to meet the needs of a career within this dynamic field of study. Today’s society demands that those involved in administration of justice are highly trained in all aspects of the field. In addition, guest experts and career related field trips involving various agencies provide in-depth information and experiences. This course prepares students for career opportunities within the criminal justice system as well as entrance into institutions of higher learning.

Criminal Justice 2:

Course #: 870327 – Grades: 11, 12 – Credits: Two
Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 1 – Course # 870226

Provides an in-depth study of crime in America, United States' courts in action, and law enforcement efforts to deal with crime. The course will look into victimization, due process and Constitutional laws affecting law enforcement as well as a review of sentencing offenders, parole, prison rehabilitation, and corrections of the 1990s. Included will be a view of other employment careers in private and mechanical security systems as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement. A major component of level 2 expands on the topics covered in the first level. Theories of criminal behavior and police operations are examined.

Topics covered by this course are: