The Law Enforcement Program of Study prepares students for careers in public safety by providing foundational knowledge of the criminal justice system, law enforcement practices, and emergency response. Students explore the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement professionals while developing leadership, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences.
Students will learn to:
- Understand the criminal justice system and law enforcement procedures
- Apply ethical decision-making and professional conduct
- Develop effective communication and leadership skills
- Analyze criminal investigations and public safety operations
- Explore careers in law enforcement and public safety
If you have questions regarding the Law Enforcement Program of Study at Navarro Early College High School, please reach out to Officer Stephanie Thompson, Law Enforcement Instructor, at stephanie.thompson@austinisd.org.
Course Sequence
The following courses are required to complete the Law Enforcement Program of Study. Courses are organized by program level and are not required to be taken in sequential order. Below are the program levels, their corresponding courses, and course descriptions.
- Level 1: Principles of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
- Level 2: Law Enforcement I
- Level 3: Law Enforcement II
- Level 4: Forensic Science or Practicum in Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security (First Time Taken)
Course ID: 8830.R000.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE
This introductory course provides students with an overview of careers in law, public safety, corrections, and security. Students examine the structure of the criminal justice system, legal principles, emergency response, ethics, and professional responsibilities while exploring a variety of career pathways.
Students will learn to:
- Identify careers in law enforcement and public safety
- Understand the criminal justice system
- Apply workplace safety and ethical practices
- Develop leadership and communication skills
Course ID: 8831.R000.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE
Law Enforcement I introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement professionals, criminal and constitutional law, patrol procedures, investigations, and community policing. Students develop an understanding of the knowledge and skills required for careers in law enforcement.
Students will learn to:
- Apply criminal justice concepts
- Understand patrol and investigative procedures
- Analyze crime prevention strategies
- Demonstrate professionalism and ethical decision-making
- Explore careers in law enforcement
Course ID: 8832.HA00.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE
Law Enforcement II builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in Law Enforcement I by focusing on advanced law enforcement procedures, criminal investigations, evidence collection, report writing, and community relations. Students continue developing the technical and professional skills needed for careers in public safety.
Students will gain experience in:
- Conducting criminal investigations
- Processing crime scenes and evidence
- Applying constitutional and criminal law
- Practicing effective communication and conflict resolution
- Preparing for careers in law enforcement and criminal justice
Course ID: 8833.HA00.Y
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite(s): Biology; IPC, Chemistry, or Physics
Forensic Science introduces students to the scientific methods used to investigate crimes and analyze evidence. Students examine the relationship between science and the criminal justice system while learning techniques used by forensic professionals to collect, preserve, and evaluate physical evidence. The course emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and laboratory investigation.
Students will learn to:
- Apply scientific principles to criminal investigations
- Collect, preserve, and analyze physical evidence
- Examine fingerprint, DNA, and trace evidence
- Investigate crime scene procedures and documentation
- Explore careers in forensic science and criminal justice
Course ID: 8815.HA00.Y
Credit: 2.0
Prerequisite(s): NONE
Practicum in Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security provides students with a supervised, work-based learning experience that allows them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world public safety environments. Students work alongside professionals while developing the technical, leadership, and communication skills necessary for careers in law enforcement and criminal justice.
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of prerequisite law enforcement coursework
- Instructor approval
- Meet district and agency requirements for work-based learning, if applicable
Students will gain experience in:
- Applying criminal justice and law enforcement principles
- Demonstrating professionalism, ethics, and leadership
- Developing effective communication and report-writing skills
- Observing public safety operations and community policing practices
- Working collaboratively with law enforcement and public safety professionals
- Preparing for careers and postsecondary education in criminal justice and public safety
Industry-Based Certifications
Students who successfully complete this program have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications that validate their public safety knowledge, technical skills, and workplace readiness. These credentials help prepare students for careers in law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice while providing a competitive advantage for future employment and postsecondary training.
Industry-Based Certifications may include:
- Non-Commissioned Security Officer Level II Certification
- CPR/AED Certification
Career Opportunities
Students completing this program may pursue careers such as:
- Police Officer
- Sheriff's Deputy
- State Trooper
- Criminal Investigator
- Crime Scene Technician
- Correctional Officer
- Border Patrol Agent
- Federal Law Enforcement Agent
- Emergency Dispatcher (911)
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Forensic Scientist (with additional education)
- Criminal Justice Attorney (with additional education)