CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM

Instructor: Mr. Ricardo Romero, M.S. Phone:(512) 943-5100, ext. 7013

Class Room: 145 Email:

Lab Room: 143

Congratulations to all students enrolled in the Georgetown High School Criminal Justice Program. Upon completion of this program, you will acquire all necessary knowledge and skills required to support your decision to pursue a career in law enforcement or other criminal justice professions in thereal world.

Course Descriptions:

A Principle of Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security – This introductory course introduces students to professions in law enforcement, security, corrections, and fire and emergency management services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security, and protective agencies of fire and emergency services. The course provides students with an overview of the skills necessary for careers in law enforcement, fire service, security, and corrections.

Law Enforcement I –This course is an overview of the history, organization, and functions of local, state, and federal law enforcement. This course includes the role of constitutional law, the United States legal system, criminal law, law enforcement terminology, and the classification and elements of crime.

Law Enforcement II – This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for a career in law enforcement. This course includes the ethical and legal responsibilities, operation of police and emergency telecommunication equipment, and courtroom testimony.

Courts Systems & Practices – This course is an overview of the federal and state court systems. The course identifies the roles of judicial officers and the trial processes from pretrial to sentencing and examines the types and rules of evidence. Emphasis is placed on constitutional laws for criminal procedures such as search and seizure, stop and frisk, and interrogation.

Skills USA, Teen Court, GISD Police Explorers, and Criminal Justice Club: These programs will be introduced and will allow students to participate and obtain increase knowledge and skills. Further details will be provided as the programsare implemented throughout the year.

Standards: The standards are very high in this class. The topics of these coursesrequire a certain level of maturity. Therefore, I expect that disciplinary issues won’t affect the student’s progress. However, if a student cannot or will not act in a mature and respectful manner, district discipline plan will be put into effect.

I would prefer to treat my students as young professionals, so please act accordingly. Everyone in this class is free to state their opinion in a professional manner without fear of ridicule or retribution. Remember – attack the subject matter not the individual.

Work Assignments: To receive full credit on any assignment it must be turned in by the end of the school day on the date that is due. Late assignments can be turned in for a reduced credit thereafter. If you are absent you need to get the Warm-up assignment from the class leader and turn in the assignment by the end of the day after you return to school. Any assignments not completed will automatic be counted as “ZERO.”

Passes: I ask that you please try to take care of your personal needs before class. In thevery rare instance that you need to leave the class a pass will be issued. No pass will be issued the first 15 minutes and the last 15 minutes of class.Please do not ask me for a pass! I am restricted by policy and cannot authorize your absence. Anytime you miss class, get with the Class Captain who will inform you of information that you missed.I will provide you the essentials to succeed but I need your dedication, maturity, and attendance. Tardiness is unprofessional conduct and will not be tolerated.

Cell Phones: All cell phones will be placed on the upper left hand side of your desk on top of your call-signduring the class period. Do not use your cell phone without permission. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in your cell phone being collected.Moreover, all cell phones will be collected during a test day; placed in an envelope if requested; and placed in the designated cell phone container (PER SCHOOL POLICY). All cell phones will be returned after testing is completed. Any violation of cell phone policy will result in the cell phone being collected and turned in to the Assistant Principals Office.

Class Procedures and Structure: On a daily basis students will be required to bring their notebooks to class. Each class period will begin with a “Warm-up.” A “warm-up” question will be written or displayed on the screen. The warm-up can be regarding discussions on previously taught information or discussion of current event involving law enforcement or criminal justice. During classdiscussions, videos, and course material will be presented. A variety of methods will be used to address the material. I believe that we learn best and remember more when the material is interesting and we have fun while learning. I realize not all situations can be fun, but I’ll do my best to make them that way. I believe that you should have some reward for paying attention and taking notes. Consequently, all notes taken by you during class will be placed in the notebook daily to be used as resourceand study material. The notebook will assess how well you are responsible. The more you participate, the more you will get out of the class. Material presented by guest speakers will not be tested, but may be used for the topic of a written assignment. Some issues discussed may make you feel uncomfortable. I urge you to inform me of any topics that may need to be addressed such as sensitivity regarding sexual assault, murder, or suicide. Arrangements can be made to provide alternate assignment.

Grading: 70% Assessments (Test/Quiz/Projects/Notebook)

30% Class Participation/Class work/Homework

Note: If you don’t receive a zero you should have no problems passing this course. I won’t be giving away any grades. GISD makes up policies and will be strictly enforced. It will be the student’s responsibility to complete make up assignments the next day they attend class. Success starts with you making a commitment for your future.

Resources: Text and materials approved by TEA, GISD, and TECLOSE will be utilized for this program. Additional resources will include multimedia (internet), and criminal justice professionals. Exam Review

notes can be found at the GISD website under Staff. Just look for my name.

Seat Assignment: The instructor has a method of assigning seats to assure that all learning style needs are recognized. Seat assignments also assure effective teamwork for group projects. Students will find that in the real world they will have to endure work and seating assignments; it won’t hurt to get use to this concept.

Academic Dishonesty (Cheating): I consider academic honesty one of our highest values. Students are expected to be the sole authors of their work. Use of another’s ideas must be accompanied by specific citation and reference. Papers should include students own data, ideas, and reflective thoughts. Students that cheat on assignments or exams may result in office referral.

Written Assignments: Mastery of written communication is essential to succeed in Criminal Justice careers; therefore much writing will be expected in the classroom. If you follow directions you will do well, in addition students will be provided instructor and team support. Often the length is not as important as the substance. Your ability to follow directions, completeness of the assignment (spelling and punctuation), and the sufficiency of your argument will be the graded factors.

Materials Needed:If you don’t have a pen or pencil please ask your classmate; don’t just sit in your chair and not complete the assignment.

Blue/Black Penand Pencil; Notebook paper; One 2” white notebook binder with pockets; Highlighters

Schedule:
A Day
Period 1st / Period 2nd / Period 3rd / Period 4th
(8:45a-10:15a) / (1023a-11:57a) / (12:05p-2:07p) / (2:15p-3:45p)
Law Enforcement II / Conference / Law Enforcement I / Principles of Law
B Day
Period 5th / Period 6th / Period 7th / Period 8th
(8:45a-10:15a) / (10:23a-11:57a) / (12:05p-2:07p) / (2:15p-3:45p)
Principles of Law / Conference / Principles of Law / Principles of Law

Classroom Rules:

  1. Respect others’ right to learn.
  2. Always state your opinion respectfully. Attack the issue, not the person.
  3. Come to class on time and prepared.
  4. Demonstrate your intelligence, do not curse or use foul language. (This is a criminal offense.)

Consequences: I believe that we control and select our behavior or action. As such, if you choose to violate the rules, the consequences are outlined below. Your action will dictate my response. It is not personal -- it's professional.

  • The “Mr. Romero’s look”
  • Verbal warning
  • Private conference with me
  • Call home
  • Visit with Assistant-principal and parent

*All infractions will be document and dated.

Student and Parent Contract

**Visual Aids:Sometimes the subjects that we will be covering in class are very serious, controversial and intense. Subjects such as serial killers, drugs, gangs, police work, organized crime, terrorism and crimes against humanity, as well as the court and prison systems, are best illustrated through the use of visual aids. I will be using scenes from movies; real police training videos; and documentaries to give my students a better understanding of the subject matter. Some of these visuals may display violence, use profanity, and may be rated “R”. I am asking your permission to allow your child to see these visual aids in my class. If you don’t grant permission for your child to view the visual aids an alternative course can be assigned during the viewing of the visual aids.I have purchased the Guardian to help in eliminating curse words.

Parent Involvement: Parent, Guardian, and Mentor involvement will be encouraged. This rigor and relevant coursework is designed to prepare students for a career in law enforcement or other criminal justice fields. Students need the following essentials to succeed: their desire, their commitment, and support. There shouldn’t be a student in this program that believes they are alone. This Criminal Justice Program teaches the importance of teamwork and family. If a student is in need of a mentor I will work with them to assure this is provided. Welcome to our family! And always remember our motto, “Every student has the potential to succeed.”

*** Please read this syllabus in its entirety, make a selection on this page. Please call me if you have any questions or need any assistance. I also am able to read, write, and speak Spanish.

Parents: Your support and praise will be necessary for your student’s success.As a parent (guardian or mentor) I will support this student’s desire to be successful.

Student: I am signing this document stating that I understand the criteria of this program and as a student I will work hard to complete all required coursework.

______I (do) grant my child permission to view any visual aids.

______I (do not) grant my child permission to view any visual aids so please assign an alternative assignment.

______

Parents Full Name (Printed) Parents Signature (DATE)

______

Parents Cellular Phone #Parents Work/Home Email

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Students Full Name (Printed) Students Signature (DATE)

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