Administration of Justice
21 courses · Gavilan College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
AJ 5 Introduction to Modern International Terrorism
- Units
- 3
This course centers on conceptually defining terrorism (all types-foreign and domestic, left and right-wing, religious, environmental, and political, state and non-state), tracing the history and beginnings of modern international and domestic terrorism, critically examining the various U.S.- global responses to the 9-11-01 attacks, as well as generally evaluating and assessing how countries and people around the world try to cope with, prevent and/or respond to attacks by terrorist organizations, groups, or acts of terrorism perpetrated by nation-states or groups working with nation-states. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. This course is also listed as POLS 5.
AJ 10 Introduction to the Administration of Justice
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- AJ 110
The history and philosophy of justice as it evolved throughout the world; in-depth study of the American system and various sub-systems; roles and role expectations of criminal justice agents in their interrelationships in society; concepts of crime causations, punishments and rehabilitation; ethics, education and training for professionalism in the social system. (C-ID: AJ 110).
AJ 12 Criminal Procedures
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- AJ 122
Legal processes from pre-arrest, arrest through trial, sentencing and correctional procedures; a review of the history of case and common law; conceptual interpretations of law as reflected in court decisions; a study of case law methodology and case research as the decisions impact upon the procedures of the justice system. (C-ID: AJ 122)
AJ 14 Criminal Law
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- AJ 120
Historical development, philosophy of law and constitutional provisions; definitions, classifications of crime, and their applications to the system of administration of justice; legal research, review of case law, methodology, and concepts of law as a social force. Explores crimes against persons, property, and the state. (C-ID: AJ 120)
AJ 16 Introduction to Evidence
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- AJ 10. Optional field trips will be offered to assist with the study of basic legal research
- C-ID
- AJ 124
This course covers the origin, development, philosophy and basis of evidence; constitutional and procedural considerations affecting arrest, search and seizure; types of evidence and rules governing admissibility; judicial decisions interpreting individual rights and case studies. In addition to the Federal Rules of Evidence, the course also includes the California law regarding the rules of evidence. (C-ID: AJ 124) ADVISORY: AJ 10. Optional field trips will be offered to assist with the study of basic legal research.
AJ 18 Community Relations and the Justice System
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- AJ 160
The course examines the complex, dynamic relationship between communities and the institutions of the justice system in addressing crime and conflict with an emphasis on the challenges and prospects of administering justice within a diverse multicultural population. It also examines new strategies, skills, tools, and cultural knowledge necessary for personnel engaged in all aspects of the criminal justice system. (C-ID: AJ 160)
AJ 19 Introduction to Investigation
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- AJ 140
Fundamentals of investigation; techniques of crime scene search and recording; collection and preservation of physical evidence; modus operandi processes; sources of information; interview and interrogation, and follow-up investigation. (C-ID: AJ 140)
AJ 20 Juvenile Law and Procedure
- Units
- 3
- C-ID
- AJ 220
This course covers techniques of handling juvenile offenders and victims; prevention and repression of delinquency; diagnosis and referral; and organization of community resources. The course also includes juvenile law and juvenile court procedure with a strong emphasis on California law, including the California Penal and Welfare and Institution Codes. (C-ID: AJ 220)
AJ 21 Narcotics and Drug Abuse
- Units
- 3
Designed to explore the Administration of Justice system and the development of drug policy and drug problems. This will include drug identification, drug user recognition, drug effects, narcotic enforcement, drug prosecution, and drug treatment, rehabilitation and education.
AJ 32 Crime and Delinquency
- Units
- 3
An introduction to major types of criminal behavior, characteristics of offenders, factors which contribute to crime and delinquency: the criminal justice process, the function of law enforcement, the courts, probation, parole and institutions, changes in crime control and treatment processes, and the role of society.
AJ 100A Basic Police Academy
- Units
- 21-30
- Prerequisite
- 1) Completion of POST approved pre-entry English skills assessment examination and physical agility test. 2) Medical clearance by a licensed physician. 3) Penal Code Section 13511.5 requires that each applicant for admission to the Basic Police Academy course shall be required to submit written certification from the Department of Justice that the applicant has no criminal history background which would disqualify him or her, from owning, possessing, or having under his or her control a firearm
This 884 - 1062 variable unit course satisfies required training mandates governed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) entry level Peace Officers. The course includes principles, procedures and techniques of law enforcement, including: Criminal Justice Law, Patrol and Investigation procedures, Defensive Tactics, Firearms/Chemical Agents, Leadership, Ethics, Community Relations, Police Vehicles Operations, Traffic Enforcement, Cultural Diversity, Report Writing, and First Aid/CPR. Course requires significant time commitment and outside course work including uniform preparation, homework assignments and equipment maintenance. PREREQUISITES: 1) Completion of POST approved pre-entry English skills assessment examination and physical agility test. 2) Medical clearance by a licensed physician. 3) Penal Code Section 13511.5 requires that each applicant for admission to the Basic Police Academy course shall be required to submit written certification from the Department of Justice that the applicant has no criminal history background which would disqualify him or her, from owning, possessing, or having under his or her control a firearm.
AJ 107A Adult Corrections Officer Core Academy
- Units
- 4.5-9
- Prerequisite
- 1. Successful completion of STC approved pre-entry written and physical assessment examinations provided by the Academy. 2. Students must complete a Department of Justice background investigation and meet requirements as set forth in Government Code 1029 for qualification as a Corrections Officer. 3. Medical clearance by a licensed physician
This 189-333 hour variable course is designed to meet the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) requirements for entry-level training of Correctional Officers for local adult correctional institutions. The course includes lecture and practical application skills and knowledge including roles and responsibilities of the adult corrections officer, Title 15, Title 24, professionalism and ethics, and proper techniques to maintain the safety and security of inmates. PREREQUISITE: 1. Successful completion of STC approved pre-entry written and physical assessment examinations provided by the Academy. 2. Students must complete a Department of Justice background investigation and meet requirements as set forth in Government Code 1029 for qualification as a Corrections Officer. 3. Medical clearance by a licensed physician.
AJ 173 Fundamentals of Probation and Parole
- Units
- 3
This course is designed to examine the various components in probation and parole; including probation supervision, presentence investigation reports, various jail alternative programs, the early development of probation, the study of the juvenile justice system, and the special needs of offenders.
AJ 176 Criminal Street Gangs
- Units
- 3
This course is designed to explore historical developments, origins, philosophy and current trends and activities in criminal street gangs within California. It will explore areas of violence, recruitment, drug use, graffiti and attire, with emphasis placed on organization within gangs and their racial backgrounds. Types of solutions within the criminal justice system used to combat street gangs is also included.
AJ 184 Computer Forensics
- Units
- 3
Introduction to computer crime investigation processes. The student is introduced to the hardware, software, networks and devices found in typical home and business settings. Techniques and equipment used to collect evidence, ensure integrity, locate and prepare data for forensic investigation. Covers chain of custody requirements for admissible evidence, data formats for a variety of modern equipment, and recovery of deleted or encrypted information. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. This course is also listed as CSIS 184.
AJ 213A Field Training Program
- Units
- 14-16
- Prerequisite
- AJ 100A - Basic Police or Equivalent. Also, approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency
The Field Training Program is designed to provide a training continuum which integrates the acquired knowledge and skills from the Basic Police Academy with the practical application of law enforcement services. Topics include: vehicle operations, executing calls for service, interpersonal communications, laws of arrest, search and seizure laws, report writing, use of force, arrest and control, investigation techniques, evidence collection and preservation, and use of telecommunication systems. This course is certified by Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) for sworn Peace Officers. PREREQUISITE: AJ 100A - Basic Police or Equivalent. Also, approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency.
AJ 229A PC 832 - Arrest
- Units
- 1
This 40-48 hour course curriculum is defined by the State of California Peace Officers Standards in Training (P.O.S.T.) satisfies Penal Code 832 arrest powers requirements but does not include the firearms portion. This course is tailored for Correctional Deputies; and covers professional orientation, laws of arrest, search, seizure, evidence, preliminary investigations, communications and arrest techniques. Testable conditions are defined by PO.S.T. and require passing scores for all measured elements as a condition for passing the course.
AJ 231A PC 832 - Firearms
- Units
- 0.5
- Prerequisite
- AJ 107A or equivalent
This course covers the legal requirements for carrying and using firearms. Participants are instructed in the safe handling of firearms and techniques of shooting. This course is certified by the Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). This is a pass/no pass course. PREREQUISITE: AJ 107A or equivalent.
AJ 254A Academy Instructor Certification Course
- Units
- 1
This 40 hour P.O.S.T.-certified course for Police Academy instructors and meets Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) requirements for any Academy instructor. Its focus is on enabling instructors to plan for, and facilitate interactive, learn-centered training. Attendees create lesson plans, activities, and evaluation techniques for classroom use. Students apply adult learning concepts and critical thinking concepts to develop targeted learning objectives, as well as meet the P.O.S.T. mandates regarding classroom safety protocols, legal issues, and the roles/responsibilities of law enforcement instructors. Pre-requisite is AJ 100A or AJ 107A or equivalent.
AJ 261A P.O.S.T. Driver Awareness Instructor
- Units
- 0.5
- Prerequisite
- AJ 100A or AJ 107A
This course is designed to meet the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) requirements for Driver Awareness Instructor training (D.A.I.). This course of instruction allows the student to teach vehicle placement operations relating to slow speed driving. PREREQUISITE: AJ 100A or AJ 107A
AJ 262A P.O.S.T. Driver Training Instructor
- Units
- 1
- Prerequisite
- AJ 100 A, AJ 261 A
This course meets the State of California Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) requirements for Driver Training Instructor (D.T.I.). Course of instruction requires students to teach all facets of vehicle operations including a review of vehicle placement, and the high speed operations of skidpan, emergency steering and braking, hazard avoidance, emergency response driving (Code-3), and Pursuits. PREREQUISITE: AJ 100 A, AJ 261 A