Criminal Justice
27 courses · Golden West College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
CJ G046 Civilian Supervisory, Law Enforcement
- Units
- 4.5
- Hours
- 80 lecture hours
This course is a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified course which provides newly appointed or experienced civilian supervisors with formal training in the concepts, techniques, and practical application of basic supervisory skills pertaining to police operations.
CJ G054 Peace Officer Preparation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 40 lecture hours; 42 lab hours
Formerly: Police Academy, Regular Basic Course, Orientation. This course provides students with information and preparation for the Regular Basic Course (Police Academy). Students will receive instruction on pre-employment background investigations, interviews and testing process. Activities will include introduction to physical fitness exercises, military drills, and ceremony, which are designed to simulate police academy attendance. Students will also participate in self-assessments consisting of the POST Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) and POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB). Students should consider a medical clearance from their physician of choice prior to participation in the intense physical activity required in this course.
CJ G061 Training Manager
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 24 lecture hours
This course is designed for those California law enforcement agency employees that are being assigned as a training manager responsible for implementation of California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines. This course will allow the training manager to attain POST compliance regarding legal issues associated with training, determining individual and organizational training needs, and training records management.
CJ G064 Police Academy - Regular Basic Course
- Units
- 33
- Hours
- 399 lecture hours; 610 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- CJ G054.
This course provides Basic Police Academy training in compliance with the minimum standards established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). POST certified training includes criminal law, search and seizure, laws of evidence, traffic laws and procedures, investigative techniques, patrol procedures, firearms, vehicle operations, defensive tactics, physical fitness, report writing, and first aid/cardio pulmonary resuscitation. Students must pass a criminal history check pursuant to California Penal Code section 13511.5, and possess a valid driver's license.
CJ G070 Sergeant Supervisory, Law Enforcement
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 80 lecture hours
This course provides Basic Police Academy training in compliance with the minimum standards established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). POST certified training includes criminal law, search and seizure, laws of evidence, traffic laws and procedures, investigative techniques, patrol procedures, firearms, vehicle operations, defensive tactics, physical fitness, report writing, and first aid/cardio pulmonary resuscitation. Students must pass a criminal history check pursuant to California Penal Code section 13511.5, and possess a valid driver's license.
CJ G078 Public Safety Dispatcher Basic
- Units
- 8.5
- Hours
- 160 lecture hours
This course aims for the student to understand the primary roles, responsibilities, and duties of a public safety dispatcher as required by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). Students will be introduced to the standardized dispatcher skills and knowledge necessary to work in a communications center productively and professionally. This 160-hour POST course is offered in an intensive 4-week course or an extended 16-week course.
CJ G080 Communications Training Officer
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- CJ G078 or CJ G079.
- Advisory
- Recommended for students with a minimum of one year experience as a public safety dispatcher.
The course will provide the student with a fundamental understanding of the role and duties of the Communications Training Officer (CTO). The student will apply effective instructional strategies and understand methods for evaluating novice public safety dispatchers. The student will demonstrate coaching and mentoring skills through interactive experiences, such as role-playing, simulations, and written exercises. Concepts to be covered will include instructional techniques, student assessment and evaluation.
CJ G090 Specialized Investigator's Basic Course (SIBC)
- Units
- 24.5
- Hours
- 327.5 lecture hours; 355 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Current employment as a Specialized Investigator or Specialized Investigator Trainee in a California law enforcement agency.
This course teaches the basic knowledge, skills and ethical standards to satisfy the minimum required qualifications established by the California Commission of Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) for employees serving as Specialized Investigators in the State of California. The course includes academic, physical, psychomotor and affective (ethical behavior) student learning objectives. Letter grade does not guarantee receiving a POST certificate. Students must achieve success in all domains established by POST standards to be awarded a POST certificate of completion.
CJ G092 SWAT, Special Weapons And Tactics, Basic
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 80 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- CJ G064.
Concepts, planning, tactical operations, approach/entry/search techniques; use of chemical agents, weapons, rappelling and task-related physical activities. A two-week course.
CJ G095 Leadership Development Program For Law Enforcement
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 40 lecture hours; 40 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- CJ G064 and CJ G070.
This course is designed to teach the necessary components for examining and learning the essentials of leadership and to recognize and distinguish issues which influence police integrity, public trust, and loyalty. It analyzes the evaluation policy of the law enforcement agency. It appraises the current system, and examines how assertive leadership influences the behavior and performance of subordinates. It also teaches preparation and formulation of employee performance appraisals. It compares and assesses the supervisor's role in the disciplinary process. In addition, it examines connection between leadership and effective communication. The difference between civil and criminal accountability will be explored and debated along with the concept and application of Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving.
CJ G099 P.O.S.T. Instructor Certification
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 24 lecture hours; 16 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- CJ G064.
This course specifically addresses delivery of the POST (California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) Basic Course curriculum and is designed to expand and enhance the competency and effectiveness of the criminal justice instructor. Course components are structured to deal with the subject matter expertise, various instructional techniques, adult learning concepts, student driven learning and validation exercises.
CJ G110 Criminal Investigation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AJ 140
This course addresses the fundamentals of criminal investigation including searches, interview and interrogation techniques, crime scene investigation, sources of information, and case preparation and management.
CJ G123 Juvenile Law
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
- C-ID
- AJ 220
This course provides a study of the American juvenile justice system including the roles of the three components of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. It examines patterns of criminal delinquent behavior and the historical and modern theories that aim to explain delinquent behavior and strategies to mitigate it. This course also examines dependent children as a result of abuse and neglect.
CJ G128 Criminal Procedure and Evidence
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- AJ 122
This course is a study of procedural criminal and evidentiary law. It provides an examination and analysis of due process in criminal proceedings from pre-arrest through trial and appeal. It also focuses on the categories of evidence and legal rules governing its admission and exclusion in the criminal process.
CJ G137 Community Relations And Special Issues In Criminal Justice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- AJ 160
This course addresses multiple social issues challenging law enforcement today. It explores the vital aspects of Community Oriented Policing (COP) and Problem-Solving, Proactive/Reactive Policing (ROP/POP), cultural diversity, prejudice/discrimination/hate/stereo-typing/victim selection/victimization, and other social forces that shape human values and attitudes. The course examines current demographic trends, dynamics, and interactions of California’s minority groups and multi-faceted sub-cultures as they relate to the criminal justice system in a free society.
CJ G140 Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- AJ 110
This course analyzes the characteristics of the criminal justice system. The course introduces students to the history of criminal law, the legal process, and theories of punishment. The focus will be on the interrelationship of the three criminal justice system components in the United States. Crime reporting methodology, theories of crime causation, and current challenges to the system will be explored.
CJ G141 Concepts of Criminal Law
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC (with credit limitation)
- C-ID
- AJ 120
This course offers an analysis of the doctrines of criminal liability in the United States and the classification of crimes against persons, property, morals, and public welfare. Special emphasis is placed on the classification of crime, the general elements of crime, the definitions of common and statutory law, and the nature of acceptable evidence. This course utilizes case law and case studies to introduce students to criminal law. The course will also include some limited discussion of prosecution and defense decision making, criminal culpability, and defenses to crimes.
CJ G150 Introduction To Corrections
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- AJ 200
This course will examine the history, theories, and practices concerning the institutionalization of criminal offenders in America. Students will study probation and parole systems, as well as jail and prison programs currently in use in the United States. Incarceration trends will be analyzed along with the political environment's effect on the prosecution and sentencing process. Students will explore different crime causation theories and how they relate to historical and modern effectiveness in community-based corrections programs. Students will gain a historical and theoretical understanding of the issues related to managing inmates in institutions, and the constitutional issues that surround the corrections system.
CJ G172 P.C. 832 - Laws of Arrest
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 32 lecture hours; 12 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to satisfy the curriculum standards of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) as required by California Penal Code section 832 for Laws of Arrest. Course topics include professional orientation, criminal justice system, community relations, introduction to criminal law, laws of arrest, search and seizure, presentation of evidence, investigative report writing, use of force/baton, preliminary criminal investigation, arrest and control procedures (which will require a physical skills demonstration), crimes against the justice system, and cultural diversity.
CJ G220 Forensic Accounting, Introduction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is identical to ACCT G220. This course provides an introduction to forensic accounting. The course examines the application of investigative accounting skills to collect, analyze, and evaluate evidential matter, as well as the interpretation and communication of such evidentiary findings in a court of law or other business or administrative venue. Topics include fraud detection, fraud investigation techniques, the legal environment surrounding forensic accounting, business valuation, and professional ethics and responsibilities. Enrollment Limitation: ACCT G220; students who complete CJ G220 may not enroll in or receive credit for ACCT G220.
CJ G010N Role of a Security Guard
- Hours
- 8 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
- Corequisite
- CJ G011N.
This noncredit course is designed for individuals who are seeking to become licensed security guards. Students are trained according to the requirements specified in section 7583.6(b) of the California Business and Professions Code. Students will learn arrest laws, roles and responsibilities of security guards, de-escalation tactics, civil and criminal liability issues, terrorism awareness, and information sharing responsibilities. Successful completion of this course allows students to register as security guards and take the Powers of Arrest test required for certification as a guard. Must be at least 18 years of age. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CJ G011N Security Guard Supplemental
- Hours
- 32 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Corequisite
- CJ G010N.
This noncredit course satisfies the requirements of the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) elective requirements to complete certification as a security guard. Specific content covers the topics of public relations, communication, legal aspects, officer safety, trespassing, first aid, and handling difficult people. Must be at least 18 years of age. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CJ G054N Peace Officer Preparation
- Hours
- 40 lecture hours; 42 lab hours
This noncredit course provides students with information and preparation for the Regular Basic Course (Police Academy). Students will receive instruction on pre-employment background investigations, interviews, and testing process. Activities will include introduction to physical fitness and military drills and ceremony, which are designed to simulate police academy attendance. Students will also participate in self-assessments consisting of the California Commision on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB), and POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB). Students should consider a medical clearance from their physician of choice prior to participation in the intense physical activity required in this course.
CJ G064N Police Academy - Regular Basic Course
- Hours
- 399 lecture hours; 610 lab hours
This noncredit course provides Basic Police Academy training in compliance with the minimum standards established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). POST certified training includes criminal law, search and seizure, laws of evidence, traffic laws and procedures, investigative techniques, patrol procedures, firearms, vehicle operations, defensive tactics, physical fitness, report writing, and first aid/cardio pulmonary resuscitation. Students must pass a criminal history check pursuant to California Penal Code section 13511.5, and possess a valid driver's license. NOT DEGREE APPLICALBE.
CJ G072N P.C. 832 - Laws of Arrest
- Hours
- 30 lecture hours; 10 lab hours
This noncredit course is designed to satisfy the curriculum standards of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) as required by California Penal Code section 832 for Laws of Arrest. Topics include professional orientation, criminal justice system, community relations, introduction to criminal law, laws of arrest, search and seizure, presentation of evidence, investigative report writing, and use of force. Arrest and control procedures will require a physical skills demonstration. Crimes against the justice system and cultural diversity / fair and impartial policing will also be examined. POST requires that all students enrolled in this course have a POST approved medical clearance, before class begins. This form will be provided to students. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CJ G089N Lifetime Fitness for Law Enforcement
- Hours
- 15 lecture hours; 63 lab hours
- Corequisite
- CJ G090N.
This noncredit course stresses components of a lifestyle that supports the development and maintenance of good physical and mental health to reduce the risk of personal injury. The primary emphasis is on stress caused by the rigors of the law enforcement profession. The course content is prescribed by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
CJ G090N Specialized Investigator Basic Course
- Hours
- 323 lecture hours; 354 lab hours
- Corequisite
- CJ G089N.
This noncredit course teaches the basic knowledge, skills and ethical standards to satisfy the minimum required qualifications established by the California Commission of Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) for employees serving as Specialized Investigators in the State of California. The course includes academic, physical, psychomotor and affective (ethical behavior) student learning objectives. Students must achieve success in all domains established by POST standards to be awarded a POST certificate of completion.