The Law, Public Safety & Security Program will begin with basic first aid, and each student will advance to certification as a First Responder with extrication experience. Since police are the first line of response to a call for help, students need to gain the necessary skills and experience as they contemplate entry into the Criminal Justice Field. This course will examine the roots of the modern day Criminal Justice Practitioner and study the history of the profession and its vital part of society. Additionally, an investigation of how practitioners obtained authority will be compared to the present day lawmaking process that authorizes agencies to perform functions within the law. This program operates in cooperation with the county sheriff’s office, prosecutor’s office, state police, and local law enforcement by having law and public safety personnel, such as Wildlife, Fish & Game, and local fire and police department officers conduct activities that involve their related areas.
LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY I prerequisite- none 10 Credits
This program introduces the first year student to the history of law and enforcement. The law section is continued via an understanding of the current law and enforcement procedures. The instruction also provides basic first aid, crime scene processing, CPR, and basic report writing.
LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY II prerequisite- L &PS I 10 Credits
The second year focuses on fingerprinting and forensics with hands-on crime scene investigation as well as evidence gathering techniques. NJ laws are examined and the consequences analyzed to include everything from minor traffic violations to homicide. The municipal court and its processes are also examined.
LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY III prerequisite- L &PS II 15 Credits
The third year course will continue to focus on the court system, specifically the upper courts. Specialized first aid is experienced including extrication, fire extinguisher use, traffic control, and power line incidents. The student will complete summonses and criminal complaints along with completing the required investigative reports. Interviewing and interrogation skills will also be developed during the year. Throughout this year, students will participate in the simulation exercises offered by associated local officers and agents that will be brought in for ancillary instruction.
LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY IV prerequisite- L & PS III 15 Credits
Every effort will be made to place the students in a field of choice positions so that actual experience can be gained. Certification as a first responder will be obtained as well as certification as 911 and emergency medical dispatchers. Throughout this year, students will participate in the simulation exercises offered by associated local officers and agents that will be brought in for ancillary instruction.
Proposed Sequence of Courses
Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Pre-Calculus
Law & Public Safety I Phys. Ed/Driver Ed Law & Public Safety III Health Science III Phys. Ed/ Health
Forensic Science & Biology English 12
Health Science I U.S. History I Psychology/Sociology
English 9 English 10 English 11 Civics/ World Events
Spanish I Spanish II Chemistry Business Management I
Physical Science Health Science II Spanish III Law & Public Safety IV
Phys. Ed/ Health Law and Public Safety II Phys. Ed/ Health
World History U.S. History II
Graduation Requirements
The following are high school graduation requirements as established through state law/regulations or Board policy.
Satisfactory completion of a Board of Education approved program consisting of:
4 years of English
4 years of Health/Physical Education
3 years of Social Studies (World History, U.S. History I, and U.S. History II)
3 years of Mathematics and 3 years of Science
1 year of Fine, Practical, or Performing Arts
1 year of Business Management
Senior Year Research Paper
1 year of a World Language (2 years for college prep)
Other minimum requirements are listed by shop specialty
A senior must take and complete a national or state-validated test in their vocational area. Students must take a class every period. There are NO STUDY HALLS. It is anticipated that students, on average, will graduate with 170 credits, inclusive of state-mandated and CTE requirements. Students must pass the HSPA in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing in order to receive a diploma unless exempt through the I.E.P. process.
Students who fail their Career Major/Academy Program or three or more courses for the entire year will not be re-admitted to WCTS for the following year.
Each course of study required for graduation shall include a statement of the required proficiencies to be mastered by the students enrolled in the course. Credit for each required course will be awarded upon the successful completion of the program assigned and satisfaction of the proficiencies identified. Students shall be given every reasonable opportunity to remediate and satisfy failed proficiencies.
Successful completion of remedial courses in HSPA English or HSPA Mathematics will count toward the total number of credits required for graduation. However, those courses will not satisfy the curriculum requirement for high school English or Mathematics.
