Detention & Corrections Pathway
Under Development
Recommended Detention and Corrections (DC) Pathway
The courses below are recommended by our Board and network of industry experts. Each course link will lead to a page with lesson plans, national standards, and resources. For more information, feel free to email info@laspen.org
This is a national exemplar. Each state makes decisions on how to best serve their industry and school programs. Always refer to state and local guidelines for implementation.
Introduction Course – Introduction to Law and Public Safety (ILPS)
It is recommended that an DC pathway begin with a broad based introduction to the law and public safety system. DC professionals are a key part of the larger law and public safety system, so a critical starting point for the pathway is an exploration of the larger ecosystem the DC lives in. Additionally, it is advised that a high school pathway in DC not become so specific to DC exclusively that participants are not exposed to other elements in LPS. The broader approach helps with marketing to encourage students to enroll.
Visit our Introduction to Law and Public Safety course page – with lesson plans – Click Here
Detention and Corrections (DC) prepares students to work in the fastest-growing career field in LPS. Once students complete this course they will be fully prepared for entry-level work in the field. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the criminal justice system, focusing on the role and responsibilities of detention officers and correctional professionals. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the various components involved in the correctional field, including the purpose of detention facilities, rehabilitation strategies, and the ethical considerations associated with working in corrections. Skills learned in DC will also prepare students interested in careers in law enforcement and other LPS careers to build experience prior to their 21st birthday.
Visit our Detention and Corrections course page – Click Here
Third+ Course Options
Note – we are in the middle of major updates. We hope to have everything ready by the end of winter.
LAPSEN recommends pathways have flexibility for local systems to adjust to local needs. It is also recommended that a “deeper dive” into DC -related content come from dual enrollment opportunities, if possible. The DC course covers secondary educational needs adequately. To maximize student career preparation, engagement, and marketing it is suggested to offer courses similar to those listed below to complete the pathway.
Option 1 – Law Enforcement (LE)
The Law Enforcement course may be the best option. There are numerous crossovers in skill sets and practices. The Law Enforcement course prepares individuals to perform the duties of police and security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control, public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, court procedures and the law in general. Basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation, equipment maintenance, and other routine law enforcement responsibilities are also included.
Visit our Law Enforcement course page – Click Here (page is under revision and should be completed by spring)
Option 2 – Criminal Investigations and Forensics (CIF)
CIF is another great option as it is both marketable and industry is demanding more investigation skills for career candidates. Students will learn how crimes are investigated in America. Hands on skills in crime scene processing and recording will be covered as well as evidence handling. Students will learn how investigations are initiated and conducted as well as how constitutional restraints guide investigations. Techniques in interviews and interrogations will be practiced. Students will also learn about criminological theories and how they are applied to the investigation process.
Visit our Criminal Investigations and Forensics course page – Click Here (page is under revision and should be completed by spring)
Option 3 – Drones for Law and Public Safety (DLPS)
Bring some excitement to your pathway! This course prepares students for certifications to operate drones in the law and public safety environment. Drones are increasingly used in DC areas. First, students will complete the necessary training to be prepared to pass the FAA 107 Pilot test. Students will then train in remote sensing and photogrammetry. Students will learn how to prepare and plan for law and public safety drone operations. A significant portion of the course time will be dedicated to developing flight skills and performing maneuvers necessary for such operations. Using the National Institute of Standards and Technology national standard performance test for unmanned aerial vehicles, students will train for real world applications.
Visit our Drones for Law and Public Safety course page – Click Here (page is under revision and should be completed by spring)
Other Options
There are many options that local systems can review that may fit more appropriately.
Visit our overall course page – Click Here (page is under revision and should be completed by spring)
Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) for the DC Pathway
Basic Detention Officer (BDO) Certification
The Basic Detention Officer is currently being designed.
Anticipate this IRC being ready Fall 2024
Training
Instructors in the DC pathway need to have industry experience or training.
Click Here to go to our Training Schedule for DC pathway and other training.
Competitions
The DC pathway national CTSO is SkillsUSA. There is not an DC competition per se – but there are several competitions that students can choose from to participate in that support the DC pathway content.
For more information visit www.skillsusa.org/competitions or reach out to info@lapsen.org
EMT
Student teams of two demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to be EMTs. There is a knowledge test and several skill demonstrations plus emergency medical scenarios.
Commercial sUAS Drone
This competition for a team of 2 is designed to evaluate team members’ skills in the safe and efficient use of drone technology
Criminal Justice
This competition is a single competitor preparing to be officers or to work in other areas of criminal justice.
Customer Service
The competition evaluates students’ proficiency in providing customer service. This is one of the highest valued skills sets sought by DC employers.
Crime Scene Investigation
A team event testing students’ knowledge and skill sets in crime scene investigation. In addition to a knowledge test, teams record a crime scene, process evidence, and interpret results.
First Aid - CPR
Basic DC skill for a single competitor. Evaluates a competitor’s ability to perform procedures or take appropriate action based on scenarios presented related to CPR first aid medical emergencies. There is also a written exam.
Job Skill Demonstration - 3 Types
Competitors demonstrate and explain an entry-level skill used in the occupational area for which they are training. “A” refers to skills taught in the pathway. “Open” is usually a skill learned in WBL or similar that is outside the pathway. “Action Skills” is for students with IEPs. In all cases, the skill should be hands on as it is a “demonstration.”
Robotics - Urban Search and Rescue
A student team designs and operates a robot that simulate equipment used in rescue operations.
There are dozens more that cover everything from speeches to specifc skill sets.
Links
National Institute of Corrections – the national agency over corrections. Research, news and ressources: Click Here
Georgia Department of Corrections YouTube Channel – dozens and dozens of videos on a variety of topics from careers to “Meth Madness”: Click Here
Corrections.com Links Page – Corrections.com is a page with great stuff, but their links page is the Holy Grail: Click Here
International Corrections & Prisons Association – A ton of research. I mean “copious” doesn’t begin to descpribe it. Most of the research requires you to join – but maybe your school will pay? Worth looking around: Click Here
Support
We have numerous educators and industry specialists that have volunteered to help you. They are your network of support.
National DC Specialist – Lt. Jason M. Mishler
Learn more about Jason – Click Here for his Linkedin
Email Jason – Click Here
Jason has an extensive career in corrections and protective services.
TAGG Team Members
Click Here to learn more about TTAG
Judith Essig
Learn more about Judith – Click Here for her Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email Judith – Click Here
Judith has had a long career in LPS and has been teaching for several years. She enjoys mentoring teachers.