Law Enforcement Pathway
Recommended Law Enforcement (LE) 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 LE pathway begin with a broad based introduction to the law and public safety system. LE 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 peace officer lives in. Additionally, it is advised that a high school pathway in LE not become so specific to LE 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
Law Enforcement prepares individuals to perform the duties of police and public 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 Criminal Law course page – with lesson plans – 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 SPS-related content come from dual enrollment opportunities, if possible. The SPS 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 – 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 2 – Security and Protective Services (SPS)
Security and Protective Services 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. Students will be able to take the Certified Protection Officer (CPO) certification exam. The CPO is recognized by thousands of employers worldwide. After earning the CPO and a high school diploma, students will be able to be employed immediately in a field with excellent compensation and opportunities. Skills learned in SPS will also prepare students interested in careers in law enforcement and other LPS careers to build experience prior to their 21st birthday.
Visit our Security & Protective Services course page – with lesson plans – Click Here
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 SPS 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
Industry Recognized Credential (IRC) for the LE Pathway
National Law Enforcement Certification
Industry Endorsement – International Association of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST)
We have been working together with subject matter experts from around the country to create a certification that is relevant and valuable to your students and the industry. The certification is a direct representation of the competencies that were created by industry with extensive experience in the field of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, and teaching these subjects in schools.
The NLEC satiates all Perkins legislative requirements for Industry Recognized Credentials.
Learn more about the NLEC- Click Here or email holly@lapsen.org
Training
Instructors in the LS pathway need to have industry experience or training. If you have a specific training need email info@lapsen.org
Click Here to go to our Training Schedule
Be the Best
IADLEST – the national organization of state police certification agencies – together with LAPSEN have established a certification to identify the best in America working with youth interested in LPS careers.
Click Here to learn more.
Competitions
The LE pathway national CTSO is SkillsUSA. There are serveral ways for LE program students to participate in SkillsUSA
For more information visit www.skillsusa.org/competitions or reach out to info@lapsen.org
Criminal Justice
This competition is a single competitor preparing to be officers or to work in other areas of criminal justice.
CSI Team
This competition for a team of 3 is designed to evaluate team members’ skills in processing a crime scene.
Career Pathways - Human Services
Student teams use their course of study as the basis of a project that will benefit their class, school, community or industry.
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
Entrepreneurship
A team event testing students’ knowledge in starting their own businesses by developing business plans that identify needed products or services in a local market. SPS careers often lead into business development of security services.
First Aid - CPR
Basic SPS 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 Contests
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.
TTAG Team – Support
The Training & Technical Assistance Group (TTAG) is here to help you! From emails and phone calls to onsite visits, these fellow educators are here to help! See the bottom of the page for TTAG members in LE.
Click Here to learn more.
Student Recognition
Your students can be members of the National Technical Honors Society PLUS a special endorsement for achievement in law and public safety! Don’t have an NTHS – they are super easy to start and no extra work.
Click Here to learn more.
Programs of Excellence
The national Industry Credentialed Program of Excellence (ICPE) is designed to make the best better. Applicant programs must demonstrate competencies across several standards. LAPSEN specialists assist applicant programs throughout the process with training, guides and mentorship.
Click Here to learn more. Do YOU have the BEST program?
National Program Directory
The National Census of Youth Law Enforcement Programs was funded by the DOJ COPS grant program.
Search the directory for programs near you – Click Here
Is your program is in the directory? If not: Click Here
Links & Resources
International LE Educators & Trainers Association (ILEETA) – is committed to the reduction of law enforcement risk through the enhancement of training for criminal justice practitioners. Their links page has some great resources: Click Here
Introduction to CJ Text from Open Textbook Library – Totally FREE! Worth using even for a small part: Click Here
Introduction to Criminal Investigation from Open Textbook Library – Totally FREE! Take a look at chapters: Click Here
Criminal Law from Open Textbook Library – Totally FREE! Take a look at chapters: Click Here
Ethics in Law Enforcement from Open Textbook Library – Totally FREE! Useful for some readings. Take a look at chapters: Click Here
Law and Justice – great materials and lessons for Criminal Justice. Requires registration to get everything – but FREE: Click Here
Legal Information Institute – Everything you need with Con Law, Law, SCOTUS, Civics and much more: Click Here
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers YouTube Channel – Tons of videos. Good for classes, but also staying current in LE: Click Here
Career Posters
Click Here to go to download folder
Support
These educators and industry specialist have volunteered to help you. They are your network of support.
LAPSEN National Law Enforcement Pathway Specialist Tim Hart
Learn more about Tim – Click Here for his Linkedin
Email Tim – Click Here
Tim retired from Fontana, California PD and then served the State Department training police in Afghanistan and Iraq before teaching at Cambridge High School in Milton, Georgia. Tim is our representative and lead instructor in all LE resources and training.
TAGG Team Members
Click Here to learn more about TTAG
HS Law Enforcement
Cory DeVaul
Learn more about Cory – Click Here for his Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email Cory – Click Here
Cory teaches Law Enforcement Instructor at The Career & Technology Center at Fort Osage.
HS Law Enforcement
Kelly Glenn
Learn more about Kelly – Click Here for her Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email Kelly – Click Here
Kelly teaches Criminal Justice at E.C. Glass in Lynchburg, Virginia. She has background not only in policing, but also as a Victim Advocate at a sexual assault crisis center.
College Forensics and LE
Jeff Branyon
Learn more about Jeff – Click Here for his Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email Jeff – Click Here
Jeff is a former agent and Marshal. He brings extensive industry expertise and oversees our training in forensics.
HS Law Enforcement
Lori Henricksen
Learn more about Lori– Click Here for her Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email her – Click Here
Lori has extensive experience in dispatch and law enforcement. She is retired from teaching and now leads BX3 Public Safety consulting.
HS & College Law Enforcement
Stacey Hervey
Learn more about Stacey – Click Here for her Linkedin
Brief Bio: Click Here
Email Stacey- Click Here
Stacey teaches high school and college courses in Denver. She enjoys mentoring teachers.