Police Science A.A.S. & Maryland State Police Degree Program

The Police Science A.A.S. & Maryland State Police Degree Program prepares Maryland law enforcement officials to meet the challenges of a diverse, global society through quality, accessible, innovative, lifelong learning. The diverse, ever-growing population of our state requires increasing numbers of law enforcement officials to be skilled at communicating, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and diversity awareness, in addition to being physically strong. The key to creating and maintaining this type of professional law enforcement official is education.

Success in the program is defined by your ability to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. This program ensures that every student achieves the following core competencies:

• Demonstrate effective verbal and nonverbal communications with law enforcement staff and the general public. This may include effective communication skills in dealing with various types of people (e.g., hostile, angry, drunk, deranged, racist, etc.), identification of non-language and language-style factors that contribute to a negative response from the public (e.g., profanity, spitting, disrespectful attitude, etc.), and courteous, active listening.
• Apply concepts, principles and practices of the criminal justice system to affect successful resolution to potentially- and commonly-encountered policing situations. This may include identifying basic psychological responses of victims and calming and controlling a distraught person.
• Demonstrate ability to identify a given crime, crime classification and section number utilizing the Annotated Code of Maryland and/or the Digest of Criminal Laws and knowing the conditions under which certain procedures are appropriate. This may include subpoena procedures, booking procedures, and advising a person of his/her rights.
• Demonstrate effective written communications. This may include preparing complete field and interview notes, and preparing in-depth narrative reports necessary for various legal organizations and legal proceedings. Students will interpret results of wellness, fitness, and nutrition evaluations.

Success starts with a solid plan. Your program's course sequence is designed to build your skills step-by-step. By following this plan, you ensure you're meeting all program requirements and staying on track.

Program Pathway