When Officer A. Allen graduated high school, she wanted to serve her community as a teacher. But after enrolling at DVC, she wanted to explore another path.
“Once I started taking classes, I realized that teaching was not for me. A family friend, Matthew Morrissey, talked to me about getting into law enforcement. I began taking Administration of Justice classes at DVC, and I was hooked,” said Allen.
It was no coincidence that Morrissey recommended Allen pursue this path. He himself built an impressive 30-year career in law enforcement. He also graduated from DVC’s Administration of Justice (AJ) program, and now serves as professor and department chair of that same program.
“Our AJ instructors are current or retired career professionals. All of us enjoy counseling students in their educational and career pursuits,” said Morrissey.
Students enrolled in DVC’s Administration of Justice program are offered numerous opportunities to get a sense of the “real-life” experience of a law enforcement professional.
“When I went through the program, I had professors who were former police officers, as well as former and current attorneys. They were up to date on current law and were able to provide real- life scenarios that were interactive and interesting to someone like me. In one of my criminal justice classes, we took a tour of San Quentin Prison. It was a really eye-opening experience,” said Allen.
Allen was able to find a job right after she graduated from DVC. "I was hired by the Antioch Police Department as a police officer. I grew up in Concord, and it means a lot to me to work in a community near where I grew up,” said Allen.
Allen also appreciates that community policing is prioritized within the city of Antioch.
“Since I have been employed with the Antioch Police Department, community policing has always been important. I support the Antioch High School softball team by attending practices and mentoring some of the girls. I have also been involved in basketball programs where officers play opposite the high school kids,” said Allen.
Allen encourages women to pursue a career in law enforcement if that is a direction they are considering.
“Working in law enforcement is a very rewarding career. The Antioch Police Department is my second family. There are so many opportunities for women in law enforcement. In my department, there are only four women officers. Law enforcement is very much still a male-dominated career. Qualified females are in high demand within law enforcement agencies,” said Allen.
Administration of Justice at DVC
The Administration of Justice program at DVC offers both degree and certificate programs for students interested in careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, law, and related fields.
“Our program teaches basic law and criminal justice, and advanced knowledge and skills in criminal investigation, crime scene forensics, corrections, interviewing and counseling, report writing, cultural diversity, gangs, terrorism, and firearms and self-defense,” said Morrissey.
Administration of Justice faculty at DVC are aware that recent events have illuminated some of the challenges in law enforcement.
“Our instructors are fully engaged in what’s happening in the world of policing and criminal justice reform, and we are addressing and teaching these topics in our classes. Our course curriculum and student learning outcomes reflect what we teach in the classroom: law and justice, leadership, ethics, integrity, professionalism, cultural understanding and competency, empathy, customer service, communication skills, de-escalation, non-force options, racial and social justice,” said Morrissey.
Working adults interested in criminal justice or related careers may want to enroll in the Program for Adult College Education (PACE) Administration of Justice track. PACE participants who choose this track can complete a designated Certificate of Achievement, an Administration of Justice associate in science degree or an Administration of Justice associate in science degree for transfer.
“The PACE Administration of Justice track is an ideal choice for people who work and/or have family obligations, including working police officers, security personnel, or anyone else interested in a criminal justice career who has not completed their formal college education,” said Morrissey.
DVC’s Administration of Justice program also participates in state-wide conversations and work regarding police and criminal justice reform. The program is also a member of the Regional Joint Venture of Bay Area Administration of Justice programs focusing on these areas.
“The need for highly trained, professional, ethical officer recruits has never been greater, and DVC is meeting the challenge by preparing students for success in a wide range of criminal justice careers,” said Toby Gloekler, adjunct professor for the DVC Administration of Justice program.
A focus on ethics and cultural understanding has been a hallmark of DVC’s program.
“Prior to the recent events focused on defunding, reimagining, and proposed closing of juvenile facilities, our department was focused on realignment of adult and juvenile services. Course textbooks, course readers and curriculum focused on the shifts in community-based programs, reentry and reduction of juvenile detention. These are all areas of study students learn about here at DVC,” said Pamela Harrison, adjunct faculty for the DVC Administration of Justice program.
Technology Tools
Students have access to technology tools similar to what are being used by law enforcement officers in the field. This helps to prepare them for transition into their future law enforcement careers.
“DVC has invested in 3D laser scanning technology, small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAS), fingerprint identification stations, and force-option simulators. These high-tech tools are used in our courses to instruct students in advanced 3D crime scene mapping, fingerprint collection and identification, and the less-than-lethal force options – including non-physical verbal de-escalation in various contact and arrest scenarios,” said Gloekler.
Degrees and Certificates
Degrees
- Associate in science – Administration of Justice
- Associate in science for transfer – Administration of Justice
Certificate of Achievement
- Administration of Justice
Certificates of Accomplishment
- Administration of Justice – Community relations specialist (ADJUS)
- Administration of Justice – Correctional specialist (ADJUS)
- Administration of Justice – Crime scene investigator (ADJUS)
- Administration of Justice – Criminal law specialist (ADJUS)
- Administration of Justice – Juvenile counseling (ADJUS)
Administration of Justice – Patrol specialist (ADJUS)
Job Outlook
The job outlook for careers in Administration of Justice is outstanding, with many organizations hiring – often with strong salary and benefit packages.
“This is a great time to get into a law enforcement or criminal justice career! San Francisco Police Department, San Jose Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) are in need of hundreds of new officers, as are almost all local police departments. Some departments are offering hiring bonuses. Corrections and probation departments are hiring people. Private security and asset protection is also booming. Many other fields, like homeland security, cybersecurity, forensics, juvenile and adult counseling, prevention and re-entry positions are expanding as well,” said Morrissey.
For more information about the Administration of Justice program at DVC, visit www.dvc.edu/aj.
Student Success
Brentwood Police Chief Tom Hansen
DVC alum Tom Hansen is now the Chief of Police for the Brentwood Police Department. Photo courtesy of Tom Hansen.
Tom Hansen grew up in central Contra Costa County and enrolled at DVC immediately after graduating high school in 1985.
“I attended DVC for two years, and transferred to Sacramento State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. I chose to attend DVC’s Administration of Justice program because it always had a great reputation and the instructors really motivated students to enter the profession. My first law enforcement job was working as a reserve police officer for the Walnut Creek Police Department,” said Hansen.
In 1995, Hansen joined the Brentwood Police Department. He worked his way up the ranks and is now the Chief of Police.
“Over the past 27 years, I’ve spent more time in the City of Brentwood than any other city. I grew up in this organization. I feel it is a true honor and privilege to serve the great community of Brentwood,” said Hansen.
Hansen and the Brentwood Police Department have an ongoing professional relationship with DVC.
“I am a big fan of community colleges, particularly Diablo Valley College. I have many staff members that attended DVC. We also partner with the DVC Administration of Justice program with their annual work fair, and in classroom lectures,” said Hansen.
Hansen highly recommends DVC for students interested in careers in law enforcement and criminal justice.
“The education and contacts you will make at DVC are tremendous. This profession needs good people who are willing to serve others. Yes, the profession is hard, complicated and dangerous, and not all are cutout to do the job. In my opinion, this is the most noble and self-satisfying profession one can enter. I would tell any young person interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections or forensics to start that journey at Diablo Valley College,” said Hansen.
Learn more about the Administration of Justice program.
