Criminal Justice Certification in New York

This state’s dedication to criminal justice has paid off in many ways. In the last two decades, New York has seen substantial decreases in violent crime and recidivism rates while still shrinking the prison population and closing prisons (PHYS, 2016).

Are you ready to start working in this growing field?

Discover how you can earn a criminal justice diploma by contacting New York schools today.

What Kind of Criminal Justice Certificates are Available in New York?

Certificate programs are extremely diverse, so chances are good that you can find one that fits with your career goals and interests. Available programs range from paralegal studies and law office technology to corrections and law enforcement.

Law Enforcement Technical Certificate Requirements (32 credits)

• Principles of Law for Law Enforcement Officers
  • As a police officer, it’s important to always work within the confines of the law. This class covers the most important parts of federal and New York statutes for law enforcement professionals.
• Law Enforcement Procedures
  • In this class, learn specific procedures used in the situations you may face as a law enforcement officer.
• Community Relations for Law Enforcement Officers
  • Students in this class learn how to maintain strong community relations and effectively strengthen policing programs in a community.
• Law Enforcement Investigation Techniques
  • This course looks at criminal investigation, what role law enforcement officers play and criminal investigation, and what techniques you may use to ensure that an investigation is successful.

Corrections Technical Certificate Requirements (29 hours)

• Corrections Academy
  • The corrections academy gives you a rapid-fire introduction to the world of corrections. You may gain hands-on skills, practice techniques and procedures in controlled settings, and ensure that your fitness is up to par.
• Inmate Direct Supervision
  • This class looks at what your duties are when you are put in charge of direct inmate supervision.
• Inmate Classification
  • Learn how inmates are classified, what the risks are at different levels of classification, and how classification statuses change.
• Criminal Justice and the Mentally Ill
  • Students in this class look at the role of mental illness in crime and how corrections officers must protect the rights of mentally ill inmates.

Paralegal Technical Certificate Requirements (33 credits)

• Paralegal Communication Skills
  • This course covers the daily communication you may have with supervising lawyers, legal assistance, and clients.
• Legal Research and Writing
  • Instructors show students how to conduct legal research, verify its authenticity, and sum up findings for easy review.
• Contract Law for Paralegals
  • Learn about the foundations of contract law and the issues that commonly arise when a contract is broken.
• Law Practice Management
  • Techniques for office supervision and management are covered in this class.

What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Certificate in New York?

Criminal justice programs in New York may help you explore the wide variety of job openings found in this field. As a general rule, the job outlook is bright in this state.

CareerOneStop expects job openings for police officers to increase 14% and job openings for paralegals to increase 20% through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022). They expect job openings to remain steady in the field of corrections through 2032 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).

Average New York salaries are often slightly higher than national averages. Police officers earn an average of $81,750 per year while corrections officers report an average salary of $70,570 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Paralegals earn, on average, $69,860 annually (BLS, 2022).

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for New York contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

Criminal justice certificate programs can help you explore your career options and get the training that employers look for.

Reach out to New York schools listed below to find out more.

Online programs may not be available in all areas