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Portage Lakes Career Center

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330.896.8200

Law & Criminal Justice

Advocate and Investigate!

Serve your community. Protect what matters.

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f you're interested in law enforcement, public safety, or the legal system, the Law & Criminal Justice program will give you a firsthand look at what it takes to make a difference. Explore careers dedicated to protecting people, enforcing the law, and serving your community while building the skills employers and colleges value.

Students gain hands-on experience in criminal justice, law enforcement procedures, investigations, public safety, legal principles, and teamwork. Along the way, you'll develop critical thinking, communication, leadership, and decision-making skills while learning the importance of professionalism, integrity, and respect.

This program is ideal for students who are responsible, dependable, and enjoy working as part of a team. Whether you dream of becoming a police officer, sheriff's deputy, detective, crime scene investigator, correctional officer, security professional, attorney, or another public service professional, Law & Criminal Justice provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career dedicated to protecting others.

Course Work

Industry Recognized Credentials

Career Outlook

Other Program Details

Course Work

  • The American Criminal Justice System
  • Police Work and Practice in Public Safety
  • Investigation and Forensics in Criminal Investigation
  • The Correctional System and Services
  • Law and Public Safety Capstone

Industry Recognized Credentials

  • ODRC Correctional Officer- Provisional
  • National Emergency Communications Institute 9-1-1 Basic Certification
  • National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200, 700, 800
  • Leadership Excellence - Student
  • NIMS: Measurement, Materials & Safety
  • Taser
  • ASP Baton
  • OC/Pepper Spray
  • CPR Certification
  • Bleeding Control Basic

Career Outlook

  • Corrections Officer
  • Police Dispatcher
  • Military Police Officer
  • Private Security Officer
  • Industrial Security
  • Retail Loss Prevention

Student Spotlight

Real students. Real experiences. Real success. Learn how PLCC students gained hands-on skills, industry experience, and a head start on their future careers.

Lydia Brown

LEARN MORE

Kyle Anker

LEARN MORE

Other Program Details

ENROLLMENT

PLCC Law & Criminal Justice is a full time program for high school juniors and seniors. Students will have the opportunity to visit and apply during the sophomore year.  Class size is limited to 22 students.

SCOPE, SEQUENCE, & CURRICULUM

The Scope, Sequence, and Curriculum document is updated annually with input and ultimate approval from the program’s Advisory Committee of industry professionals. This document contains detailed information about all that the program has to offer its students including the program goals, program alignment with state curriculum standards, a detailed description of each course taught within the program, program grading scale, industry credentials, and college credit opportunities specific to the program, and the program teacher’s own notes and input.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION

Skills USA

PROGRAM FEES

$100 / year

COLLEGE CREDIT POTENTIAL

All programs at PLCC have the potential for either direct articulated credits at select colleges and/or universities or are able to acquire college credits through career technical assurance guides (CTAGs) in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

ON THE JOB TRAINING

During the senior year, students who have met the requirements and have received a recommendation by their program instructor, have the opportunity to go on School-to-Work Job Placement. We work with our students and local employers to place them in a job that is related to their program of study, giving them real-life experience while simultaneously earning school credit.

Instructor

Harold Britt

330.896.8124
hbritt@plcc.edu

Related Programs

LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY

Fire Academy
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Apply

Request Info

Apply



Schedule a Tour

We take pride in our facility and welcome the opportunity to show it off!  You would never buy a car without looking at it first.  Choosing the place to give you a head start on a successful path in life should be no different.  We invite you to schedule a tour of our beautiful campus.  We’re pretty sure you’ll be impressed!

If you are a high school student, please note that you will have several opportunities to visit PLCC during your sophomore year.

Once we receive your request, a PLCC staff member will follow up directly. Thank you for your interest, we look forward to seeing you soon.

Portage Lakes Career Center is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities. Visitors should contact the Main Office at 330-896-8200 prior to arrival for parking instructions and other information.


Lydia Brown

Class of 2026 | Law & Criminal Justice | Green High School

For Lydia Brown, Portage Lakes Career Center has provided more than classroom learning—it has opened the door to real-world experiences that are shaping her future career.

As a senior in the Law & Criminal Justice program, Lydia took the initiative to secure a unique internship and job shadow opportunity with the North Canton Police Department Communication Center (NORCOM). Beginning in February, she spent two days each week observing emergency dispatchers as they coordinated emergency calls, communicated with first responders, and made critical decisions under pressure.

Although emergency dispatch positions require employees to be at least 18 years old, Lydia’s shadowing experience gave her valuable insight into the fast-paced world of public safety communications and confirmed her interest in the field.

Her hard work and professionalism quickly opened another door.

After completing her internship with the City of North Canton, Lydia was immediately offered a new internship opportunity with South Summit Dispatch. Even more exciting, as she approaches her 18th birthday, that internship is expected to transition into full-time employment.

Lydia’s journey is a powerful example of how taking initiative and embracing opportunities can create a direct pathway from high school to a rewarding career.

Through PLCC’s School-to-Work program, Lydia gained hands-on experience, built professional connections, and demonstrated the skills employers are looking for.

Kyle Anker

Class of 2023 | Law & Criminal Justice | Manchester High School

Kyle Anker’s journey is proof that the relationships you build and the opportunities you embrace through Career Technical Education can have a lasting impact on your future.

After graduating from Portage Lakes Career Center in 2023, Kyle continued his education by attending The University of Akron Police Academy. Today, he proudly serves as a full-time Police Officer with the Lawrence Township Police Department while also giving back to the school that helped launch his career as a part-time Safety and Security Coordinator at PLCC.

Kyle credits much of his early success to the connections he made during his time at PLCC.

“PLCC helped me build strong friendships and connect with instructors and staff who became valuable resources and professional references.”

Those relationships provided encouragement, guidance, and professional support as he worked toward a career in law enforcement.

When asked what advice he would give current and future PLCC students, Kyle emphasizes the importance of building relationships.

“Talk to people and create relationships with as many people as you can.”

Networking, learning from others, and surrounding yourself with positive mentors can open doors long after graduation.

Kyle’s story is a great example of how Career Technical Education prepares students for meaningful careers while helping them build the professional connections that support long-term success. We are proud to celebrate Kyle’s accomplishments and grateful that he continues to make a difference both in our community and here at PLCC.

January 27, 2026

All Day & Evening Classes Are Canceled Due To Weather Conditions.