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Troy Cochran

Director Criminal Justice
Harold Hall 203C
1220 E Grand,
Tonkawa, Ok 74653
Phone: 580.628.6663

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Education through Experiences

At Northern Oklahoma College, criminal justice students have the opportunity to further their education through available Internships or the award winning student-led Criminal Justice Society organization.

Learn more about Internships or Criminal Justice Society Click the Logo!

Criminal Justice

Associates in Arts in Criminal Justice Administration

The criminal justice program at Northern Oklahoma College combines academic study with real world applications. This program will prepare students to enter the workforce in law enforcement, corrections, and security or prepare you to transfer and excel at your next educational institution.

“If we do not maintain justice, justice will not maintain us.” -Francis Bacon

Criminal Justice-Administration Degree Requirements

A national survey of 958 police agencies, published in 2017, found that 30.2 percent of police officers had four-year college degrees, 51.8 percent had two-year degrees, and 5.4 percent had graduate degrees.

Gardiner, C. (2017). Policing around the nation: Education, philosophy, and practice. National Policing Institute and California State University, Fullerton.

Career Path

Overall employment in protective service occupations is projected to grow 2 percent from 2021 to 2031

An increase is expected to result in about 72,600 new jobs over the decade. In addition to new jobs from growth, opportunities arise from the need to replace workers who leave their occupations permanently. About 421,500 openings each year, on average, are projected to come from growth and replacement needs.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Law Enforcement & Detectives

A law enforcement officers are mainly responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the public. They detect and prevent crime in particular areas and complete assignments from their supervisors. They might also participate in community safety programs, which are preventative methods to stop crime.

Detectives and investigators conduct interviews, examine records, monitor suspects, and participate in raids and arrests. Detectives typically investigate serious crimes, such as assaults, robberies, and homicides. In large police departments, detectives usually specialize in investigating one type of crime, such as homicide or fraud.

Median Salary-$66,020
Top 10% Salary-$159,850

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Corrections Officer & Bailiffs

Correctional officers oversee those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain safety and order in courtrooms.

Median Salary-$47,920
Top 10% Salary-$81,360

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Private Detectives & Investigators

Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer many services, such as verifying people’s backgrounds and statements, finding missing persons, and investigating computer crimes.

Median Salary-$59,380
Top 10% Salary-$98,070

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Security Guards & Surveillance Officers

Security guards, also called security officers, protect property, enforce rules on the property, and deter criminal activity. Some guards are assigned a stationary position from which they monitor alarms or surveillance cameras. Other guards are assigned a patrol area where they conduct security checks.

Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators act as security agents for casinos. Using audio and video equipment, they watch casino operations for suspicious activities, such as cheating and theft, and monitor compliance with rules, regulations, and laws. They maintain and organize recordings from security cameras, which are sometimes used as evidence in police investigations.

Median Salary-$31,470
Top 10% Salary-$62,450

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook