Police Science (AA)

The Associate of Arts degree in Police Science is designed to develop the conceptual, technical and affective competencies in students, which are necessary for them to perform effectively as an officer of the law in the state and municipal environments. Upon finishing their study program, it is expected that the graduates will have an academic formation that will enable them to work as qualified professionals in their field. In addition, graduates will be given a profile of general and specialized competencies, which will enable them to occupy positions in the Police Force of Puerto Rico as well as in the Municipal Police. However, the graduates must meet the requirements in effect at the moment of requesting admission to the Police Department of Puerto Rico or the appropriate Municipal Police.

The Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamón, Barranquitas, Fajardo, Guayama, Ponce, and Metropolitan campuses are authorized to offer this Program.

Goals of the Program

The Associate of Arts Program in Police Science will promote the development of professionals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to perform effectively in the different components of the municipal or state police forces. The Associate of Arts Program in Police Science also aims to achieve the following specific goals as part of the integral formation of graduates:

1. Develop professionals focused on the mastery of knowledge framed in the new trends of the police science program.
2. Promote the understanding of the problems of criminality and delinquency from their causes and effects on society.
3. Promote research and the use of technology as ways to generate the production and construction of knowledge that may result in the improvement of the practices of prevention and intervention that are carried out in the area of police science.
4. Develop a critical and understanding attitude towards the social problems that affect a healthy coexistence in society.
5. Develop a commitment to the ethical-legal dimension of the professions related to the social function of law enforcement agents.

Objectives of the Program

The Associate of Arts Program in Police Science aims to develop the following general objectives.

1. Generate the theoretical and legal knowledge related to the area of police science and adjusted to the changes and the new trends of the profession.
2. Analyze the problems of criminality from their causes and social effects.
3. Use research and the technological advances for the production and construction of knowledge in the areas included in the police science field.
4. Apply the knowledge and skills of the discipline in solving problem and in decision making related to the police science areas.
5. Integrate to the professional practice the ethical-legal values and principles related to the field of police science.

Competencies Profile of Graduates

This Program is designed to develop the competencies of knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable students to:

Knowledge

1. Know the legal theories and principles that serve as a base for the profession, as well as the structure and operation of police science.
2. Know the human and civil rights, and their legal and social implications in the context of police science.

Skills

1. Analyze the legal and social aspects of the justice systems for minors and adults.
2. Apply the scientific methodology and the technological resources available in the area of police science.
3. Apply rules, procedures, methods and strategies in problem solving in scenarios related to the area of police science.

Attitudes

1. Apply the ethical-legal values to the field of police science.

Graduation Requirements

1. Approve with a minimum grade of C all the courses that make up the Major Requirements.