Improving the quality of justice through education.

The Criminal Justice program at Burnet High School is one of the oldest programs in Central Texas. The criminal justice (CJ) program began in 1994 as a school to work "Tech-Prep" program for students interested in criminal justice as a future career. The CJ program has now expanded to include students that are not necessarily interested in Criminal Justice as a career but as a citizen in the community. Through the education of future criminal justice professionals we hope to improve the quality of service provided to the public from the criminal justice professional. By educating the public about the criminal justice system the community will have a better understanding of how the CJ system works and their role in the CJ process. The community will also be better informed as to the proper level of service that should be expected from the department hired to protect them. Education of all involved, both CJ professional and citizens, helps everyone understanding the problem we face with crime, as well as creating new and innovative ideas to combat it.

The criminal justice program is designed by secondary and post secondary specialist. Students follow a sequence of courses through their four years of high school beginning their freshman year and minimum of two years of college. Formal agreements, called articulation agreements, between post secondary associate degree granting institutions and school districts outline the process for students to receive college credit for specific courses taken at Burnet High School. Students must maintain a "B" or better to receive college credit. Instructor approval is required for advancement in the CJ program at Burnet High School.