The Academy of Criminal
Justice, located at Newberry High School, is a magnet program for students
interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession, law enforcement,
court systems, or corrections.
The Academy of Criminal Justice is taught in
partnership with the Criminal Justice Program at Santa Fe Community
College. An articulation agreement between the two institutions
enables students who complete the course work in the Academy of Criminal
Justice at Newberry High School, with a 2.5, to enter the Criminal Justice
Program at Santa Fe Community College, and receive exemptions from certain
courses. The Academy of Criminal Justice is a Florida Gold Seal
vocational scholarship program. There are also scholarships endowed
by the State Attorney's Office, Gainesville Police Department, and the
Alachua County Sheriff's Office that are available only to graduates of
the Academy.
Students in the Academy take all academic
course requirements for graduation as well as specialized courses within
the Academy, such as constitutional law, criminal law, criminal
procedures, judicial process, law enforcement, juvenile justice,
self-defense, patrol techniques, or traffic accident investigation.
Criminal Justice seniors serve an internship in the Alachua County
Sheriff's Office or the Gainesville Police Department, or the State
Attorney's Office.
While enrolled in the Academy students perform
a total of 120 community service hours, or 40 hours per course with the
Alachua County Sheriff's Office Explorer Program. The student
receives hands on experience in the field of Law Enforcement, or with the
Alachua County Teen Court Program, serving as jurors, lawyers, or
bailiffs. Another criminal justice agency may be substituted for
community services, with approval from the program director.
Participation in these programs will further the education and training of
the academy student.
Graduation from the Academy will open doors for
students interested in the criminal justice field.
