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The Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute grapples with some of the most intriguing and powerful issues facing our justice system, our nation and the world. We offer 11 Associate of Applied Science degrees and four certificates in majors such as cybercrime, criminal justice, juvenile justice, social justice, forensics, intelligence analytics, border security, police academy and more. Our distinguished faculty includes federal law enforcement and correctional administrators, police officers, attorneys and judges – all dedicated to providing a sound academic foundation for those pursuing a four-year degree as well as comprehensive job training for those ready to enter a career.

As a full-fledged Police Entrance-Level Academy certified by the Maryland Police Training Commission, we provide an array of tactical training by certified tactical police instructors. We also offer specialized training through our Command Center, equipped with digital fingerprinting, forensic equipment and surveillance cameras. Upon completion at the academy, recruit officers receive a 42-college-credit certificate and are eligible for immediate hire by any local law enforcement agency in Maryland.

If you are a professional already working in the criminal justice or homeland security field, we work diligently to support you too, by offering advanced education and training. In addition, through our Engaged Scholarship Initiatives, professionals and students alike can attend a variety of public forums featuring experts discussing current issues. These annual events include Immigration Awareness Month and Meade Expo. 


Majors

Institute students may pursue either a 60-credit Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or a certificate of up to 40 credits in:


Faculty and Staff

Director

Darian Senn-Carter, Ed.D., director
410-777-7281
dtsenncarter@aacc.edu  
CRSC 232B

Full-time Faculty

Reynaldo Evangelista, Ed.D., professor
410-777-1209
raevangelista@aacc.edu 
CRSC 307

David Hammel, assistant professor/police academy commander and coordinator
410-777-7319
dmhammel@aacc.edu 
CRSC 318

Anika Ingram, J.D., professor
410-777-2182
atingram@aacc.edu  
CRSC 305

Joseph Johnson, associate professor
410-777-7127
jhjohnson4@aacc.edu  
CRSC 309

Adil Qaiyumi, J.D., professor
410-777-1483
aqaiyumi@aacc.edu   
CRSC 305

Staff

Erin S. Franklin, office manager
410-777-7063
esfranklin@aacc.edu
CRSC 312


Scholarships

The following scholarships are available for students in the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute. For information visit the AACC Scholarships page.

City of Annapolis Lodge #1 Fraternal Order of Police Scholarship

Established by the Annapolis City Lodge #1 Fraternal Order of Police, this scholarship provides support for students pursuing a degree in law enforcement and criminal justice.

Cpl. Thomas P. Connelly III Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Cpl. Thomas P. Connelly III, this scholarship provides support to students pursuing certification in the AACC Police Academy.

Jason Charles Schwenz Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Jason Schwenz, a member of the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's office who was killed in the line of duty in 2001. It provides assistance for eligible students who are pursuing studies in law enforcement and criminal justice.

Maryland Law Enforcement Officers Inc. Scholarship

The Maryland Law Enforcement Officers Inc. (MLEO) is a statewide fraternal organization that was established in Baltimore during the 1930s. The goal of the MLEO Scholarship program is to help provide funding to college students who are seeking a career in law enforcement.

Lt. John N. Dempsey Law Enforcement Scholarship

John N. Dempsey was a District of Columbia police officer from 1951 to 1977, and retired as a lieutenant. This scholarship was created by his daughter, Debra Dempsey, to honor his dedicated service and long career to assist students pursuing a career as a police officer.

Warren B. Duckett Jr. Scholarship

The Warren B. Duckett Jr. Scholarship was established to provide assistance for students pursuing studies in either social service or criminal justice.

Pallas Foundation Scholarship for Future National Security Leaders

The Pallas Foundation aims to foster the education and professional development of emerging leaders from traditionally under-represented groups in global and national security. The Pallas Foundation works to enhance the development of leadership across different national security private and public organizations through education and special events.  To advance this goal in our region, the Pallas Foundation established this scholarship.


Resources for Students

Aspiring Leadership Academy

Are you looking for an opportunity to discover your talents and skills, or perhaps to clarify your academic and career goals? The Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute’s Aspiring Leaders Academy is a structured program lasting a full term. It provides mentoring, activities and meaningful interaction among students and faculty.

Learn more about the Aspiring Leadership Academy.

Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Association

Join AACC’s Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Association!

Students within the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute are encouraged to join the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Student Association. Membership offers exciting opportunities for exploration into the field beyond the classroom.

Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Student Association Interest Form

For information email Darian Senn-Carter, Ed.D. at dtsenncarter@aacc.edu.

Immigration Awareness Month

Each April, AACC participates in Immigration Awareness Month by highlighting the many important contributions of American immigrants and by focusing on current issues and laws surrounding immigration. All events are free and open to the public.

For information contact Adil Qaiyumi at aqaiyumi@aacc.edu or 410-777-1483.

Engaged Scholarship Forum

Guest lecturers present to students and community members free of charge.

For information contact Darian Senn-Carter, Ed.D., at dtsenncarter@aacc.edu or 410-777-7281.

Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute Resource Center

Careers Center Room 316

Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute students are welcome to visit the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute Resource Center.

The Resource Center includes:

  • Homeland Security and Criminal Justice library and resources
  • Study and meeting space
  • Desktop computers and printer
  • Surface Pros and Apple iPads

For information about the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Resource Center or to borrow resources, contact:

Erin Franklin
esfranklin@aacc.edu
410-777-7063
Careers Center Room 312

Internships

Students can elect to complete an internship with one of the hundreds of local companies in the AACC internship database. Employers look favorably on potential employees who have experience in the field and those potential employees whose experience exceeds what can be learned in the classroom.

Register for CJS-275 "Criminal Justice Internship."

Internships are an integral part of the learning, exploration and professional growth process for our students. Completing an internship is a great opportunity to:

  • Gain valuable work experience
  • Explore a career path
  • Give yourself an edge in the job market
  • Develop and refine skills
  • Network with professionals
  • Gain confidence
  • Transition into a job

"My internship at the Annapolis Police Department was an amazing opportunity. I received a warm welcome and immediately felt comfortable. Everyone was extremely eager to respond to all of my questions and provided me with knowledge on what it's like to work in this field." 

- Alyssa Rakowski (Read more about Alyssa's internship experience.)

Learn more about internship opportunities through AACC.

Coach and Tutor Program

Are you looking for career and academic guidance, testing strategies, motivation or ways to make great study habits?

The Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute’s Coach and Tutor program can help with these things and much more! Students are eligible to receive an Apple iPad or Surface Pro for the term.

Tutor
Your tutors are here to offer guidance and tips on forming better study habits, improved note-taking, organizing your notes, better test-taking strategies or acing that research paper. The best part: they are specialists in the fields of criminal justice and homeland security.

Engagement Coach
Not sure what field you want to go into? Have you thought about your path to a university? Need some help with preparing for an interview, or just improving ways to communicate with your professor? Are you in the military or a veteran and need some more guidance?

Reach out to an engagement coach for some direction. They will help you think it through!

Sign up for coaching or tutoring!

Meade Expo and Glen Burnie Expo

The Meade Expo is a collaborative endeavor between Meade High School and the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute at Anne Arundel Community College. The Glen Burnie Expo is a collaborative endeavor between Glen Burnie High School and the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute at Anne Arundel Community College. 

Both expos are fully committed to helping young people build character, expand their knowledge and successfully earn careers in homeland security and criminal justice.

Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute Honors

Are you a high-achieving student who wants to excel in a diverse, interdisciplinary learning environment?

Check out the AACC Honors program! The Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute offers the following honors options:

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice (CJS-111H)
  • Criminal Justice Internship (CJS-275H)
  • Introduction to Homeland Security (HLS-111H)
  • Honors projects for HLS and CJS courses

Focused on collaboration, critical thinking, effective communication and ethical leadership, the Honors program can help you achieve academic rigor while still allowing flexibility for qualified students in all majors to receive recognition for their achievements.

 As an AACC Honors student, you can:

  • Graduate with an honors distinction on your transcript.
  • Gain a competitive edge when applying to your transfer institution.
  • Participate in numerous Honors program activities.
  • Receive one-on-one assistance from a personal admissions counselor.
  • Access help with applying for scholarships to four-year colleges and universities.

How does it work? Learn more about how to qualify for the Honors program at AACC by checking out the Honors webpage.

Questions?

Additional Contacts

Homeland Security
homelandsecurity@aacc.edu 

Criminal Justice
criminaljustice@aacc.edu

Police Academy
policeacademy@aacc.edu 

Aspiring Leadership Academy

As an Aspiring Leadership Academy (ALA) alumna, Francheska Salazar continues to utilize the methodology and skills learned while participating in the program.

Read her story

Darian Senn-Carter, Ed.D.
Director, Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute

Student Testimonial