by Patsy Joyner

In addition to affordable tuition, financial aid options, state-of-the-art technology, and day, evening, and online classes, what’s special about Paul D. Camp Community College is one-on-one attention by highly qualified and caring faculty.

PDCCC’s Ron Osborne, Assistant Professor of Administration of Justice, has been heading the college’s program since 1975. Ron takes pride in the many forms of help that are provided including teaching that accommodates different learning styles, program development, advising and a true desire for each student to succeed.

“Although most anyone can leave a location and go anywhere, getting ahead requires many attributes with some help from people who care about a student’s future,” Osborne says. “ PDCCC’s slogan ‘Get Ahead’ is more than a slogan for the Administration of Justice program; it is what drives the decision making process for the program.”

Administration of Justice Program

The ADJ program is one of the original programs started in 1971 when the college opened. It has gone through several changes supported by the Administration of Justice Advisory Committee, the college’s Curriculum Committee, the college administration, the local College Board and Virginia Community College System. This process of change assures that the program remains relevant.

Designed for part- and full-time students, the Associate in Applied Science Degree program in Administration of Justice includes two specialization options: Corrections Science and Police Science.

Both specializations are developed and maintained in cooperation with state and local correctional and police officials. Curriculum for both options provides a broad foundation that prepares students for fields of corrections and/or law enforcement — or to advance professionally within them.

Students pursuing an associate degree in Administration of Justice have a variety of occupational choices, including local, state and federal correctional officer; state and federal probation and parole officer; city and town police officer; sheriff; sheriff’s deputy; investigator; commercial and industrial security officer; and jobs with federal law enforcement agencies — some of which require additional professional training.

Related career options include custom agent, store detective, evidence technician, highway patrol officer, accident investigator, police dispatcher, criminal investigator and jailer.

Graduate Success

The Administration of Justice Program is one of the most productive programs at PDCCC and across the Virginia Community College System.

To date, there are more than 400 PDCCC Administration of Justice graduates. Some of the earliest graduates have retired, but only after gaining professional success and making a positive difference for the agencies they served.

Other graduates have pursued careers in probation and parole after completing course work at PDCCC and continuing their studies at four-year universities, which include Boise State, Christopher Newport, James Madison, Old Dominion, Virginia Commonwealth, George Washington and Norfolk State universities, and the University of Richmond.

Graduates hold positions with police and sheriff’s departments in Franklin, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Suffolk and Sussex; Western Tidewater Regional Jail; Deerfield, Southampton, and Sussex I & II correctional facilities; and probation and parole and community probation and parole departments in Norfolk, Newport News and Portsmouth.

Graduates are also wardens, chiefs of police, and supervisors and officers with Virginia State Police.

Fast-Growing Field

Careers in Administration of Justice continue to be among the fastest growing occupational fields in the nation. They offer diverse choices and the opportunity for advancement, personal growth, and fulfillment to well-trained candidates who are committed to public service and making a difference in their communities.

For more details, call Osborne at 757-925-6330.

For information on other programs, call 569-6700, or visit our website at www.pdc.edu.