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Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice Program at Sand Creek High School introduces students to careers in law enforcement, emergency services, corrections, the courts, and other public safety professions. Through hands-on activities, scenario-based learning, guest speakers, and real-world applications, students develop leadership, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while exploring careers in criminal justice.

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Criminal Justice & Emergency Services (Semester 1)
Students are introduced to the foundations of the criminal justice system, emergency services, constitutional law, ethics, leadership, communication, and career exploration.

Law Enforcement (Semester 2)
Building on the first semester, students focus on modern policing, patrol procedures, investigations, community policing, officer safety, and professional ethics.

Students earn one college credit through Pikes Peak State College for each successfully completed CTE course.

Concurrent Enrollment (College Courses)

Students may also enroll in college-level Criminal Justice courses through Pikes Peak State College.

  • CRJ 1010 – Introduction to Criminal Justice: An overview of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, criminal law, and ethics.
  • CRJ 1025 – Policing Systems: An in-depth study of policing, including police organizations, patrol operations, investigations, community policing, leadership, and contemporary issues.

Meet Your Instructor

Brian Barela graduated from Colorado State University and began his law enforcement career in the United States military, serving in law enforcement and criminal investigations. He later served with the Colorado Springs Police Department as a Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, and Detective.

Following his retirement, Mr. Barela earned a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and has taught college-level criminal justice courses for more than 11 years. Since 2020, he has served as the Criminal Justice instructor at Sand Creek High School, where he is committed to preparing students for college, careers, and leadership through engaging, real-world learning experiences.