The Pathway Mission

The Homeland Security and Public Safety  program focuses on the security, planning, logistics, and operational details of homeland security and public safety. Students investigate mock crime scenes, conduct lab experiments, and delve into law enforcement and its history while learning about federal, state, and local governmental agencies that work to protect the United States. Students also explore national and international security issues, disaster preparedness, and terrorism. The program prepares students for work and college following graduation. Law enforcement, cyber security, forensics, and prevention and response, are just a few of the exciting careers the program highlights.

This program is only offered at Absegami High School as part of a four (4) year magnet program.

The Course Sequence

1) Homeland Security I

Homeland Security I will be the required first year course for all students enrolled in the Homeland Security magnet at Absegami. The course will reflect the three main concepts within the mission statement of the Department of Homeland Security: Border Control, Disaster Resilience and National Security. Through those main ideas, students will investigate case studies involving issues of security, both at home and abroad, focusing on border control, disaster preparedness and response, and terrorism. Students will explore the history and philosophical roots of terrorism, including famous incidents such as the Boston Marathon Bombing and the Fort Hood Shootings. Notable groups associated with terroristic attacks such as Al Qaeda will also be reviewed. Students will closely look at the history of homeland security from antiquity to present day and analyze the current relationships between local, state, and federal agencies responsible for a safe and secure homeland. Students will further analyze our nation’s political choices and their effect on world events. Students will evaluate multiple disciplines and career paths that are available to individuals under the umbrella of homeland security, including, but not limited to, crime scene investigation, government operations, psychology and various law enforcement agencies. In addition to the coursework, this class will develop and grow the skills that are necessary to succeed in high school and  beyond. Students will focus on debate, global awareness, organization, public speaking, research, teamwork and the need for a strong work ethic. The class will focus on learning the content through the scope of the 21st Century Skills that are essential for success in the future.

2) Crime Scene Investigation

Crime Scene Investigation is the required second year course for all students enrolled in the Homeland Security magnet at Absegami High School. This course focuses on the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. Major topics include processing a crime scene, collecting and preserving evidence, identifying types of physical evidence, organic and inorganic analysis of evidence, hair, fibers, and paint, toxicology, arson and explosion investigations, serology, DNA, fingerprints, firearms, and document analysis. The main focus of this course will be to emphasize the evidential value of crime scene and related evidence and the services of what has become known as the crime laboratory. This course combines basic theory and real laboratory experiments, creating an experiment based situation for the better understanding of the students. The experiments used reinforce previously learned scientific principles rooted in Biology, Chemistry and physics. Each unit has its own experiments, which can be modified depending on class size and exterior circumstances such as climate.

3) Honors Law and Criminology

 The repeated terrorist attacks of the last 20 years, both domestic and foreign, have had a major impact on the field of law. This year long course will review the history of the events that have shaped the field of law and those tasked with enforcement. Students will review real case studies to determine how local, state, and federal agencies prevent and at times respond to crimes committed by terrorists and their supporters. Students will further explore the role of crime fighting agencies, prosecuting and defense attorneys, judges, and others connected to the investigation and trials of those who commit illegal acts. The use of guest speakers and field trips will expose students to careers in the field of law.

 4) Honors Homeland Security II

This course reviews (Homeland Security I) the definitions and concepts of terrorism and introduces students to more complex issues surrounding the institutions, policies and procedures relevant to the security of the United States. Students will examine federal, state, and local governmental agencies that work to protect our country from terrorism, natural disasters, and man-made catastrophes. Students will also be introduced to the ever advancing forms of technology used by our Homeland Security apparatus to prevent and respond to events that are of national concern. A special emphasis will be placed on cyber technologies, including our national infrastructure and use of Geographic Information System (GIS) by our Homeland Security entities.

The Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO)  

SkillsUSA :  SkillsUSA empowers its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens. SkillsUSA improves the quality of America’s skilled workforce through a structured program of citizenship, leadership, employability, technical and professional skills training.

Work Based Learning Experiences

Enrichment: Students participate in field trips to local law enforcement agencies, to the 9/11 museum and Coast Guard Stations to understand the impact of Homeland Security and it presence today in the United States.   Throughout coursework, guest speakers are features as well as hands on crime scene simulation activities.

Job Shadowing: Students participate in trips to shadow Federal Aviation Administration security simulations; to local sports arena—Citizens Bank Park to understand how soft targets, such as large sporting events, prepare in a time of heighten security and terrorist attacks.

Industry Valued Credentials

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification (summer- tuition fee applies)

911 Dispatch Certification (summer—tuition fee applies)

First Aid / CPR training—American Red Cross

College Credit Opportunities

ARTICULATED CREDITS—Atlantic Cape Community College - Homeland Security I and II—3 credits (CRIM170**) (85 or better)

**must matriculate into Criminal Justice Program within 3 years of HS graduation.

Student Application by Articulation Form required