Academy of Criminology and Justice

*** Student’s video project

Questions? Fill out the form

Mission Statement

Otay Ranch High School’s Academy of Criminology and Justice, in partnership with the Chula Vista Police Department, is committed to the empowerment of students through high academic, moral, and ethical standards by combining a rigorous A-G (college prep) program with other Academy requirements. The Academy fosters a sincere respect for law and order while stimulating interest in careers in law enforcement and justice.

Entrance Requirements

Complete the Academy application below. Turn in the completed application and a copy of your latest report card to the Main Office or you may scan and send by email to Janis.redmond@sweetwaterschools.org

AOCJ Program Goals

  • Have FUN and ENJOY the program.
  • Make it a quality experience.
  • Be a CLASS ACT.
  • Be your best physically and academically.
  • Strive for continuous improvement.
  • Represent yourself and the program in a positive fashion.
  • Respect and accept teachers’, officers’ and other cadets’ individuality.
  • Support your teachers, officers and cadets.
  • Contribute to the total team effort at all times.
  • Deal with conflicts head-on through open communication.
  • Be responsible.
  • Be disciplined.  Give 100% effort in physical training, during combative exercises, and in the classroom.
  • Stay in shape physically and mentally.
  • Be honest with yourself, other cadets, teachers and officers.
  • Learn from your mistakes and handle them positively.
  • Never surrender or turn against yourself.
  • Love the battle, the competition, and the challenge.
  • Work as a team to achieve AOCJ goals through dedication to the program

Diploma Sash and Seal Requirements

Successful completion of the program earns a special Academy seal on the diploma and a sash to wear with the cap and gown. In addition, letter of recommendation may be provided to students. In order to complete the AOCJ program students must:

  • Participate in AOCJ a minimum of three years (if began as a sophomore)
  • Complete all AOCJ course requirements/mastery of the Obstacle Course
  • Complete a minimum of 100 hours of community service including those events sponsored by the AOCJ program
  • Attend 7 of 8 cadet meetings every year (11th and 12th)Complete all UC/CSU A-G requirements with a “C” or better
  • Earn an overall GPA of 2.5 academic and 3.0 citizenship
  • Attend all uniform inspections
  • Follow the AOCJ code of conduct, policies and expectations

Code of Conduct/AOCJ Cadet Handbook

Personal Code of Conduct

  • Attend all classes, physical conditioning workouts, cadet meetings (7 of 8), fundraisers, class field trips and community service/promotional events.
  • In the event you are unable to attend any function due to work or personal emergency, contact the coordinator by email immediately before the event!
  • All cadets in the AOCJ are required to maintain a 97% attendance and punctuality rate.
  • If you miss a cadet meeting or a function, you will be expected to make it up by contributing in other areas at another time. Dropping below the 97% rate is criteria for removal form the AOCJ program.
  • Be on time to school and every cadet function. It is inconsiderate to the other cadets, teachers, coordinators and officers to be late and it will not be tolerated. “If you are not early you are late.”
  • Make AOCJ a priority in your life. Manage your time accordingly so that there are no personal or work related conflicts.  Missing school, regularly scheduled cadet meetings, and AOCJ functions is not acceptable.
  • Conduct yourself in such a manner that you bring credit, integrity and honor to yourself, other cadets, the program and your school. No public display of affection in or out of uniform.
  • Do all assignments and meet all academy requirements requested by your teachers, director, and officers whether or not you feel they are important.
  • Treat all cadets, officers, teachers, and coordinators with courtesy and respect at all times.
  • Never criticize cadets to their faces or behind their backs. This includes all aspects of social media.
  • Work out personal conflicts with cadets immediately. Avoid passing rumors or gossip.  If the problem cannot be resolved, all parties must meet with the coordinator and officers until it is resolved. Sometimes we add to the program through subtraction.
  • Do not sulk. If you have a problem or complaint, speak to your class officer, or the coordinator.
  • Drinking alcohol, smoking, or the use of drugs of any amount will be dealt with severely.
  • Cut down on junk food while working on improving your diet. Drink lots of water.
  • All individual communications with the director will be done via appointment or email. No social media please.

Academics

  • Make academics a priority in your life. Attend all classes and complete all assignments on time and to the best of your ability.
  • Remember the difference between HOMEWORK and STUDYING. You may finish your homework; but there’s always some studying to do.
  • Meet every academic obligation. All cadets will maintain a 2.5 academic GPA and a 3.0 citizenship GPA.
  • Strive for A’s and B’s. This will ensure academic eligibility. Being academically ineligible may result in dismissal from the program.
  • Discuss class conflicts with teachers as soon as you are aware of them.
  • Inform the coordinator /class officer immediately of any academic challenges. Study groups and tutoring are available.

Cadet Meetings and Physical Training Expectations

  • Take responsibility for your skill development! Come to every cadet meeting/AOCJ PE class. This is “your” and “our” opportunity to improve.
  • Be on time to meetings. This means dressed in official AOCJ uniform, hair up, minimal make-up, no jewelry and black shoes.
  • Be mentally ready for drills, formations and physical trainings. Leave your problems outside the door.
  • Do not use cadet meetings to socialize; conversation should be directly related to the event.
  • Absolutely no eating, gum chewing, drinking or cell phone usage during meetings or physical training. Sealed water containers are permissible.
  • Check in with your class officer immediately if you are late to meetings/inspections or must leave early.

Uniforms 

  • Uniforms are to be worn for approved events only. Do not alter any part of your uniform including shoes without prior approval.
  • Do not wear jewelry (including piercing of any body part) during physical conditioning or inspections.
  • Your personal appearance and dress are important. The emphasis is on neatness, cleanliness, and uniformity. No excessive make-up please.
  • Hair must be up and out of the face during uniform days, physical conditioning and inspections.
  • Official AOCJ uniform will consist of an Academy polo shirt, 2 inch black belt, dark colored jeans (no holes, calf length or sagging permitted) black athletic shoes, shirt tucked in, and long hair in a bun or ponytail. Hair must be completely out of the face. The academy jacket must be worn during colder weather.
  • Physical Training/PE Uniform will consist of the Academy T-shirts and navy blue athletic shorts and athletic footwear.

Course Requirements 

  • Class of 2021 and beyond
    • Complete PE Course 1 & 2 AOCJ
    • Complete Intro to Legal Systems
    • Complete World History Accelerated AOCJ (AP World will be allowed ) 10th grade
    • Complete Criminal Justice in Grade 11 & Foundations of Legal Systems in Grade 12
    • Complete Biology and Chemistry or Physics
    • Mastery of Obstacle Course (C time or better)
    • 100 hours Community Service
    • Complete A-G requirement with a “C” grade or better
    • Complete CPR/First Aid certification/ Smart Start Driving Program

 ******All A-G requirements must be met with a “C” grade of higher and Cadets must maintain an overall 2.5 GPA and a 3.0 GPA in citizenship, attend all required Upper Cadet Meetings and be in good standing with the Academy.