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.
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:
Darian Senn-Carter, Ed.D., director
410-777-7281
[email protected]
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Reynaldo Evangelista, Ed.D., professor
410-777-1209
[email protected]
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David Hammel, assistant professor/police academy commander and coordinator
410-777-7319
[email protected]
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Anika Ingram, J.D., professor
410-777-2182
[email protected]
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Joseph Johnson, associate professor
410-777-7127
[email protected]
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Adil Qaiyumi, J.D., professor
410-777-1483
[email protected]
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Erin S. Franklin, office manager
410-777-7063
[email protected]
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About Erin:
Erin Franklin grew up on the Broadneck Peninsula, just a few miles from campus. She has a diverse background in office management, administration, health, real estate and home staging. Her passion is helping others, whether it be efficiently prioritizing tasks, organizing multiple priorities, delivering caring customer service or being a good listener. She loves to learn and is willing to take on any role with eagerness and positivity.
Franklin has been actively involved in the Anne Arundel County Association of Realtors as well as the National Association of Realtors. She enjoyed coaching lacrosse and field hockey for both of her daughters and still enjoys cheering for her favorite sports teams.
Outside of the work environment, Franklin loves to travel with her husband to visit their daughters down South. She enjoys live music, yoga, sunrises, decorating and longs walks on the beach.
The following scholarships are available for students in the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute. For information visit the AACC Scholarships page.
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.
Established in memory of Cpl. Thomas P. Connelly III, this scholarship provides support to students pursuing certification in the AACC Police Academy.
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.
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.
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.
The Warren B. Duckett Jr. Scholarship was established to provide assistance for students pursuing studies in either social service or criminal justice.
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.
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.
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 [email protected].
Welcome to Immigration Awareness Month, an annual celebration held every April by the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute. Throughout this month we recognize and honor the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and contributions that immigrants bring to our communities and nation.
Immigration Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role immigrants play in shaping the social, economic and cultural fabric of our society. It's a time to acknowledge the resilience, diversity and entrepreneurial spirit that immigrants embody, enriching our nation's story with their unique experiences and perspectives.
At the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute, we believe that fostering understanding and appreciation for immigration is not only essential for promoting inclusivity and diversity but also for strengthening our national security and justice systems. By raising awareness and engaging in meaningful dialogue, we aim to promote empathy, tolerance and unity among all individuals, regardless of their background or origin.
Join us this April as we celebrate Immigration Awareness Month and reaffirm our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the collective prosperity of our nation.
Welcome to our Engaged Scholarship Forum series, a cornerstone of intellectual exploration and professional development within the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute. Designed to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration, our Engaged Scholarship Forums bring together students, faculty and practitioners to delve into specialized topics within Homeland Security and Criminal Justice.
What to Expect:
Each Engaged Scholarship Forum features distinguished subject matter experts and practitioners who share their insights, experiences and findings. These interactive sessions provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in thought-provoking discussions, ask questions and gain valuable perspectives on pressing issues and emerging trends in the field of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice.
Who Can Attend:
Engaged Scholarship Forums are open to all members of the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute community, including students, faculty, staff and alumni. Additionally, we welcome the college community and external participants from other academic institutions, government agencies, law enforcement organizations and industry partners who share our commitment to advancing knowledge and enhancing practice in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice.
Topics Covered:
Our Engaged Scholarship Forums cover a wide range of topics relevant to the field. A sampling of topics includes:
• Criminal Investigations and Law Enforcement Techniques
• The Department of Justice's Role in Presidential Clemency
• Leading During a Crisis
• U.S. Secret Service - Protective Intelligence
• Forensic Art, An Intersection of the Legal and Art Industry
• My Life as an FBI Forensic Artist
• Missing and Exploited Children
• Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
• Counterterrorism Strategies and Tactics
• Emergency Management and Disaster Response
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Careers in Corrections
• Active Assailant Training
• Border Security and Immigration Policy
• Intelligence Analysis
• National Security Policy
How to Participate:
Stay tuned for upcoming Engaged Scholarship Forums. Registration may be required for certain events, and early registration is encouraged to reserve your place in these engaging discussions. Join us as we explore, learn, and collaborate to address the complex challenges facing our communities and the world at large. Together, we can make a difference through informed scholarship and meaningful engagement.
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:
For information about the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Resource Center or to borrow resources, contact:
Erin Franklin
[email protected]
410-777-7063
Careers Center Room 312
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:
"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.)
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, improving 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!
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.
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:
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:
How does it work? Learn more about how to qualify for the Honors program at AACC by checking out the Honors webpage.
Welcome to the Annual Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute Expo! Each year, our institute is thrilled to host this exciting event, welcoming approximately 300 students to our college campus for a day filled with exploration, learning and inspiration. The Expo is designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to experience college life firsthand while gaining valuable insights into the dynamic fields of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice. Throughout the day, participants will engage in a series of interactive sessions, workshops and demonstrations led by industry experts, professors and professionals. From simulated crime scene investigations to discussions on cybersecurity challenges, our expo offers a diverse range of activities aimed at preparing students for both higher education and the workforce. Whether you're interested in law enforcement, forensics, emergency management, criminal justice, homeland security, intelligence analysis, or cybersecurity, there's something for everyone at the expo.
Beyond the educational sessions, students also have the chance to connect with college faculty, current students and professionals in the field, gaining valuable mentorship, networking opportunities and career guidance. At the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute, we are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators in these critical fields. Through events like the expo, we aim to inspire, educate and equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on their communities and the world. Join us for an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery at the annual Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute Expo. Together, let's shape the future of security and justice!
We’re here to help.
Homeland Security
[email protected]
Criminal Justice
[email protected]
Police Academy
[email protected]
As an Aspiring Leadership Academy (ALA) alumna, Francheska Salazar continues to utilize the methodology and skills learned while participating in the program.
Darian Senn-Carter, Ed.D.
Director, Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute
AACC’s Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute is listed at #2 for Number of Awards earned on the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
The College Scorecard is an online tool, created by the United States government, for consumers to compare the cost and value of higher education institutions in the United States. At launch, it displayed data in five areas: cost, graduation rate, employment rate, average amount borrowed, and loan default rate.
Silas Baker, a graduate of the Homeland Security Management program, says that students "are given a curriculum which asked us not to view the world for what path will bring you the most individual fulfillment in life, but to view the world for its truths."
Learn More About Silas's Experience