0
PROPOSAL
for the
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE
with a major in
PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Submitted to
THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
by
MIAMI DADE COLLEGE
SCHOOL OF JUSTICE
OCTOBER 1, 2005 (original submission)
FEBRUARY 15, 2006 (revised submission)
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MIAMI DADE COLLEGE
PROPOSAL FOR
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE in
PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Submitted October 1, 2005; Revised February 15, 2006
Evaluation Criteria
A.
Description of Planning Process and Time Line for Implementation
Section 1007.33, F.S. authorizes the State Board of Education (SBE) to receive proposals from
community colleges to offer specified baccalaureate degree programs in their districts to meet
local workforce needs through partnerships and/or through direct authority to grant baccalaureate
degrees. Per the new approval process adopted by the State Board of Education, Miami Dade
College (MDC), a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Level 2 institution,
submits the following request to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Public Safety
Management.
The principal goal of the Miami Dade College BAS degree in Public Safety Management is to
provide students and public safety practitioners with a seamless, workforce-driven baccalaureate
degree. The program will provide a convenient, one-stop opportunity to obtain a combination of a
baccalaureate degree and Florida State Certification in Law Enforcement or State Certification in
Corrections which would provide immediate employment opportunities.
In the mid-1990’s, Florida criminal justice professionals and industry leaders recognized that the
traditional, theory-based learning programs offered by criminal justice training centers were not
sufficiently preparing men and women to enter and succeed in the criminal justice profession.
The Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) conducted Subject
Matter Expert (SME) meetings involving criminal justice personnel from across the State in an
attempt to identify alternative learning strategies that would better prepare criminal justice
professionals to handle job demands. The SME recommendations, in consultation with Florida
Department of Law Enforcement curriculum specialists, resulted in a proposal to create the
Curriculum Maintenance System (CMS), a new application-based law enforcement recruit training
program.
The CMS training curriculum which was formally implemented in 2004, completely revised the
basic law enforcement academy training, focused its learning methodology on applied learning
pedagogy to replicate job simulations, and made both short-term and long-term problem-solving
skills key elements of the new educational process. The CMS curriculum also incorporated an
integral component of a needs assessment and job task analysis that was included to ensure that
the new learning strategy was anchored to job requirements and profession needs.
FIU/MDC COLLABORATION:
Consequently, based upon industry recommendations, MDC began exploring options to address
CJSTC concerns by initiating discussions with Florida International University regarding:
 2+2+2 articulation options (high school, community college, and four-year institution)
 AS to BS Criminal Justice articulation
 a joint-use criminal justice educational and training facility focused on serving
student needs, and
 the development of a workforce-based, applied baccalaureate degree.
To implement the recommendations, meetings were conducted between Miami Dade College and
Florida International University to discuss the above issues and to propose that FIU utilize MDC’s
basic training academies as an internship for their four-year degree students in their final
semester. As noted below, the initial meetings occurred during the Spring of 1999 and although
FIU Policy and Management Criminal Justice administrative personnel recommended adopting
the basic training academy (workforce development) partnership offer, as of February 8, 1999
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(see Meeting Two below), no formal agreements transpired. Copies of correspondence and a list
of attendees for each meeting are listed in Appendices 1A-3B).
1. MEETING ONE (MDC-North campus---January 28, 1999)
Agenda:
The meeting focused upon establishing a 2+2+2 partnership between MDC and FIU and
the creation of a joint-use facility. In addition, discussion ensued regarding incorporating
the Miami Dade College basic academy training (workforce development) courses into the
FIU internship program as part of the baccalaureate degree to reflect current, applied
training strategies necessary to meet law enforcement needs (Appendices 1A-1C,
correspondence dated January 29, 1999, from Dr. Castell Bryant, MDC, to Dr. Rosa Jones,
FIU).
Result:
A partnership with FIU was formed to propose a joint-use facility and in 1999, the Florida
Legislature granted MDC $4.2 million for a state-of-the-art building which was constructed
and available for use on the MDC North campus in Fall 2003, serving 5,425 Miami Dade
College students. (MDC Board item, Appendix 1D) Workforce and community needs
have, however, continued to increase and as noted in Table 3, as of 2004-2005, 6,109
students were enrolled in School of Justice programs at Miami Dade College (annual
increase of approximately 700 students). Since Fall 2003, Florida International University
has requested use of classroom space to offer two academic evening courses each
semester at the MDC North campus, Building 9000. Approximately 240-300 FIU students
(two classes per semester for two years) have enrolled in upper division FIU Criminal
Justice courses.
2. MEETING TWO (MDC North Campus---February 8, 1999)
Agenda:
The meeting focused upon incorporating the Miami Dade College basic academy training
into the last semester of studies for FIU Bachelor of Science-Criminal Justice students,
and a program outline for the MDC/FIU Criminal Justice proposal was distributed.
Discussion regarding the projected enrollment, average class size, joint MDC/FIU
advising, faculty hiring needs, and additional resources required for adjunct instruction
and dedicated student support services took place. In addition, Howard Frank, Acting
Director, FIU School of Policy and Management, indicated in his February 8, 1999,
memorandum, that FIU concurred with MDC’s “desire…for a “state of the art” facility,
including forensic and computer labs” and “would view this an integral part of the new
program.” The memorandum endorses the proposal for a “concurrence program” as
follows:
“Implementation of the joint proposal is likely to have its share of administrative
teething pains. But the enthusiasm of the MDCC participants and our willingness
to implement this program bode well for implementation.” (Appendices 2A-2D).
Result:
Although no formal agreements were reached during the Spring 1999 FIU/MDC meetings
to combine the MDC basic academy training (workforce development) courses with the
FIU internship program, MDC continued to independently explore the concept of
developing an applied baccalaureate degree in public safety management that combined
college credit courses with academy training, culminating in a bachelor’s degree, State
certification, and immediate eligibility for employment. After several years of cooperative
efforts on various topics, MDC and FIU met again in Spring 2004, to continue discussion
regarding criminal justice academic and training issues.
3. MEETING THREE (MDC North Campus----Spring of 2004)
Agenda:
The meeting focused upon curricular review to establish an AS to BS articulation
agreement between MDC and FIU. Additionally, Director Ron Grimming again suggested
that FIU consider incorporating the Miami Dade College academy training courses into the
FIU internship program as part of the baccalaureate degree.
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Result:
In reference to the AS to BS articulation, MDC presented three Associate of Science
programs for articulation review (AS-Criminal Justice Technology, AS-Basic Law
Enforcement, and AS-Corrections). FIU agreed only to articulate the AS-Criminal Justice
Technology degree which does not include basic academy training (workforce
development) courses. To date, the AS to BS Criminal Justice Technology articulation
agreement has been implemented (Appendices 3A-3B), but the basic academy training
(workforce development) components (AS-Basic Law Enforcement and AS-Corrections)
were not approved nor integrated by FIU into an educational model culminating in a
workforce-driven baccalaureate degree with State certification.
As previously noted, in 2004, the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission
(CJSTC) implemented a new, approved, basic academy training (workforce development)
curriculum designed to enhance the practical skills and abilities of modern police professionals
who need to be equipped to handle the daily practical applications of criminal justice training and
education. Consequently, based upon these recommendations, MDC renewed its effort to
incorporate the new learning curriculum into a proposed BAS-Public Safety Management
program, focused upon specific career and workforce-driven coursework (see additional
information in Section B-Analysis of Workforce Needs/Demands for Baccalaureate Programs).
Miami Dade College focused the BAS-Public Safety Management proposal on addressing the
formal education of public safety professionals by utilizing applied learning techniques, adult
learning methodologies, and both short- and long-term problem solving skills. The educational
model is designed to utilize and extend this learning philosophy through the baccalaureate level
by the implementation of the MDC degree offering.
This CMS model provides opportunities for change in public safety education and training and is
designed to provide the following benefits:
 ensure that the education and training program has a direct application to job
requirements and on-the-job problem-solving capabilities;
 provide a guide for responding to and analyzing situations to identify problems, reach
reasonable conclusions, take legal actions, and evaluate the effectiveness and
ethical considerations of those actions; and
 present a method to relate real-life situations to classroom learning that may involve
cognitive, social, philosophical, and physical skills.
The proposed MDC public safety workforce baccalaureate degree provides a seamless, onestop, educational training opportunity for students to receive their baccalaureate degree and State
certification.
MDC Contact with South Florida State and Private Universities:
In compliance with the State Board of Education Baccalaureate Program Proposal for Community
Colleges, MDC communicated with seven local-area four-year State and private colleges and
universities its intent to submit a proposal to the State to create a work-force driven baccalaureate
degree. Letters of Intent providing information regarding the MDC BAS-Public Safety
Management proposal were sent on August 23, 2005, (Appendix 4) from Ron Grimming, Director,
Miami Dade College School of Justice, to the following seven South Florida public and private
four-year educational institutions:
 Barry University
 Florida Atlantic University
 Florida International University
 Nova Southeastern University
 St. Thomas University
 Florida Memorial University
 University of Miami
Two of the seven institutions responded (Florida Atlantic University and Florida International
University) as follows:
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1.
Florida Atlantic University
o A written response from Dr. Dave Kalinich, Chair, Criminology/Criminal
Justice, FAU, to Ron Grimming, Director, MDC School of Justice, on
September 9, 2005 (Appendix 4A).
o A written response, dated September 14, 2005, from Ron Grimming, Director,
Miami Dade College School of Justice, to Dr. Dave Kalinich, Florida Atlantic
University (Appendix 4B). MDC reiterated that in building the program, MDC
addressed the General Education skills areas to ensure that the learning
objectives were integrated and assessed throughout the Public Safety
Management curriculum. Appendix 10 provides specific information regarding
the integration and assessment of general education skills areas within the
proposed upper division coursework.
o MDC invited the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Criminology/Criminal Justice
department to partner with MDC in its unique public safety proposal. FAU
responded in September 15, 2005, that the offer would be forwarded to their
internship coordinator for further review, and as of this date, no communication
has occurred (Appendix 4C).
2. Florida International University
o Written responses from Dr. Ray Thomlison, Professor and Dean, School of
Social Work, Policy and Management, FIU. An initial response was received
from Dr. Thomlison on October 3, 2005 (after the MDC BAS proposal was
submitted to FLDOE), apologizing for the University’s delay in responding to
the MDC proposal. (Appendix 5)
o A formal correspondence, dated October 4, 2005, was received from Dr.
Thomlison after MDC submitted its original proposal. (Appendix 6A)
o During Fall 2005, Dr. Norma Goonen, MDC Provost for Education, contacted
Dr. Mark Rosenberg, former FIU Provost, seeking feedback on the MDC BAS
in Public Safety Management proposal. Due to Dr. Rosenberg’s appointment
to the Board of Governors, Dr. Goonen met with Dr. Rosa Jones, Vice
President for Student Affairs and Undergraduate Education, to discuss the
proposal. A response to the meeting was sent December 21, 2005, from Dr.
Jones to Dr. Goonen (Appendix 6B).
o A written response from Dr. Norma Goonen, MDC Provost for Education, to
Dr. Rosa Jones, Vice President for Student Affairs and Undergraduate
Education (Appendix 6C).
The proposed Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Public Safety Management has progressed
according to the State Board of Education Baccalaureate Proposal Approval Process and as of
September 2005, has been approved by MDC faculty and administrators, Dr. Eduardo Padrón,
President of Miami Dade College, and the Miami Dade College Board of Trustees, with a Fall
2006 targeted implementation date.
A Letter of Intent to the Commissioner of Education was submitted on June 10, 2005, and as
indicated in the June 14, 2005, response from Chancellor J. David Armstrong, Miami Dade
College was granted an extension of October 1, 2005, as an exception to the August 1, 2005,
deadline for the Baccalaureate Proposal to be submitted to the Commissioner of DCCWE
(Appendix 7). The extension was granted due to the “dissolution of the Council for Education
Policy Research and Improvement (CEPRI)”, and the extension date would allow “ample time for
the Commissioner and staff to study the proposal and make a recommendation to the SBE for
action at its January or February meeting.“ Per State Board of Education guidelines, the attached
proposal was submitted by the College President, Dr. Eduardo Padron, to the Commissioner with
a copy to the Chancellor of DCCWE by the extended deadline of October 1, 2005, with a request
for a collaborative review with the Florida Board of Governors (FBOG), Accountability, Research,
and Measurement (ARM), and others as appropriate. Miami Dade College has incorporated the
recommended adjustments and will submit the revised copy of the proposal to the Vice
Chancellor of DCCWE no later than February 15, 2006, and will await final decision by the State
Board of Education. Upon notification of approval, Miami Dade College’s President will sign a
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five-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Commissioner. Table 1 includes timeline
dates.
Table 1: MDC Estimated Timeline for Baccalaureate in Public Safety Management Degree
Deadline/implementation date
February 2006
March 21, 2006
April 18, 2006
April 2006
May 2006
June 2006
July 2006
August 2006
January 2007
February 2007
March 2007
April 2007
May/June 2007
July 2007
July-December 2007
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
July 2008
July-December 2008
Activity
MDC submits revised proposal to FLDOE for review.
MDC posts anticipated full-time faculty positions (2).
State submits MDC proposal as agenda item to State Board.
State Board votes on MDC proposal (MDC College President to
provide presentation).
MDC commences marketing campaign in the MDC service area and
conducts Town Hall student and community meetings with industry
leaders. Marketing media to include billboards, newsprint, and radio.
MDC posts job vacancies for part-time faculty positions,
administrative staff, support staff, student services, and library
positions.
MDC contracts with consultant to develop instructional aids, grant
research and writing, advertisement and publicity components.
MDC completes textbook selection.
MDC completes library resource recommendations.
MDC orders program equipment, computers, furniture, books, and
office and classroom supplies.
MDC completes faculty course assignments.
MDC orders required text books and library materials.
(June 12) MDC conducts New Student Orientation. MDC conducts
academic advisement and registration workshops for Summer and
Fall.
MDC completes hiring of full-time (2) faculty members.
MDC completes hiring of part-time faculty (2), administrative staff,
support staff, student services, and library positions.
MDC offers 1st baccalaureate-level coursework.
MDC submits application to the Commission on Accreditation for
Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
MDC posts vacancy for one full-time and one part-time faculty
position.
MDC conducts interviews for new faculty positions.
MDC convenes planning committee for CALEA accreditation
process.
MDC conducts Student Services recruitment/retention activities.
MDC conducts advisement and registration workshops for
Summer/Fall 2007.
MDC completes faculty hiring.
MDC conducts assessments of BAS program.
MDC completes CALEA activities.
MDC posts vacancies for final full-time (1) and part-time (1) faculty
positions.
MDC conducts interviews for new faculty positions.
MDC hosts CALEA on-site visit.
MDC completes faculty hiring.
MDC conducts assessments of BAS program.
MDC completes CALEA accreditation process.
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B. Analysis of Workforce Needs/Demands for Baccalaureate Program
To gauge the interest for the proposed baccalaureate degree, MDC faculty and staff
representatives conducted meetings with local and state law enforcement officials, conducted
profession and student surveys, and evaluated state and national higher education initiatives. In
addition, as stipulated by the Baccalaureate Proposal Approval guidelines, Miami Dade College
analyzed data and collaborated with its local workforce development board, economic
development councils, and business and industry partners to determine workforce baccalaureate
degree needs and demands.
Based upon the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) response
to criminal justice administrators’ concerns that the traditional curriculum and learning strategies
utilized in the basic training programs were inadequate, criminal justice personnel from across the
State identified alternative learning strategies that could better prepare criminal justice
professionals to handle job demands. Due to the dynamic nature of the public services
professions, it was determined that the change reflect current, modern training in the necessary
skills, knowledge, attitudes, and abilities to meet current law enforcement needs . The proposed
MDC Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Management degree addresses the proposed
curriculum and provides a unique combination of education and specialized career track options
and State certifications designed to produce public safety professionals who are immediately
employable.
As a result of profession findings, the concept of a workforce-based applied baccalaureate
degree program is more critical now than at any other time in public safety education and training.
In response to this development, Miami Dade College gathered support for the BAS-Public Safety
Management proposal from agency and student surveys, petitions, and letters of support from
various industry areas. In September 2005, the Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police
voted in favor of endorsing/supporting the Miami Dade College effort to implement a Bachelor of
Applied Science degree in Public Safety Management. A document, signed by 26 of the 32
(84.34%) local law enforcement agencies in Miami Dade County, stated:
We strongly believe that the BAS in Public Safety Management will provide current and
future officers with the requisite education and training skills necessary to function
effectively in our challenging careers as law enforcement professionals. (Appendix 8)
In addition to the Association of Chiefs of Police, MDC garnered letters of support from police,
security, corrections, government and business organizations as noted in the following excerpts
(Appendices 9A-N):
POLICE NEED:
 Hispanic Police Officers Association, President Miguel Palacios wrote:
As a lieutenant for the Miami Dade Police Department, I fully understand the
value of this opportunity as a law enforcement manager. A four-year degree
program is a very appealing prospect to our officers.
As the President of the Hispanic Police Officers’ Association (HPOA), I can
confirm our support of this endeavor which offers advanced education to our
members. This degree will enable our members to seek additional salary
incentive pay. (Appendix 9A)
 On behalf of Chief of Police John F. Timoney of the Miami Police Department (the
second largest police department in Southeast Florida, employing approximately 1100
sworn professionals and 400 civilian employees) Assistant Chief of Police, Adam L.
Burden, II, wrote:
It is anticipated that our agency will be hiring approximately eight hundred (800)
officers during the next 10 years and would give hiring preference to candidates
with a 4-year degree. As Chief of the Miami Police Department, I can assure you
that the Miami Police Department is definitely in favor of initiatives which offer
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
advanced education to law enforcement professionals. Therefore, I support
Miami Dade College’s efforts to establish a Baccalaureate of Applied Science
(BAS) in Public Safety Management. (Appendix 9B)
On behalf of the Metro-Dade Police Department (the largest police department in
Southeast Florida, employing approximately 3000 sworn professionals and 2000 civilian
employees), Director Robert Parker wrote:
It is anticipated that our agency will be hiring approximately 160 officers each
year during the next several years, and as an agency it would be beneficial to
recruit candidates with a four-year degree. (Appendix 9C)
SECURITY PROFESSION NEED:
 The Director of Safety and Security, Z. Dennis Kalam, of Parkway Regional Medical
Center (PRMC) wrote in response to the MDC proposal:
We believe it is an excellent plan and is one that local security managers would
strongly support due to the emphasis on higher learning, which is being
discussed statewide.
…clearly, a four-year degree is an appealing addition to a candidate’s
professional portfolio. On behalf of PRMC, I would like to express our
appreciation to you and your staff for the diligent efforts being put forth to
address the educational needs of our current and future [security] officers.
(Appendix 9D)
 Major Alan Lamarche, President of the Florida Association of Security Companies
(FASCO) wrote:
It is anticipated that Florida [security] agencies will hire thousands of officers
during the next 10 years and would give hiring preference to candidates with a
four-year degree. …our members are in favor of initiatives, which offer advanced
education to security professionals. …we support Miami Dade College’s efforts
to establish a Baccalaureate of Applied Science (BAS) in Public Safety
Management. (Appendix 9E)
CORRECTIONS PROFESSION NEED:
 Director Charles McRay of the Miami Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department
wrote:
This department employs officers who have a multitude of skills and
characteristics; clearly, a two-year and/or a four-year degree is an appealing
addition to a candidate’s professional portfolio. (Appendix 9F)
GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS ORGANIZATION NEED:
 City of Hialeah, Mayor Raul Martinez wrote:
Having the proposed four-year degree from Miami Dade College will further
enhance the professionalism and credentials of all law enforcement officers in
our community. (Appendix 9G)
 Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce, President Oleathia Kallio wrote:
There is a tremendous need within our Community to expand workforce
development, training, and educational opportunities. (Appendix 9H)
As President of the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce and an employee of a
long-established business, I am writing to offer my support for Miami Dade
College’s Baccalaureate Degree in Public Safety Management.
 Miami Neighborhood Enhancement Team, Administrator Wilma Cox wrote:
By offering prospective and current law enforcement personnel the opportunity to
enhance their education through the offering of a four-year degree in Public
Safety Management is a vital step to further professionalizing law enforcement as
a career and equips officers with a wider array of strategies to employ in
effectively addressing the issues they must confront on a daily basis. …we are
delighted to support this new effort. (Appendix 9I)
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
Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO William Diggs wrote:
It is with great pleasure that the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce fully lends
its support to the Miami Dade College application to offer a four-year degree
program in Public Safety Management.
The College is very instrumental in satisfying this community’s workforce training
needs. Most of the law enforcement personnel currently employed in MiamiDade County as well as its neighboring communities have received training at
Miami Dade College. With the national movement towards homeland security,
we fully support the College’s initiative. (Appendix 9J)
Florida Power and Light Company, Accounts Manager Victor Muniz wrote:
This [proposal] in turn provides a more efficient response to the critical health
and safety needs of our communities.
I wholeheartedly support the College’s outstanding efforts to enhance the
educational and training credentials of law enforcement professionals in our
community. (Appendix 9K)
Hialeah Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO Daniel Hernandez wrote:
As President of the Hialeah Chamber of Commerce & Industries, and a longstanding business owner, I am writing to express my full support for Miami Dade
College’s Bachelor degree in Public Safety Management.
I believe business owners would benefit greatly in myriad ways from this degree
offering. (Appendix 9L)
Miami Dade County Public Schools, Superintendent Rudolph F. Crew, Ed.D., wrote:
Specifically, our educational systems seek to provide quality education and
training to all students and prepare them to effectively enter the world of work.
As such, I am pleased to know that the College continues to exhibit its desire to
adhere to this mission and to further its efforts by providing workforce education
to our students, and expanding hands-on, practitioner-based courses to meet this
important need within our community. (Appendix 9M)
SURVEYS:
In addition to the profession endorsements and letters of support, Miami Dade College conducted
profession and student surveys to determine the interest in and demand for a baccalaureate
degree in Public Safety Management in the South Florida region.
 PROFESSION SURVEYS:
A survey of 32 South Florida public safety managers was conducted in May 2005, and yielded
17 responses (53.1%) with the following results:
 16 of the 17 respondents (94%) stated that they would give hiring preference to
candidates possessing a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Management.
 16 of the 17 respondents (94%) indicated that a bachelor’s degree was an important
criterion for career advancement within their agencies.
 STUDENT SURVEYS:
As noted in Table 2, MDC School of Justice enrollment has increased 68% since 2000-2001
(3635 to 6109 students in 2004-2005) which reflects student demand and potential candidates for
the Miami Dade College’s proposed BAS degree program in Public Safety Management.
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Table 2: School Of Justice Program 5-Year Enrollment at MDC
(Potential Candidates for the BAS degree)
School of Justice Program
2000-2001
2001-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005
Dual-Enrollment
High School
25
30
36
43
51
Associate in Arts & Associate in
Science
1100
1320
1584
1900
2200
Law Enforcement Training
Academy
270
324
389
467
560
240
288
346
415
498
In-Service & Career
Development
2000
2200
2400
2600
2800
Annual Totals
3635
4162
4755
5425
6109
Corrections Training Academy
In addition to profession demands, the proposed program is also driven by proven student
demand as indicated in the following two surveys of MDC students enrolled in the academic
degree programs and trainees in the basic police and corrections training academies. Both
students and trainees indicate strong support for and significant interest in the creation of the
baccalaureate degree in Public Safety Management at Miami Dade College.

A 2005 survey distributed to 101 Criminal Justice degree-seeking students enrolled at
Miami Dade College’s North Campus reveals that of the academic degree seeking
students surveyed, 84% (85 students) indicated that they would be interested in the
Baccalaureate degree in Public Safety Management (Table 3).
Table 3: Baccalaureate Degree Interest -- Criminal Justice Degree-Seeking Students
Questions
Are you planning to complete a two-year degree at Miami Dade
College?
Do you plan to complete a four-year degree in the future?
Yes
No
97%
3%
92%
8%
84%
16%
90%
10%
84%
16%
Are you planning to major in Public Safety?
Do your future career plans involve some type of Public Safety work?
(i.e., police, corrections, courts, parole/probation, law, juvenile
counseling, management, etc.)?
If Miami Dade College were to offer a Baccalaureate degree in Public
Safety, would you be interested?

In addition, a similar 2005 survey was distributed to 123 trainees in the Miami Dade
College Basic Law Enforcement and Corrections Training Academies at the MDC North
Campus. As noted in Table 4, data reveal that of the basic training recruits surveyed,
70% (86 students) indicated that they would be interested in the baccalaureate degree in
Public Safety Management.
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Table 4: Baccalaureate Degree Interest -- Basic Law Enforcement and
Corrections Training Academies Students
Questions
Yes
No
Are you planning to complete a two-year degree at Miami Dade College
65%
35%
Do you plan to complete a four-year degree in the future?
78%
22%
Are you planning to major in Public Safety?
64%
36%
98%
2%
70%
30%
Do your future career plans involve some type of Public Safety work?
(i.e., police, corrections, courts, parole/probation, law, juvenile
counseling, management, etc.)?
If Miami Dade College were to offer a Baccalaureate degree in Public
Safety, would you be interested?
It is anticipated that based upon current student surveys and agency interest level as indicated in
the letters of support (Appendix 9), approximately 68 students would enroll in the baccalaureate
program at Miami Dade College. Based upon the number of students currently served at the
MDC School of Justice, however, the enrollment is projected to grow significantly during the next
5 to 10 year period upon program implementation. Table 5 provides a 5-year enrollment
projection for the BAS-Public Safety Management degree.
Table 5: Projected 5-year student enrollment in MDC’s BAS - Public Safety Management
2005-2006
0
2006-2007
68
2007-2008
136
2008-2009
143
2009-2010
150
EMPLOYMENT DEMAND:
Public safety management professionals provide the critical infrastructure necessary for
economic development in South Florida and as noted above, local and state officials have
expressed interest in graduates of the proposed Bachelor of Applied Science program and
students have indicated an interest in the proposal. The Targeted Occupational List for Region
23 (which includes Miami-Dade County) identifies public safety professions such as police,
probation, and corrections as workforce development entities for job growth. In addition,
positions such as Corrections Officer, Law Enforcement Officer, Private Security Officer, and
civilian positions such as Juvenile Justice Specialist, Case Manager, and Gang Prevention
Specialist are identified as high-wage and high-demand occupations. Typically, demand for
graduates is most often determined by governmental personnel who have ultimate responsibility
for public safety matters and the Miami Police Department (MPD) employs 1,100 sworn
personnel, and the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) employs 3,000 sworn personnel.
Approximately 6,000 sworn personnel are employed within the areas of public safety by MiamiDade County as a whole. Consequently, the 98% placement rate of MDC Basic Training
Academy graduates (2003-2004) indicates that local employers hire MDC graduates.
Employer demand for personnel with baccalaureate degrees has increased steadily among local,
state, and federal public safety agencies throughout the years and has exceeded the supply for
the past five years. The Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation’s Employment Forecast ranks
Local Government second in industries gaining the most new jobs for Workforce Growth. Based
upon hiring projections of public safety agencies in South Florida, regional data reveal that
approximately 7,000 new officers will be hired over the next ten years.
The proposed MDC Bachelor of Applied Science program will contribute significantly to meeting
workforce needs in the service region and Statewide. Table 6 reflects that currently 20.5 % of
sworn public safety personnel in Florida have obtained a baccalaureate degree. A potential
statewide pool of 70,581 (77.3%) officers who have a high school diploma or Associate of Arts
degree are possible candidates for a BAS degree for career and promotional opportunities.
12
Table 6: Florida Public Safety Personnel Educational Level
Officers’ Educational Level
Number of
Sworn Officers
Percentage
High School
Associate in Arts
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Ph.D.
59,370
11,211
18,710
1,858
183
65.0%
12.3%
20.5%
2.0%
0.2%
Total
91,332
100%
(FDLE, Criminal Justice Professionalism Program, State of Florida officer statistics, May, 2005).
Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS, 2003) and the 2003-2004 Targeted Occupational List both
indicate that employment growth is expected to rise throughout the decade and employment of
local, state, and federal police officers, detectives, and special agents is expected to increase
throughout the United States. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2010 there will be
more than a 29% increase in the demand for various public safety professionals.



“Employment of police officers and detectives is expected to grow faster than the
average for all occupations through 2012. A more security-conscious society and
concern about drug-related crimes should contribute to the increasing demand for
police services.”
“Competition should remain keen for higher paying jobs with State and Federal
agencies and police departments in more affluent areas. Opportunities will be better
in local and special police departments, especially in departments within urban
communities, where the crime rate is relatively high. For public-service related
employment, applicants with college training in police science, military police
experience, or both should have the best opportunities.”
“Employment of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is projected
to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012, as additional
officers are hired to supervise and control a growing inmate population. The adoption
of mandatory sentencing guidelines calling for longer sentences and reduced parole
for inmates will continue to spur demand for correctional officers. In addition to
openings due to growth, many openings will be created by replacement needs,
especially openings due to the large number of these workers who are expected to
retire over the 2002-12 projection period.”
The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
(2004-05)
In addition to employment growth, the need to replace workers who retire, transfer to other
occupations, or stop working for other reasons, will be the source of significant job openings. It is
anticipated that by 2010, approximately 7% (4,200) of the State of Florida sworn police personnel
will retire as a result of DROP (FDLE, 2003), necessitating the replacement of these police
personnel with an educated workforce prepared to meet the challenges of the State’s future
public safety needs. If current workforce trends continue, it is anticipated that the demand will be
considerably higher as indicated by local agency responses to the MDC Public Safety survey,
indicating a hiring preference as well as career enhancement and promotional development for
those possessing a Bachelor’s degree.
Regarding the importance of the degree offering, no other program that is currently available in
the South Florida area provides for the seamless approach to education and training as exhibited
in the Miami Dade College proposal. Specifically, no other college or university offers students
the opportunity to obtain the combination of an Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, and State
13
Law Enforcement or Corrections Certification, which qualifies students for immediate employment
possibilities. Most traditional, university baccalaureate degrees concentrate on theoretical
coursework, yet none of the local public or private universities (i.e., Barry, FIU, FAU, Nova, St.
Thomas, Florida Memorial University, and University of Miami) combines classroom learning with
practical, hands-on, job-readiness training in the comprehensive manner needed for today’s
public safety professional as does the Miami Dade College BAS proposal.
SOUTH FLORIDA STATE AND PRIVATE UNIVERSITY PRODUCTION:
As indicated in Table 7, the review of data from seven public and private institutions in the South
Florida area indicates that 513 public safety-related baccalaureate degree students graduated
from South Florida four-year institutions during the 2004-2005 academic year (data obtained from
the Florida SUS Facts and Figures http://www.flbog.org/factbook/pivot_table.asp and IPEDS
(Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, national data collection system):
Table 7: South Florida Public Safety-Related Baccalaureate Degrees Annually Awarded
INSTITUTION
NUMBER OF PUBLIC SAFETY-RELATED
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES GRANTED 2004-2005
Florida International University
240
Florida Atlantic University
221
Florida Memorial College
36
St. Thomas University
16
TOTAL
513
Based upon South Florida local, state, and federal public safety management hiring projections,
regional data reveal that approximately 7,000 new professionals will be hired over the next ten
years. Assuming that university production rates remain constant and that 100% of public safetyrelated degree graduates pursue careers in public safety management fields, the 5,130 (over 10
years) graduates constitute a deficiency of approximately 1,900 candidates over a 10 year period.
PUBLIC SAFETY BACCALAUREATE DEGREE DEMAND:
A National Institute of Justice survey (2003) indicates three significant findings:
 the demand for local, state, and federal public safety positions is expected to increase
throughout the decade and beyond
 state probation officer requisites include a baccalaureate degree at entry level
 most federal law enforcement positions in public safety require a minimum of a
bachelor’s degree.
Based on the above findings, the MDC School of Justice seeks to address the workforce need in
the Miami-Dade area by the development of a workforce-driven BAS degree in Public Safety
Management.
In addition to improving qualifications for entering workforce personnel, a review of public safety
agencies’ promotional policies indicates that agencies traditionally promote from within their own
ranks. Therefore, employees seeking advancement are well aware that completing their
respective associate degree, and subsequently their baccalaureate degree, will boost promotional
chances for advancement in the field. Moreover, studies indicate a positive relationship between
education and ethical conduct in the field of law enforcement.
 A Florida study showed that law enforcement professionals with a college education
were 12.5 times more likely to make ethically sound decisions than their counterparts
with less than 2 years of higher education.
 The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training
Commission found that law enforcement professionals with less than 2 years of college
were 4 times more likely than law enforcement professionals with 2 years or more of
college to face disciplinary action by the Commission.
14
Consequently, in recognition of the positive impact of education, many public safety agencies pay
all or part of the tuition expenses associated with progress toward completion of a degree in the
criminal justice field (e.g., Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami Police Department, and Coral
Gables Police Department).
Additionally, public safety is represented by a cluster of about 20 high-growth occupations. The
Region 23 projections indicate approximately 10,400 employees will be needed by 2011 in all
Public Service occupations. This projection is a composite of local, state, and federal positions
(i.e., police officers, corrections officers, security officers, FBI agents, DEA agents, and ATF
agents) which are projected to be hired by 2011 to fill critical employment vacancies. Based upon
profession surveys of current and future positions, it is anticipated that a baccalaureate degree
will be a requisite hiring preference for entry-level, middle, and senior management positions.
Graduates of Miami Dade College’s School of Justice programs are often recruited and employed
by local, state, and federal public safety agencies. Relative to educational requisites of public
safety professionals employed in state and federal law enforcement agencies, 2005 data of entry
level and promotional candidates document that the following local, State, and Federal agencies
require a baccalaureate degree for entry level or promotional consideration:
Local:
Miami Dade Police Department requires:
 a Baccalaureate degree to qualify for all appointed ranks (Major and above)
 High school education with 3 years in rank or Associate degree with 2.5 years
in rank or a Baccalaureate degree and 2 years in rank to be eligible for
promotion to the rank of Police Sergeant
In addition to area local agencies, a website review of other areas reflect
educational requisites such as:
 a Baccalaureate degree to be eligible for the rank of Police Officer. Individuals
with an Associate degree may substitute one year of education for two years of
experience up to a maximum of two years
 12 years time in grade or 8 years time in grade plus an Associate degree or
four years time in grade plus a Baccalaureate degree to be eligible for
promotion to the rank of Police Sergeant
 one year time in grade plus a Baccalaureate degree to be eligible for
promotion to the rank of Police Lieutenant.
State:
Florida Department of Corrections requires:
 a Baccalaureate degree required for Correctional Probation Officers
Florida Highway Patrol requires:
 a Baccalaureate degree to be eligible for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant or
above
Federal:
Federal agencies (i.e., FBI, DEA, ICE, CIA, and U.S. Marshals Service) require:
 a Baccalaureate degree for entry-level placement
As listed above, a bachelor’s degree is a requisite condition of employment for most federal
officer positions. A review of the following agency websites lists the educational requirements:
(www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs)
 FBI: “Applicants must possess a four-year degree from a college or university
accredited by one of the regional or national institutional associations recognized by the
United States Secretary of Education.”
 DEA: “Successful candidates possess a college degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.95
or better. Additional consideration will be given to those individuals who have degrees in
special skill areas: criminal justice/police science or related disciplines.”
 AFT: “A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.”
15



US Postal Service: “Candidates with a bachelor’s degree…must have two years of fulltime work experience.”
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): “You must have a Bachelor’s degree
or at least 3 years of general work experience.”
US State Department: “Applicants must hold at the time of appointment at least the
equivalent of a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited US college or university.”
Based upon the above educational requirements, the MDC baccalaureate degree proposal is
designed to satisfy the federal requirements and to provide a seamless blend of academic
knowledge and application-based principles crucial for modern, public safety professionals.
As opposed to the current theoretically and philosophically based educational degree
offerings in the South Florida area, the MDC proposal is designed to meet the needs of future
local, state, and federal public safety practitioners.
MDC conducted telephone surveys with federal agencies in January 2006, which provided
national hiring data. As indicated in Table 8, federal agencies anticipate hiring approximately
1250-1450 agents nationally in 2007. Although the agencies that were surveyed could not
provide specific South Florida hiring data, it is estimated that in order to meet the current
demand for graduates, federal agencies which have affiliate branches in South Florida (FBI,
DEA, ATF, Customs, and US Department of State), will seek qualified candidates from the
South Florida region.
Table 8: Telephone Survey of Federal Agencies (January 2006)
1. Will a bachelor’s degree satisfy your agency’s educational hiring requirement?
AGENCY
RESPONSE
FBI
Yes
Secret Service
Yes
ATF
Yes
TSA
No (Indication was given that a Bachelor’s degree is
not a hiring requirement at this time. It is, however, a
requirement for promotion.)
2. How many agents do you anticipate hiring nationally next year?
AGENCY
RESPONSE
FBI
Secret Service
ATF
TSA
TOTAL
800-1000
100
150
200
1250-1450
3. How many agents do you anticipate hiring nationally in the next five years?
AGENCY
RESPONSE
FBI
3000-5000
Secret Service
1000
ATF
1000
TSA
2000
4. Does your agency recruit employees from other parts of the state and country for positions in South
Florida?
AGENCY
RESPONSE
FBI
Yes
Secret Service
Yes
ATF
Yes
TSA
Yes
16
In addition to agency-established educational requirements, the Florida Police Chiefs’ Association
and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training
Commission have both passed resolutions supporting legislation that mandates an Associate’s
degree or higher-level degree for entry-level law enforcement positions. Employers in public
safety agencies are seeking candidates at both entry-level and promotional levels who have
college education.
The Advisory Committee of the School of Justice, consisting of the region’s public safety
managers, also recognizes the importance of higher education and has requested that the School
of Justice pursue initiatives that would result in a Public Safety four-year degree offering for
recruits in the Basic Law Enforcement and Corrections Training Academies. Miami Dade College
received thirty (30) letters of support and endorsement from 26 South Florida Police Chiefs and
four (4) public safety agency representatives (Miami Dade County State Attorney’s Office, Miami
Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Department, Florida Association of Security
Companies (FASCO), and Parkway Regional Medical Center). All indicated support and
recommended that Miami Dade College design and implement a four-year degree in Public
Safety Management stating it would be “beneficial to their agencies.” Appendix 8 provides a
listing of all agencies supporting the proposal and a sample of individual letters (Appendix 9). A
combination of police chiefs and public safety agency administrators representing area agencies
employed a total of 1,058 new officers who graduated from Miami Dade College in 2004-2005.
Also, according to the National Institute of Justice website, demand for local, state, and federal
law enforcement positions is expected to increase over the next five years.
The workforce preference of hiring applicants with post-secondary education, coupled with
workforce needs, has resulted in the Miami Dade College’s School of Justice enrollment growth
of 68% since 2000-2001 (Table 2). These students are potential candidates for the proposed
BAS degree.
As stipulated, Miami Dade College has explored alternatives to provide access to the identified
workforce baccalaureate degrees by ensuring collaboration with the state-mandated AS to BS
Criminal Justice Articulation Agreement. In addition, the 2003 construction of the joint-use facility
(Miami Dade College and Florida International University) on the Miami Dade College North
campus expanded the accessibility of facilities for students seeking a baccalaureate degree.
Based upon enrollment growth and present educational needs, however, the existing program
supply has not satisfactorily met the identified needs of the community. Consequently, MDC is
seeking authorization to offer the BAS Public Safety Management degree program. The BASPublic Safety Management degree proposal aligns the workforce’s education with the skills
required. The need demonstrates that an area of critical concern exists, as well as a significant
shortage of well-educated, highly-trained public safety personnel to meet the demands of the
complex, challenging, and ever-changing public safety profession.
C.
Alignment with K-20 Goals and Strategic Imperatives
Mission:
The Florida Department of Education K-20 Strategic Plan states:
Mission: Increase the proficiency of all students within one seamless, efficient system,
by allowing them the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills through learning
opportunities and research valued by students, parents, and communities.
The Miami Dade College BAS-Public Safety Management proposal aligns with the FLDOE
Mission Statement by providing a seamless, workforce-driven baccalaureate degree. The
proposed program utilizes the K-20 System educational resources by incorporating opportunities
for students from 11th grade (Dual Enrollment) through a four-year, practitioner-based
baccalaureate degree.
17
Goals:
The Miami Dade College BAS-Public Safety Management proposal aligns with the appropriate
Florida Department of Education Goals established by the Legislature in SB 1162 as follows:
1. Highest Student Achievement: The proposed program encourages high student
achievement and performance at all levels and consistently applies academic and
training standards as required by SACS and the Florida State Certification in Law
Enforcement and the Florida State Certification in Corrections. MDC will not terminate
any existing Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree as a result of the BAS
proposal and the AA and AS degrees will be aligned with the proposed BAS degree.
2. Seamless Articulation and Maximum Access:
a. The proposed BAS effectively utilizes all education resources of the K-20 system.
Current Florida policy allows for any course in the State Common Course
Numbering System (SCNS), with the exception of remedial and Physical
Education skills courses, to be offered as dual enrollment. Consequently, the
educational and training opportunity may begin as early as 11 th grade (Dual
Enrollment), continuing through the first two years of college and ending with
receipt of a BAS degree in Public Safety Management. Students will receive the
full range of articulation and transfer rights guaranteed by the Florida Common
Course Numbering and Statewide Articulation agreements. The proposed BAS
degree streamlines the educational process for the non-traditional practitioner
student to obtain an Associate’s degree, Baccalaureate degree, State
Certification in Law Enforcement or Corrections, as well as immediate
employment possibilities.
b. The proposed BAS combines the theoretical with practitioner-based courses and
is designed to provide the student with job-readiness skills and certification,
which no other institution currently offers anywhere in the State of Florida.
Although MDC and FIU have an articulation agreement regarding AS degree
transferability, the State articulation agreement is restricted to the traditional AS
degree and does not include college credit for state certification courses (i.e., 840
hours of training for law enforcement certification; 560 hours of training for
corrections certification) and neighboring colleges and universities do not offer
specialized career tracks provided for in the MDC proposal (i.e., crime scene,
emergency management, parole and probation, and security.) The neighboring
institutions (FIU, UM, FAU, Nova, Barry, Florida Memorial, and St. Thomas) offer
the more traditional, theoretical courses but do not offer career-specific,
workforce-driven courses, and certification programs critical for today’s public
safety professional.
3. Skilled Workforce and Economic Development: Miami Dade College currently serves
a significant number of females as noted in Table 9 (62% College-wide; 70% AS-Criminal
Justice) and minority students (65.7% College-wide Hispanic; 40.8% AS-Criminal Justice
Hispanic and 20.3% College-wide African-American; 51.7% AS-Criminal Justice AfricanAmerican). Table 9 provides information regarding Miami Dade College’s female and
minority enrollment and demographics for Miami-Dade County and its municipal police
agencies (Miami-Dade County Planning and Zoning Report, 2004; Florida Department of
Law Enforcement, 2003) and as noted in Table 9, Miami Dade College can significantly
contribute to meeting the diversified workforce needs of the community and agencies in
the service region. In addition, Miami Dade College graduates more minority students
than any other institution of higher education in the nation. Consequently, in addition to
meeting the needs of the community as a whole, the MDC proposed program will provide
agencies with a large pool of diverse baccalaureate degree candidates who will be
prepared for positions in local, state, and federal public safety agencies. The MDC
proposed program will effectively offer a comprehensive approach to public safety
education and training by combining a BAS degree with State certification and career
coursework options. The proposed Miami Dade College model will provide the South
Florida community with a seamless approach to education, training, certification, and
employment.
18
Table 9: MDC and Miami-Dade County and Police Agency Demographics
Gender/Ethnicity
Female
African-American
Hispanic
Caucasian
Miami Dade
College
Enrollment Fall
2004
62%
20.3%
65.7%
11%
Associate in
Science
Criminal
Justice
Enrollment Fall
2004
70%
51.7%
40.8%
7.5%
Miami-Dade
County
Municipal
Police
Agencies
Miami Dade
County
Demographics,
2004
20%
20%
45%
35%
49%
21%
61%
18%
4. Quality, Efficient Services: In addition to the above demographics, Miami-Dade County
has one of the poorest populations in the country and according to 2000 Census figures,
the City of Miami is the poorest city in America. The current student population at Miami
Dade College reflects this statistic: fifty-nine percent (59%) of the College’s students are
at the poverty level by federal standards and 31% are below the poverty level, with 81%
of first time in college (FTIC) students academically under-prepared (MDC FACT Book).
Consequently, MDC is in a unique position to meet the challenges of increasing rates of
learning and completion at all levels. For these students to achieve their career goals,
many take advantage of affordable programs. Table 12 provides cost comparatives
reflecting affordability of MDC programs.
The proposed BAS-Public Safety Management degree provides for quality, efficient
services by combining the administration of the program into existing services. The
enrollment processes will be integrated into Miami Dade College’s approach to student
support services and all applications for admissions and registration services will be
processed by the existing systems within the College’s Office of the Registrar/
Admissions. Admission requirements will conform to established MDC policy and Florida
statutes and rules (Appendix 13: Four-Year Advising Planning Sheet). Students will be
able to submit all documents required for admissions and be able to register at all eight
campuses through the Miami Dade College website.
The integration of theory and application at the baccalaureate degree level will afford
graduates of the program the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform
successfully in entry-level positions, as middle managers, as well as supervisory roles in
public safety agencies. The expressed need for additional education in public safety
provides a unique opportunity for Miami Dade College. The proposed BAS program is
designed to promote and enhance career, economic, and workforce development and
Miami Dade College is poised to play an increasingly important role in boosting the
quality of life for many South Florida residents, as well as augmenting the economic
rewards of community businesses.
Imperatives:
In addition to aligning with the Florida Department of Education K-20 Mission and Goal
statements, the Miami Dade College BAS-Public Safety Management degree proposal is
designed to align with the Strategic Plan Imperatives as follows:
1. Increase the Supply of Highly Qualified K-12 Instructors. Although the BAS-Public
Safety Management degree proposal is designed to provide alignment with the training
and skill requirements requested by the public safety management profession and not
with K-12 instruction, the public safety system does, however, employ a cadre of
educators, professors, and trainers who teach at the high school, college, university, and
academy training levels throughout the United States and abroad. Providing a degree
program which blends theory-based knowledge with practical, applied learning
techniques will enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of effective educators. MDC
19
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
D.
public safety management professionals will continue to be active, contributing members
of local and State committees.
Set, Align, and Apply Academic Curricular and Testing Standards. Students will be
required to meet all baccalaureate admission standards, including foreign language and
CLAST requirements, and minimum grade point averages. For all requisite State of
Florida basic training hours (840 for police; 560 for corrections), CJSTC requires a
mandatory pass rate of 80% or above in all areas of study, and students must complete
all academic and tactical hours of the program and successfully pass the State
Certification examination. MDC will align course requirements with profession needs and
standards, and will conduct program reviews as stipulated by MDC policies.
Improve Student Rates of Learning. The proposed BAS in Public Safety Management
degree will address this imperative by developing and implementing plans to annually
increase the percentage of students who successfully meet CJSTC basic training
standards, annually increase the number of students who obtain State certification,
annually increase the percentage of students admitted to upper division public safety
coursework, and annually increase the percentage of baccalaureate degree students who
earn a degree.
Improve the Quality of Instructional Leadership. As noted in Imperative 1, the intent
of the proposed BAS-Public Safety Management degree proposal is to provide students
and public safety practitioners with a seamless, workforce-driven baccalaureate degree
option, rather than preparing students for professions involving instructional leadership.
The proposed BAS-Public Safety Management degree program is designed to provide
graduates with a combination of classroom knowledge and practical, job-readiness,
applied strategies that may consequently impact the quality of leadership within the
profession.
Increase the Quantity and Improve the Quality of Education Options. The proposed
BAS-Public Safety Management degree increases the educational options for
prospective students within the region by providing the opportunity for a workforce-driven
degree that blends the baccalaureate degree with State certification, providing the
graduate with the skills and abilities to handle the duties and responsibilities of the
profession. MDC will maintain an annual data base of program graduates and quality
improvement will occur through the program review and accreditation processes.
Align Workforce Education Programs with Skill Requirements of the New
Economy. In 2004, the CJSTC adopted a new learning curriculum to enhance the
practical skills and abilities of modern public safety professionals. The proposed BASPublic Safety Management curriculum has incorporated the new curriculum into the
proposal and focuses on specific career and workforce-driven coursework, which aligns
with the training and skill requirements requested by the profession. The MDC School of
Justice administrators meet quarterly with advisory committees to review programs and
processes, evaluate curriculum content and program revisions, and ensure that
educational training needs are met.
Align Financial Resources with Performance. MDC will provide advisory committees
with information regarding accountability measures and processes. Recruitment and
retention of students will be monitored to ensure that student training and educational
needs are met. The annual budget process and the five-year program review process
ensure that resources address program performance.
Coordinate Efforts to Improve Higher Student Learning. MDC will continue to utilize
its existing articulation and access plans and will facilitate new agreements as
appropriate. Academic student advising will be coordinated to ensure that students
progress toward baccalaureate degree completion in a timely manner.
Academic Content and Curriculum
The proposed Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Public Safety Management will be housed
within the School of Justice at Miami Dade College. For all career track options, it is a 120 credit
hour program incorporating lower and upper division coursework which includes the required 36
20
credits of general education that integrate the learning objectives (Oral Communication, Written
Communication, and Critical Thinking) throughout the curriculum (Appendix 10), foundation
courses (Appendix 11), core courses, and a specialized career track selected from ten available
options (Appendix 12). The curriculum was developed utilizing extensive input from criminal
justice faculty, college administrators, and workforce experts to ensure that students acquire up to
date job-relevant abilities, skills, and content to maximize their success in the pubic safety
profession. The curriculum is designed to create highly trained, well educated, and employable
public safety professionals (Appendix 12). Consideration has been given to ensure that the
proposed program incorporates a clear scope and sequence of core coursework thereby allowing
for a seamless transition as illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 1
Core (30)
Specialized Career Options (15)
Non-discipline electives (9)
General Education
(36)
Foundation (30)
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Public Safety Management proposal was developed
based on the 2004 Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission’s (CJSTC) new learning
curriculum. The CJSTC recommendations were incorporated into the proposed BAS-Public
Safety Management degree to focus upon specific career and workforce-driven coursework
culminating in a timely, modern response to training today’s criminal justice professionals. The
specific concentration of workforce-based options of the proposed Bachelor of Applied Science
program is designed to merge the traditional, theory-oriented classroom approach with a handson, scenario-based training that is consistent with the new criminal justice standards and training
course objective requirements. The proposed BAS provides students the opportunity to tailor and
create a program of study culminating in a baccalaureate degree and State certification in public
safety management. This curricular structure increases the number of courses within the
discipline. Rather than replicating the traditional, theoretical learning modules that have
dominated criminal justice academic settings since 1967, the proposed MDC curriculum focuses
its learning methodology on applied learning to replicate job simulations and offers a one-stop,
comprehensive, seamless approach to higher education not presently offered in South Florida.
Currently, no other four-year public or private institution in the area has been approved to offer
the State-mandated Basic Law Enforcement or Corrections Training Academy curriculum. The
Miami Dade College BAS proposal merges the practical and experiential internships for students
seeking job opportunities in the public safety arena. The proposed BAS incorporates courses
selected, designed, and developed for each career track and are consistent with the knowledge
base required for current and future public safety professionals.
The proposal has been designed with a high degree of flexibility, allowing students to enter at
various points, including Dual Enrollment (high school 11th grade), freshman or transfer entry or
upon completion of an AS, AAS, or AA degree from a regionally accredited institution. A fouryear advising plan was developed to provide students an example of the proposed plan of study
(Appendix 13). During their senior year, Miami Dade College students may choose one of the
following specialized career track options as listed in Table 10:
21
TABLE 10: Career Track Options with Sample Career Paths
Option
Number/Title
1. Law
Enforcement
2. Corrections
3. Probation and
Parole
4. Security and
Loss Prevention
5. Emergency
Management
6. Crime Scene
7. Internship
Program – Field
Placement
8. Internship
Program – Basic
Police Academy
9. Internship
Program – Basic
Corrections
Academy
10. Generic
Electives
Course Requirements
CCJ 4450
CCJ 4239
CJE 3115
CJE 4310
CCJ 4651
CCJ 4300
CCJ 4311
CCJ 4678
CJC 4310
CJC 4350
CJL 4514
CCJ 4163
CJC 4015
CCJ 4311
CCJ 4300
CJT 4843
CCJ 4803
CJT 4850
CJT 4842
CJT 4804
DSC 4214
DSC 4011
FFP 4821
FFP 4880
DSC 4210
CJT 4XXX
CJT 4112
CJT 4122
CJT 4120
CLT 4131
CCJ 4941
Criminal Justice Administration
Advanced Criminal Investigations
Police and Society
Police Administration
Drugs and Crime
Correctional Theory
Contemporary Issues and Trends in Corrections
Race, Gender, Ethnicity, and Crime
Corrections, Administration and Law
Correctional Operations
Criminal Sentencing
Advanced Probation and Parole
Corrections Legal System
Contemporary Issues and Trends in Corrections
Correctional Theory
Risk Management
Private Investigations
Hospital Security Management
Special Security Problems
Security Administration
Catastrophic Event Response Management
Domestic and International Terrorism
Integrated Emergency Management Planning Systems
Public Policy in Emergency Management
Emergency Planning and Security Measures
Modern Fingerprint Technology
Crime Scene Safety
Advanced Crime Scene Technology
Advanced Crime Scene Investigations
Criminal Evidence
Internship Program/Field Placement
CCJ 4942
Basic Police Academy
CCJ 4943
Basic Corrections Academy
Sample Career Paths
Federal agent (FBI, DEA, US
Customs, US
Marshals, US Secret Service, TSA)
State or County Corrections Officer in
a jail or prison setting
State or Federal Parole or Probation
Officer
Security Manager in the private sector
(hotels, restaurants, hospitals)
Airport Security Screener or Manager;
Emergency Operations Center;
Department of Homeland Security
Crime Scene Investigator,
Technician, or Analyst
Entry-level positions with local, state,
or federal public safety agencies (i.e.
FBI, DEA, U.S. Customs, U.S.
Marshals, Secret Service, TSA)
Certified Police Officer in the State of
Florida
Certified County or State Corrections
Officer
CCJ 4641 Organized Crime
CJC 4163 Advanced Probation and Parole
DSC 4012 Terrorism
CCJ 4239 Advanced Criminal Investigations
CCE 3115 Police and Society
Entry-level position in local police
agencies
Prerequisites
The Miami Dade College BAS in Public Safety Management degree conforms to all state statutes
and rules, including the completion of 36 credits of general education and CLAST, addresses the
SACS Accreditation Criteria (3.3.1 and 3.4.1) for student learning assessments and the Florida
general education standards (Florida Rule 6A.10.030), and is offered in a flexible, non-traditional
format. Although there are no State-mandated Common Prerequisites, Florida community
college students are encouraged to complete the AA-Criminal Justice Administration or ASCriminal Justice Technology degree. The proposed BAS incorporates the AA and AS lower
division coursework as the foundation for the baccalaureate program and MDC is in compliance
22
with State of Florida Articulation Agreements regarding transferability. Transcripts from students
transferring from out-of-state institutions will be evaluated on individual basis per established
MDC policy. Descriptions for upper division Public Safety Management courses are available in
Appendix 11.
Standards of the field
Public safety employers have communicated their requirements and specialty areas for disciplinespecific coursework, and the standards of the public safety profession relative to education and
training will be maintained. Specifically, for all requisite State of Florida basic training hours (840
for police; 560 for corrections), students will complete all academic and tactical hours of the
program, complete successfully (80% or above) all module exams, and pass the State
Certification examination.
Internships
The Miami Dade College BAS proposal offers a one-stop, comprehensive, seamless approach to
education and training which is not available in South Florida. Currently, no four-year public or
private institution in the South Florida area has been approved to offer the State-mandated Basic
Law Enforcement or Corrections Training Academy curriculum. Miami Dade College has the
unique distinction of being approved by the State of Florida to offer these State-approved
certifications and the MDC proposal integrates the practical and experiential internships for
students seeking job opportunities in the public safety area. As noted in Table 10, Options 7, 8,
and 9 provide the following:
 Option 7: CCJ 4941-Field Internship, is designed to place students in a local, state, or
federal agency (i.e., FBI, DEA, ICE, U.S. Marshals Service, etc.) during their senior year.
 Option 8: CCJ 4942—Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy, is the State-mandated
840 hour curriculum, which includes fourteen (14) modules of instruction, comprehensive
scenario-based training, and State certification which provides the opportunity for
immediate employment as a certified law enforcement officer.
 Option 9: CCJ 4943—Basic Corrections Training Academy, is the State-mandated 560
hour curriculum, which includes 12 modules of instruction, comprehensive scenariobased training, and State certification which provides the opportunity for immediate
employment as a certified corrections officer.
A four-year Curriculum Guide listed in Appendix 12 provides information regarding the proposed
Bachelor in Applied Science in Public Safety Management degree, the total number of credit
hours (120 semester hours), the proposed program CIP code (43.9999), general education
requirements (36 semester hours), and sequenced course of study. As noted, the proposed
curriculum does not exceed 120 semester hours and will not seek limited access status. Miami
Dade College is in compliance with the Florida Common Course Prerequisites Manual and State
Course Numbering System (SCNS) standards. All State of Florida Articulation Agreements will
be preserved and State certification guidelines met.
For the past 45 years, Miami Dade College has adhered to its fundamental mission which is “to
provide accessible, affordable, high-quality education by keeping the learner’s needs at the
center of decision-making and working in partnership with its dynamic multicultural community.“
To that end, Miami Dade College is mindful of its students’ educational needs, as well as
challenging work-related schedules; as such, the College offers training and educational
programs from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. and on weekends, to ensure accessibility to programs
fundamentally designed for sworn public safety personnel. Additionally, the College’s history of
varied delivery systems will be incorporated into the proposed BAS degree offering.
Miami Dade College has established several “satellite training centers” which include the Miami
Police Department, North Miami Beach Police Department, and the Miami Dade County
Corrections Training Bureau. These sites provide a learning environment in which officers may
participate in academic and training courses without having to leave their respective agencies,
23
demonstrating Miami Dade College’s commitment to “educate and train” in a manner most
convenient and most suitable for its clientele.
Graduation requirements for the BAS – Public Safety Management degree will include a
minimum of 120 semester hours in specified coursework (refer to the Four-Year Curriculum
Guide in Appendix 12), a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0, successful
completion of State certification requirements as applicable, and a minimum of 33 semester
hours of upper division coursework. In addition, other services, such as those provided by
the MDC Office of Institutional Research will be utilized to provide data for Workforce
Development, federal and state reporting requirements, performance-based funding, testing
and curriculum evaluation, enrollment projections and enrollment monitoring, accountability
and outcomes assessment, and assisting the coordination of faculty, chairperson, and
supervisor evaluations. The proposed BAS – Public Safety Management degree will be
accredited by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards and
Training Commission and, upon program implementation, will seek accreditation from the
Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). As with all programs
at Miami Dade College, the Institutional Research office will oversee the collection of
enrollment data, completions and other performance measurement data for the purpose of
state and accreditation agency reporting for the BAS degree program.
In regard to specific learning outcomes, Florida Statute 1001.03 [13] requires a “cyclic review of
postsecondary academic programs” to “document how individual academic programs are
achieving stated student learning and program objectives”. SACS guidelines place responsibility
on an institution for reviewing its programs.
3.3.1 The institution identifies expected outcomes for its educational programs and its
administrative and educational support services; assesses whether it achieves
these outcomes; and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis or
those results.
3.4.1 The institution demonstrates that each educational program for which academic
credit is awarded (a) is approved by the faculty and administration, and (b)
establishes and evaluates program and learning outcomes.
3.4.12 The institution places primary responsibility for the content, quality, and
effectiveness of its curriculum with its faculty.
3.5.1 The institution identifies college-level competencies within the general education
core and provides evidence that graduates have attained those competencies.
The MDC program review process described in Appendix 14 meets the guidelines outlined in
MDC’s mission, vision, and values, Florida state statutes, and SACS accreditation criteria.
F.
Assessment of Current and Anticipated Resources to Deliver the Program
For each category listed below, information regarding current available resources and required
resources for the BAS-Public Safety Management degree is provided and is also referenced in
the Estimated Timeline for the MDC Baccalaureate in Public Safety Management Degree (Table
1). Table 11 provides a summary chart of Current and Anticipated Resources to Deliver the
Program.

Library Volumes: The MDC North Campus Library has an estimated book collection of
2,000 items in the subject area of Criminal Justice and related subject areas such as law
and psychology, in addition to social science subjects such as domestic violence and
others. These items are approximately 70% retrospective and 30% current (from 2000 to
the present), which is consistent with the current North campus book collection. To
update this existing collection, equip the book collection to meet four-year degree
program requirements, and to add new titles in the relevant curricular areas, it will be
necessary to select, catalog and process 10,000 new titles. As noted in Table 1,
librarians, faculty, and administrators will work together during May and July 2006 to
24
develop and implement a collection development plan based on the specific curriculum of
the proposed four-year BAS-Public Safety Management program.

Library Serials: The Periodicals print collection is limited. There are presently 4 titles:
Corrections Today, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, Police Chief, and Police Journal. The
Library does, however, have access to the Criminal Justice Periodicals Index, which
covers a wide variety of criminal justice topics, including corrections, administration, law
enforcement, social work, industrial security, drug rehabilitation, and criminal and family
law. There is full text for about 50 journals. It is estimated that to support the four year
degree program in Criminal Justice, additional online and print resources will be needed.
Fifty new titles will be required as well as the enhancement of electronic resources. It will
be necessary to add multi-media resources to support faculty in the classroom and is
included in the budget proposal (Appendix 16).

Space: (Classroom, teaching laboratory, office, and any other type of space that is
necessary for the proposed program):
o General Facilities: The facilities to be utilized as part of the MDC BAS-Public
Safety Management degree program are of appropriate quality. Classrooms are
state-of-the-art, equipped with advanced technology features for utilization of
modern learning techniques. Minor modifications to classrooms may be
necessary to accommodate lab and scenario training components.
o Building 8000 on the MDC North Campus which contains 11 classrooms and one
multi-media lab currently incorporates Police, Corrections, and Security training
and will also be utilized for the proposed BAS program.
o Building 9000 which contains seven classrooms and one computer lab is the
current and proposed location for public safety academic and in-service course
offerings.
o Library Space: To house the increased book collection, an additional 16 Book
Ranges, with 30 shelves per unit, will be needed. The multi-media items and the
periodicals electronic and print resources will fit in the current facilities.

Equipment:
o Due to the technical and operational components of the BAS program, additional
instructional equipment will be obtained according to the Estimated Timeline
(Table 1). Such items will include crime scene processing apparatus,
computerized tactical training simulator, table-top exercise and scenario-based
training equipment, and other specialized training materials (i.e., protective
clothing, respirators).
o The computer laboratory will be utilized to support academic courses requiring
computer technology. As the program expands, classes will be offered at other
MDC campuses. Each Miami Dade College campus provides students access to
a centralized computer courtyard with free Internet access, which can be utilized
by students for class assignments and research projects.

Internship sites
o A critical feature of the BAS degree in Public Safety Management is the
internship. The proposed MDC BAS proposal offers a variety of internships for
students seeking placement in local, state or federal public safety agencies, as
well as for students seeking state law enforcement or corrections certification.
Specifically, the following options are available to students:
o Option 7: CCJ 4941 – Field Internship, is designed to place students in a local,
state or federal agency during their senior year. Students may choose a local,
state, or federal agency in which to participate in the internship program. Such
agencies may include local police departments, FHP, FBI, DEA, ICE, TSA,
FEMA, US Marshal Service, US Secret Service, and FDLE. The MDC School of
25
o
o

Justice currently has established relationships with these entities and is
positioned to meet program needs.
Option 8: CCJ 4942 – Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy, is the statemandated 840 hour curriculum required for Florida certification. The internship is
located at the MDC-North Campus School of Justice.
Option 9: CCJ 4943 – Basic Corrections Training Academy, is the statemandated 560 hour curriculum required for Florida certification. The internship is
located at the MDC-North Campus School of Justice.
Other key resources, as applicable
o Faculty: Miami Dade College policy and SACS criteria require that all faculty
teaching undergraduate courses that transfer and/or are part of a baccalaureate
program have a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching
discipline and hold at least a master’s degree. The proposed BAS degree
program strictly adheres to this policy and Miami Dade College has a wellcredentialed core of faculty within its School of Justice for the proposed BAS
degree program. Fifty percent of the core faculty in the program hold a terminal
degree and it is expected that more than 25% of the discipline course hours in
the major will be taught by faculty with a terminal degree in the discipline. As
noted in Appendix 15, all School of Justice core faculty are also involved in the
law enforcement profession.
Miami Dade College requires a formal screening process for faculty positions.
Screening committees composed of faculty and administrators are charged with
specifying the discipline and teaching criteria, interviewing, and recommending
candidates. In accordance with SACS guidelines, faculty applicants must
present academic transcripts and other documentation verifying the required
academic preparation and credentials in order to be considered for appointment.
The Dean of Academic Affairs reviews and approves all documents.
Faculty members at Miami Dade College are expected to maintain professional
development as part of their contractual obligation, requirements for continuing
contract, and faculty advancement in academic rank. The professional
development of faculty at the College is an ongoing and dynamic activity
designed to emphasize and support faculty as professionals and scholars,
ensure teaching excellence, and enhance the learning process. Professional
development activities are supported through graduate tuition reimbursement
and tuition reduction agreements with local universities. Furthermore, the
College Training and Development Program offers faculty a variety of workshops,
seminars, and symposia throughout the year. School of Justice faculty remain
current and active in their discipline through their participation in a variety of
professional development conferences, meetings, state and national committees
and task forces, and workshops. Several faculty members and administrators
regularly attend the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Florida
Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commission meetings, and Academy of
Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) meetings to remain current in the field of public
safety.
o
Additional Faculty/Staffing Needs: To select, process, and catalog the book
collection, it will be necessary to hire a part-time librarian (hiring process to be
completed July 2006 per Estimated Timeline [Table 1], with subject expertise in
the Criminal Justice area, to work with the Criminal Justice faculty and
administration to select the new library and multi-media materials. As noted in
the following budget materials, MDC has also projected the need for additional
lab assistants, one manager, one support staff position, and a total of four (4) fulltime and eight (8) part-time faculty for the BAS program.
26
Table 11: Summary of Current and Anticipated Resources to Deliver the Program
ANTICIPATED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
CURRENT RESOURCES
REQUIRED
LIBRARY
2,000 Criminal Justice & related subject areas
10,000 new titles
VOLUMES
LIBRARY SERIALS
SPACE
50 Journals
4 Periodicals
General Facilities:

All of are appropriate quality

Building 8000 = 11 Classrooms
1 Multi-Media Lab

Building 9000 = 7 Classrooms
1 Computer Lab
50 new titles and enhancement of electronic
resources
General Facilities:

Minor modifications to classrooms to
accommodate lab & scenario training
components
Library Space:

Multi-Media Stations, Periodicals, and
Electronic & Print Resources fit in current
facility
Library Space:

Additional 16 Book Ranges, with 30 shelves
per unit
Centralized computer courtyards at each MDC
Campus with free Internet access
EQUIPMENT
Additional Instructional Equipment:

Crime Scene Processing Apparatus

Computerized Tactical Training Simulators

Table Top Exercise and Scenario- Based
Training Equipment

Specialized training materials such as
protective clothing and respirators

INTERNSHIP SITES
PERSONNEL
Field Internships: MDC has established
relationships with the DEA, FBI, FEMA,
FDLE, FHP, ICE, TSA, US Marshal
Service, & US Secret Service

Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy
– MDC Campus

Basic Corrections Training Academy MDC
Campus
Faculty:

Full-Time Core = 8

Part-Time Core = 8

Adjunct =
22
Other:

300 Professional Law Enforcement
Trainers
ACCREDITATION


SACS – Level 2 Institution
Florida Department of Law Enforcement,
Criminal Justice Standards & Training
Commission
No additional resources required
Faculty:

Full-Time Core = 4

Part-Time Core = 8
Other:

Lab Assistants =

Manager =

Support Staff =

1
1
1
Commission on Accreditation of Law
Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)
G. Proposed Enrollment, Performance, and Budget Plans
The attached Florida Community College System Baccalaureate Degree Grants Enrollment,
Performance and Budget Plan provides a five-year overview of projected costs for the BAS
degree program implementation (Appendix 16). Cost projections include a 3% cost of living
adjustment through years one through five, where applicable.
Planned Student Enrollment
Projected program enrollment for the 2006-2007 Fiscal Year is 68 students and is expected
to grow steadily through the 2009-2010 fiscal year, reaching 150 students by the fifth year of
the program (Table 5). Upper division student credit hours generated is projected at 1,680
in the 2006-2007 period, and is expected to increase to 3,750 credits by the 2009-2010
year. Likewise, upper division student FTE is projected to increase from 56 to 125 FTE
27
during the same time period. Projections are based upon an average of 75% of MDC
AA/AS degree criminal justice students enrolling in the programs on an annual basis, and
an expected 5% increase in program enrollment in FY 2008-2009 and FY 2009-2010.
Planned Performance
Based upon student enrollment projections, it is anticipated that in FY 2007-2008 the
program will graduate 20 students, with 35 students receiving degrees in 2008-2009, and 45
students receiving degrees in FY 2009-2010. It is anticipated that there will be a 100%
placement rate for each fiscal year, with salary projections ranging from $39,253 for FY
2007-2008 graduates, and increasing to $41,644 for FY 2009-2010 graduates.
Actual, Estimated and Projected Program Expenditure (See Appendix 16)
 Instructional
Regarding projected expenditures, two new full-time faculty will be needed in the
first year of program implementation. Additionally, it is projected that four adjunct
faculty will be required during the first year.
As the program develops and grows, it is anticipated that two additional full-time
faculty (total of four) will be needed and four additional adjunct faculty (total of eight)
will be needed by the third year of program implementation. All full-time and
adjunct faculty will meet or exceed the instructional requisite classification for SACS
baccalaureate degree certification.
Full-time faculty salaries and fringe benefits are estimated at $163,800 in FY 20062007, and will increase incrementally as additional faculty are added to the
program. By FY 2009-2010, full-time faculty salaries and benefits are estimated at
$357,978.
Part-time faculty salaries and fringe are projected to be $43,826 in FY 2006-2007,
and increase to $87,652 in FY 2009-2010, as positions increase from 4 part-time
faculty to 8 part-time faculty during that period to accommodate program growth.
Beginning in FY 2007-2008, lab assistants will be required to support 4th year
student enrollment in various lab-related courses. Projected salaries for the lab
assistants are $9,450 dollars annually in each successive year of the program
through FY 2009-2010.

Operating Expenses
Regarding operational expenses, Miami Dade College anticipates the following
budgetary requirements for academic administration:
 One manager and one support staff position will be needed to coordinate and
assist in the administration of the degree offering.
 Standard office supplies and materials.
 A travel budget will be established to provide faculty and staff the opportunity
to attend professional development conferences and training.
 Office communication technology will be required to support the daily
operations of the program.
 A part-time librarian, who will provide library and resource center information to
students, will be required. Projected cost for the librarian is $21,000 in FY
2006-2007, increasing to $22,947 in FY 2009-2010.
 A full-time student services advisor will also be necessary to assist and advise
students with degree requirements and career opportunities. The projected
expense for the student services position is $35,000 in FY 2006-2007,
increasing to $38,245 by FY 2009-2010.
 Professional services costs are estimated at $30,000 in FY 2005-2006 and
increasing in FY 2006-2007, and 2007-2008, before reducing in the final two
years of the proposed program. Professional services funds will be utilized for
28
consulting services to assist in the development of curriculum, laboratories,
instructional aids, and grant related research and writing. Professional
consultants will also be used to create advertisement and publicity for the
program.
 MDC will seek accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Law
Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), a national non-profit organization that
provides accreditation to law enforcement agencies and criminal justice
education and training centers throughout the United States. The benefits of
CALEA accreditation include external validation, with greater accountability
within the educational institution, recognition of professional excellence,
educational institution certification as meeting all technical standards
established by competent authorities, and quality program enhancement. The
components of accreditation for public safety training and education include
182 standards that are incorporated into the following categories:
1. Instructional Systems
2. Recruitment and Selection
3. Program Development
4. Student Welfare
5. Organization
6. Human Resources
7. Training Support
8. Certification
9. Direction and Authority
To achieve accreditation, instructional systems, programs, policies, and
procedures are evaluated by a team of national criminal justice education and
training experts who conduct on-site assessments to determine whether
applicants meet required national standards. The five phases of the
accreditation process include:
1. Application
2. Self-Assessment
3. On-site Assessment
4. Commission Review
5. Maintaining Compliance and Reaccreditation
It is projected that accreditation costs will be $22,000 in FY 2006-2007 and
$22,000 in FY 2007-2008. The requested funds include application and
consulting fees, travel, lodging, per diem for the assessment team, and travel for
MDC personnel to attend CALEA meetings. It is anticipated that the
accreditation process will commence during the 2006-2007 fiscal year and will be
achieved in the 2007-2008 fiscal year period.
 Support services expenses for the program which include janitorial services,
are estimated at $12,500 in FY 2006-2007, and increasing 3% annually to
$13,659 by FY 2009-2010.

Capital Outlay
Relative to capital outlay needs, the proposed budget includes all necessary office
equipment in the form of desks, tables, chairs, work stations, and file cabinets.
Additionally, some minor facilities modifications will be necessary to accommodate the
program and modify existing structures including the development of state-of-the-art
public safety laboratories. Funds are budgeted for required communications and
technological equipment in the form of specialized programmatic computer software/
hardware equipment. Although the College has a library/resource center, additional
funding is required to update texts, periodicals, and upper-division level resource
material.
As related to funds requested for library resources, it is anticipated that $50,000 will be
required in FY 2006-2007, to begin establishing a modern public safety management
library consisting of updated upper division text books, new periodicals, and an
29
electronic library of resource materials. An additional $40,000 will be needed in FY
2007-2008, to continue development of library resource materials. In FY 2008-2009,
expenses will be reduced to $30,000, and will continue to decline in FY 2009-2010, as
library resources reach a maintenance level.
In FY 2006-2007, it will be necessary to purchase $9,500 in computers for the
manager, faculty, and staff members who will support the BAS program. In FY 20072008, an additional $2,400 in equipment will be necessary as additional staff is hired.
Information technology expenses are expected to decline in FY 2008-2009, and
resources beyond 2009-2010 will be required to refresh and update equipment as
necessary as the program continues to grow and develop.
Other equipment purchases, including high-liability training equipment to support the
internship programs, will be required. These purchases will not be necessary until FY
2008-2009, inasmuch as student eligibility for internships will not exist until the final
semester of the BAS program. Total projected expenses for this equipment are
$45,305 for FY 2008-2009.
Some facilities renovation will be required to create scenario training rooms and crime
scene processing capability for students. Initial expenses will occur in FY 2006-2007
($12,200), with the majority of expenses developing in the FY 2007-2008 ($76,740),
and FY 2008-2009 ($51,160).

Nature of Expenditures
The vast majority of expenditures, as reflected in the attached budget plan work sheet
(Appendix 16), will be recurring expenses. The non-recurring expenses will consist of
facilities renovation, information technology equipment, and other equipment
purchases.

Sources of Funds
Relative to program tuition, as noted in Table 12, the 2005-2006 cost per credit hour at
Miami Dade College is $60.84, which is less than the average State university
undergraduate cost of $103.71. Therefore, Miami Dade College will be able to provide
the BAS degree in Public Safety Management in a more cost-effective manner than
similar programs offered at State universities.
Table 12: Comparison of Tuition Costs
COST PER
CREDIT HOUR
(2005-2006)
15 HOUR
CREDIT TUITION
TOTAL ESTIMATED TUITION COST FOR
FOUR-YEAR DEGREE
Florida State University
$101.00
$1515.00
$12,120.00
Florida International University
$102.08
$1,531.20
$12,249.60
University of Florida
$103.12
$1,546.80
$12,374.40
Florida Atlantic University
$108.64
$1,629.60
$13,036.80
Florida Memorial University
$421.00
$6,315.00
$50,520.00
St. Thomas University
$595.00
$ 8,925.00
$71,400.00
Barry University
$660.00
$11,215.00
$79,200.00
University of Miami
$1,208.00
$14,510.00
$144,960.00
Miami Dade College
$60.84
$912.60
$7,296.00
INSTITUTION
30
The majority of revenue for the BAS in Public Safety Management degree will come from
baccalaureate degree grants from the state. The remaining program funding source will
be student fees, projected to increase by 5 percent per credit annually. Table 13
compares revenue sources by fiscal year:
Table 13: Comparison of Revenue Sources by Fiscal Year
FISCAL YEAR
Baccalaureate Grants
from State
Student fees
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
-0-
$211,624
$427,027
$449,701
$472,181
N/A
$107,318
$227,367
$251,399
$277,275
In 2009-2010, when stable enrollment and graduation rates are reached and nonrecurring start-up funding has been completed, State Funds will represent 63 percent of
the required funding or $3,777 per FTE.
For additional information, please refer to the attached Enrollment, Performance, and Budget
Plan. (Appendix 16)
H. Accreditation Plan
As noted in Table 1, Miami Dade College plans to implement the proposed Bachelor of Applied
Science degree in Public Safety Management in a timely and effective manner. On June 24,
2004, Miami Dade College received accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools (SACS), Commission on Colleges as a Level 2 institution to offer and award the
Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Science Education, Secondary Mathematics
Education, and in Exceptional Student Education. The College has notified SACS of its intent to
propose a new baccalaureate degree program. Additional notification will be submitted, if
required, pending approval of the BAS proposal by the State of Florida Department of Education.
The School of Justice is currently accredited and regulated by the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and upon approval of the
BAS program, will seek accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement
Agencies (CALEA). CALEA grants accreditation to public safety training and educational
institutions that meet nationally established standards in public safety education and training.
I.
Plan of Action in Case of Program Termination
Miami Dade College will adhere to the stipulations as mandated by the State Board of Education
regarding its monitoring of the program implementation through annual reviews. All educational
programs at MDC are reviewed on a five-year cycle (Appendix 14) and follow established
operational procedures for college-wide evaluation. Following this process, MDC develops
program recommendations to continue, modify, or “sunset” specific programs. This same
procedure would be followed in case of program termination. Program termination procedures
would ensure that the program remain open and provide “train-out” options to allow students
currently enrolled to complete graduation requirements. MDC academic programs are to be
reviewed on a five year cycle. Each program review will address five areas:
1. Program goals and rationale
2. Outcomes assessment
3. Program resources and support
4. Program strengths/opportunities for improvement
5. Program viability
31
Proposal Implementation
Implementation is planned for Fall 2006 and upon State Board of Education approval of the
proposed Miami Dade College BAS in Public Safety Management program, a Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) will be developed listing the criteria for initial release of funds, and for
continuing program approval as stipulated by the State. Upon approval, the MOA will be signed
by the respective institutional President and the Commissioner on behalf of the SBE.
Funding, as determined by the Commissioner, approved by the SBE, and specified in the MOA,
will be released upon receipt of the signed MOA, all required budget forms, and an initial status
report to the Commissioner based upon the criteria provided.
Terms and Conditions of Program Continuation
As indicated in the current Miami Dade College Program Review Policy (Appendix 14), MDC will
adhere to all requirements as stipulated in the MOA. MDC values a systematic approach to
decision making and assessment of program effectiveness and is in compliance with Florida
Statute 1001.03 (13) regarding a cyclic review of post-secondary academic programs. MDC will
provide data required by the Chancellor of Community Colleges and Workforce Education and
the Chancellor, Board of Governors, and revisions to budget information (such as FTE, faculty
hires, etc.), as appropriate.
Miami Dade College understands that continued developmental and operational funding will be
based upon performance specified in annual reports and dependent on Legislative funding. Once
the program is established, continued funding will be provided via the upper-division funding
model approved by the Legislature.
32
Reference List
1.
Office of Institutional Research, Miami Dade College Student Profile data, 2004.
2.
Survey of Criminal Justice degree seeking students at Miami Dade College, January 2005.
3.
Survey of Law Enforcement and Correctional Officer Trainees at Miami Dade College, January
2005.
4.
Survey of Miami Dade County Law Enforcement and Corrections Agencies, May 2005.
5.
2004-2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.
6.
www.fdle.state.fl.us
7.
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij
8.
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs
9.
Criminal Justice Professionalism Program, State of Florida, May 2005.
10.
MDC School of Justice, Department Survey of Basic Training Graduates, 2003-2004.
11.
Targeted Occupational List, Region 23, 2003.
12.
Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation’s Employment Forecast, 2003.
13.
Survey of South Florida Police Chiefs, 2005.
14.
OPPAGA Report, April 20, 2005.
15.
MDC FACT Book 2004-2005.
16.
Miami Dade County Planning and Zoning Report, 2004.
17.
Florida SUS Facts and Figures http://www.flbog.org/factbook/pivot_table.asp
18.
IPEDS http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
33