Students in the CTEC Law Enforcement program learn about law-enforcement-related professions through practical, industry-related experiences—providing students exposure to defensive tactics, statutes, police procedures, court room procedures, verbal deescalation so they can graduate with a competitive advantage in their chosen field. Since the Law Enforcement program prepares students for positions in fields related to law enforcement and public safety, developing and maintaining professional skills is paramount and is a significant element throughout the two-year program.
Why
We want our students to be ready for whatever comes after high school. There are over 12,000 certified members of the law enforcement community currently serving in the State of Oregon. This number does not include existing openings for certified positions, or the countless support staff, private industry professionals and legal affiliates who also play an important role in the criminal justice system and public safety. Due to retirements and natural attrition, each year there are a large number of job openings for certified police officers, with even more openings projected in the near future. A significant number of these openings go unfilled because agencies are unable to find quality candidates. Having the knowledge and skills relevant to these fields is a critical tool for gaining rapid entry into the profession. Our students are ready to start their careers with the following industry-relevant skills and knowledge:
- Practical skills: Defensive tactics, criminal investigations, crime scene processing, learning of statues, police procedures
- Communication skills: Interviewing, deescalation techniques, courtroom testimony and procedures
- Personal skills: Professional ethics, emotional survival and self-regulation
- Writing/Analytical skills: Grammar, critical thinking and case report writing
- Professional skills: Appearance, presentation, resume writing and job interviewing
- Administrative Skills: Organization and form completion
- College credit: For classes articulated through Chemeketa Community College.
How
Students in the Law Enforcement program learn various criminal justice and public safety skills, not only from the teachers within the program, but from industry professionals currently working in the field. These professionals impart important knowledge through practical application in the program. Students also go out into the field to see how professionals use these skills within their work environments. Students receive coaching and resources to explore career options they may want to pursue directly out of the program or with continued education. Coupled with the experiences they have throughout this program, they graduate with a plan and the ability to adjust the plan throughout their career. With a foundation of industry-standard skills, rigorous English and social studies contextualized to the skills they learn, and consistent interaction with industry, our students are ready to pursue their dreams and goals.
CTEC Law Enforcement Staff
Josh Barnett, Law Enforcement Instructor
Josh Barnett received his BA in Psychology from Willamette University. He completed the Oregon Department of Safety, Standards & Training: Basic Police Class 293, Marion County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Intervention Training, and NRA Firearms Instructor Training. He attended FBI-LEEDA Supervisor Leadership Institute and the MILO Conflict Simulator Instructor training. He has 14 years of law enforcement experience with the Silverton Police Department: Six as a Patrol Officer, six as a Patrol Sergeant, and two as a Reserve Officer. He began working at CTEC in 2018 and loves “the amazing community that we get to build. Having students for two years, not only do they get to connect better with their fellow students from different parts of Salem and Keizer, but as teachers, we form bonds that probably wouldn’t be as strong in a traditional teaching format. Staying in contact with our students and hearing about their journeys as they venture out in life is incredibly rewarding.” When Josh is not at work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing tennis, and keeping up with his firearm skills.
Donna Duval, Law Enforcement Instructor
Donna Duval graduated from Gonzaga with a BA in history and an education certificate. She received her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University. She has taught at Milwaukie High School, Milwaukie Academy of the Arts, McMinnville High School, Media Arts Communication Academy, North Salem High School, and Sophomore Connections. She has been a teacher mentor at North Salem High School, Sophomore Connections, and McNary High School. Donna has been teaching English and Social Science in CTEC’s Law Enforcement Program since 2018. She is MILO Trained and has completed the Salem Police Department Citizen Police Academy. Her favorite thing about working at CTEC is the students. “At CTEC we have students who engage in their authentic work with enthusiasm. Seeing them come alive during scenarios, a murder investigation, our Mock Trials or just learning how to better communication, makes my day.” Donna enjoys photography, baking, watching her girls play sports, and hiking.
Matthew Hagan, Law Enforcement Instructor
Matt Hagan came to CTEC in 2023. His experience in education includes teaching classes for the L.E.R.E. program and a course on Criminal Investigations for Chemeketa Community College. Matt has been a law enforcement trainer for many years on various topics such as Domestic Violence Investigations. Matt started his law enforcement career as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in 1998. He completed the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training: Basic Police Class 253, Department of Homeland Security: Domestic Violence Investigations Instructor Course. He holds an Advanced Law Enforcement certificate through the Department of Public Safety, Standards & Training. Mat has spent 25 years in law enforcement, mostly in the local area, and has worked as a Patrol Officer, Marine Patrol Officer, a Field Training Officer and a Detective. Additionally, he has served on a Peer Support Team, Domestic Violence Team, Human Trafficking Task Force, and a Child Abuse Response Team. He has also acted as a coordinator for the Mid-Valley Reserve Training Academy. Matt is new to CTEC, and so far, what he loves about CTEC is the staff. Everyone is very outgoing and friendly. And they all say very positive things about the students; he can’t wait to meet them. What he appreciates most is spending time with his children, who are also students in the Salem-Keizer School District. In his spare time, Matt enjoys movies, live music, and outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, camping and paddle boarding.