police officers

Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice program is committed to providing you with the education and training needed to perform effectively in a variety of career positions.

Questions? Call 440.891.7732

“To serve and protect”…this phrase will take on new meaning when you enroll in the Criminal Justice program. This profession constantly demands thorough and up-to-date training for professional law enforcement personnel. The Criminal Justice program at Polaris Career Center is committed to providing you with the quality education and training needed to perform effectively in a wide variety of career positions within the criminal justice field.

You will be trained in the enforcement of the law and the protection of life and property in both the public and private sectors. Dressed in uniforms, you will assist Polaris Career Center, associate schools and the community at special events. Successful completion of this program may also lead to certification by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission as a Private Security Officer and 911 Dispatcher.

 As a Criminal Justice student, you need to be physically fit, honest, respectful, caring and have good judgement. You should also be able to work in a team environment with minimal supervision.  All students in this program must successfully pass a drug screen.

Teacher: Kevin Gibson

Teacher:  Kevin Gibson

Email Kevin Gibson
Education: Attended Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University.  Currently enrolled at Kent State University.  Graduate of the U.S. Army Military Police School.
Certifications: State Certification in Subject Control, Impact Weapons, Taser, STOPS, Critical Injury First Aid, Physical Fitness & Bike Patrol.  Certified in Public Safety Diving and as a Swift Water Technician.  Certified Instructor for Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.
At Polaris Since:  2019
Industry Experience:  Sergeant Gibson has 13 years law enforcement experience.  He has served as a Sergeant with a metropolitan police agency near Cleveland, Ohio and has considerable tactical training in numerous law enforcement skills.  He was also the lead instructor for the agencies Subject Control/Intermediate Weapons Control team.  In 2009 Sergeant Gibson was awarded the Life Saving award.  He also served as a Sergeant in the Ohio Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer.
Hobbies/Interests:  In his free time Sergeant Gibson enjoys physical fitness, the arts, sports and attending films with his son and daughter.

Teacher: Joshua Welch

Teacher:  Joshua Welch

Email Joshua Welch
Education:  Bowling Green State University; Ohio Career Technical Workforce Development Education Licensure
Certifications: Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission; Instructor certified in OC/Pepper Spray, Impact Weapons & Taser; School Resource Officer Basic Training Course, and completed 80 hours of instructional skills.  
At Polaris Since:  2024
Industry Experience:  Since 1999 Joshua has been a sworn Law Enforcement Officer and is currently a sworn Special Deputy Sheriff. Joshua spent 12 years with the city of Ashland on Road Patrol, Criminal Investigation, and as a school Resource Officer as well as worked in the County Sheriff's Office of Corrections. He was also a Deputy Sheriff and Bomb Squad Member.
Hobbies/Interests:  Joshua enjoys his family, farming, cutting firewood and any outdoor physical recreational activity. He wants to keep moving!

Criminal Justice 2024-2025 Advisory Members

  • Jim Carbone, Cuyahoga County Sheriff Department

  • Carol Gregory, Baldwin Wallace University 

  • Augustus Lenhard, Target

  • Dan Meadows, Brooklyn Police Department

  • Charlie Moore, Cleveland Metroparks Police Department 

  • Bryan Penvose, Koblentz, Penrose, & Froning, LLC. 

  • Tyler Plaso, The Sherwin-Williams Company

  • Benjamin Tyrrel, United States Secret Service

  • Nick Valente, Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation