From Our Students
De Anza is my first experience with higher education, and I have had nothing but a
pleasant experience. Before enrolling, I served eight years on active duty as a U.S.
Army infantryman. I am currently in the Administration of Justice program, with hopes
of entering law enforcement.
I’ve learned a lot from the professors in the Administration of Justice program, including Jim Suits and Ramona Gabriel. Jim taught me the foundations and history of law enforcement, while also serving as an ongoing mentor and someone who has helped me along this path. Ramona taught me the huge difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law, which has changed my eyes on how law enforcement should conduct themselves.
Overall, this program has made me both a better student and a better person. I feel more prepared to enter law enforcement now than I did prior to becoming a student at De Anza. I have created lifelong friendships and professional relationships that I am thankful to have.
– John Mitchell, De Anza student representative to Administration of Justice Advisory Board
At De Anza, I took various courses including Youth and the Law, Patrol Procedures, Report Writing,
Community Relations, Concepts of Criminal Law, and Evidence and Procedures. All of
these courses prepared me for a smooth transition to San Jose State University and into a career in law enforcement.
My recommendation to those pursuing a career in law enforcement is to take courses that will help you understand what it is like to work in the field.
I believe that the Administration of Justice program at De Anza really helped me learn and understand what the job entails, and reassured me that a career in law enforcement is what I wanted to pursue.
– Kassandra Solis, 2013 De Anza graduate, now a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Deputy
This program prepared me for my dream career in law enforcement. I now work as a Deputy Sheriff for the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
The Administration of Justice Program helped me to learn about many aspects of justice administration – from the human, social and moral issues to the larger scope of justice systems. I also learned a lot from the expertise of the instructors.
– Madan Gorkhali, 2009 De Anza graduate, now a San Mateo County Sheriff's Deputy
The Administration of Justice program has taught me to be an in-depth critical thinker and to always challenge myself ...
Through courses such as forensic science, criminal investigation and community relations, the instructors provided me with the skills and knowledge that will help me to succeed as a police officer.
My instructors also shared critical insights from their own experiences in a variety of criminal justice fields. As a result, I can improve the quality of life and safety in my community.
– Nathalie Alfaro, 2019 De Anza graduate