Best Wishes to Ashland University's December Graduates!

Have a Great Break!

We hope you all have a restful break and happy holidays!

See you in the new year!

Criminal Law Class Tours Ashland County Jail

On December 6, 2016, CJ 362 (Criminal Law) went on a tour of the Ashland County jail provided by the Ashland County Sheriff's Office.

After being welcomed by Sheriff Wayne Risner, students went on a tour lead by Corrections Officer Cody Mager.  During the tour, students heard from different officers regarding their duties and responsibilities.  First, they were taken to the areas where an inmate is first delivered to the jail after arrest and searched prior to entering the facility.  The DUI testing machines ad book-in center were part of the tour.  Students were shown where inmates have visitation, meet with their lawyer or clergy, exercise and receive medical treatment.  The tour also included views of the library available to inmates and the classroom where inmates are able, if they so choose, to take advantage of various types of treatment programs such as anger management, alcohol counseling and parenting classes or attend religious studies.

Corrections Officer Mager showed the class the minimum, medium and maximum security cell blocks and explained how inmates are classified into those levels.  In addition, the class saw the special needs cell block and cells for those who become discipline problems while they are housed at the jail.

Thank you to the Ashland County Sheriff's Office for providing the tour and sharing your information with the class!

Narcotics Detective Visits Criminal Law Class

Detective Evans

On November 29, Detective Evans from the Ashland Police Department spoke to Professor Rogers' CJ 362 (Criminal Law) class about his professional background and on the topics of drug abuse and drug investigations.  Detective Evans, who is in charge of drug investigations for the police department, spoke about the devastating effects of heroin addiction on the user, their family and the community.  Det. Evans showed the class two video-recorded drug buys. Additionally, using photos, he discussed a child abuse case in which a drug addict was the abuser.

Det. Evans shared a number of startling facts including:

•  In 2014, Ohio recorded the 2nd highest number of drug overdose deaths nationwide. 
• Some addicts use $200.00 worth of heroin daily just to "get normal", as they try to avoid the horribly uncomfortable physical withdrawal from heroin, symptoms of which can last 3-7 days.  
• The high that a heroin addict gets from the controlled substance lasts just 4-6 hours.  
• Most of the heroin users eventually resort to injection as a way to get high and do not return to other manners of ingesting the drug.
• Nearly 60% of heroin users were introduced to heroin by a close or causal friend.

Thank you, Detective Evans, for sharing your time and expertise with Professor Rogers' class!

Heroin affects people all across all different socioeconomic lines, genders and races.  Click here for addiction resources from Ashland County Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.      

Criminal Justice Students Hear From Alternative Career Path Speakers

Dr. Reusuling (left) and Janelle Renwick (right).

On Friday, October 28th, the Criminal Justice Club, as well as students in Dr. Hedrick's Victimology class, heard from two guest speakers regarding alternative career paths in the Criminal Justice field.

The first was Janelle Renwick, who works for Turning Point, a domestic violence shelter in Marion, Ohio.  She spoke to the students about her experience as a corrections officer and how she ultimately found herself evaluating where she wanted to go in her career, and now has a job she loves working in a domestic violence shelter.

The second speaker was Dr. Reusuling from the Ashland Seminary, who spoke to the students about their graduate Master of Arts counseling program.  Dr. Reusuling highlighted the connection between criminal justice and counseling, and how the students could find themselves working with the same client population, (for example, people with substance abuse issues or sex offenders).

This gave students the opportunity to hear about nontraditional options in the Criminal Justice field, while also seeing their course material come to life.

We'd like to thank Dr. Reusuling and Ms. Renwick, for sharing their time and insights with the students!

Ashland Police Detective Visits Criminal Law Class

Detective Kim Mager

On Thursday, October 27th, students in CJ 362: Criminal Law, heard from Ashland Police Detective Kim Mager.

Detective Mager, who is an Ashland University alumna, has been with the Ashland Police Division for 19 years, and specializes in the investigative bureau's sex offense cases.  She spoke to the class regarding investigations and interrogations.

We spoke to two students in Dr. Rogers' Criminal Law class about the impact Detective Mager's presentation had on them.

Anthony Nicholson, a senior criminal justice minor, had to say this:

Detective Mager's dedication to her craft and the processes entailed are interesting to me. It was also very interesting to get to learn the ins and outs of being a detective.  I was surprised by just how many cases she has been involved in, and all the work she has put into them to make sure they close properly.

 It was valuable learning that with time, effort, and determination one would be able to succeed in any of their career fields, be it law enforcement or otherwise.  

Luke Smith, a junior criminal justice major, who plans on pursuing law enforcement, also shared his thoughts.

I found how she deals with victims and potential offenders the most interesting.  It was cool when she told us about some of her cases and I found it surprising how good she is and how much she wrote during her reports.
I took away learning about a job I didn't know much about.  She has very interesting stories.   

Thank you, Detective Mager, for sharing your time and knowledge with the class!

Northeast Ohio Undergraduate Sociology Symposium

On Saturday, April 8, 2016, The College of Wooster will host the 4th annual Northeast Ohio Undergraduate Sociology Symposium from 7:30am-5:00pm in Wooster, OH.  Over 70 Colleges and Universities have been invited to participate.

If you wish to present at the symposium, your abstract must be submitted online before January 20, 2017.  If you wish to just attend, or if you plan on presenting, you must register online before March 13, 2017 online.

For more information about the event, or to register and submit an abstract, please visit their website here.

Criminal Justice Students Learn Through Hands on Approach

Students in Criminal Investigation have begun their multi-step crime scene project by processing a mock crime scene. 

Dylan Shockey (left) takes notes as Mike Gentile (right)
 photographs the scene.

This is the second year for the project and Dr. Marc Hedrick, the professor of this course, and the one who developed this project last year, feels this project has both practical and academic applications.  

"Practically, students learn that it is necessary to thoroughly document crime scenes in order to aid in the investigation of the crime.  This documentation can also serve as the basis for formal reports that can be used in court if a case goes to trial. 

Academically, students applied the concepts of inductive and deductive reasoning.  And, like in any investigation (academic or otherwise) an investigator must be able to reason properly and spot common fallacies in reasoning so that they do not make mistakes that lead them to the wrong conclusions.  While the investigation is not yet complete, students will later interview witnesses and interrogate suspects, processes during which they must continue to apply the principles of logic with lengthening fact patterns." 

Students documented the crime scene through notes about what they observed, as well as through photographs and measurements.  Students then used these notes, photos, and measurements to create a to-scale sketch of the crime scene.   

Be sure to check back later for the next phase of the project when the students interview witnesses and interrogate suspects!

Criminal Justice Club Hosts Guest Speakers

Nicolle Valentine and Tim Batdorf

On Thursday, October 20th, the Criminal Justice Club hosted 2 speakers.  Nicolle Valentine and Tim Batdorf, both from ThreeC Counseling, spoke regarding bridging the gap between criminal justice and psychology.

Tim, owner of ThreeC Counseling in Mansfield, Ohio, bridges the gap through his methods of drug and alcohol counseling.  They follow a stricter approach of counseling which holds their clients accountable for their actions.  In order to do this, ThreeC counseling must maintain relations with various probation officers, parole officers, judges, and other criminal justice professionals.  This link between the counselors and the criminal justice professionals helps aid in an individual's recovery and helps them stay in line with their legal responsibilities.    

Dr. Marc Hedrick, Professor of Criminal Justice, shared his insights to the benefits of hearing from these guest speakers:

If you are a criminal justice major and not sure what you want to do with your degree, drug and alcohol counseling in relation to the criminal justice system might be an area you want to explore.  For this type of counseling you do not need a psychology degree, but you do have to get trained and certified.  

In fact, several students are doing field experience with ThreeC Counseling and even considering getting their certification.  This may be an option for some of you, as well.  

Thank you, Tim and Nicolle, for sharing your time and insights with the club!

AU Criminal Justice Club Tours Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility

On Monday, October 17th, the Ashland University Criminal Justice club toured Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility in Massillon, OH.

IRJCF is an American Correctional Association accredited facility that serves all male youth, and provides a variety of services and treatment to youth including a fully accredited high school, behavioral health services, unit management, medical and dental care, recreation, religious services, community service opportunities and reentry services.

The club members not only toured the facility, but also spoke to the correction officers, chaplain, gang investigator, assistant principal to the school, teachers, and many more workers within the facility.

We spoke to freshman criminal justice major, Dominique Ciehanoski, who had to say this about the tour:

"Going on this trip made me realize that there is more than just the few careers I had in mind.  I decided to major in Criminal Justice because I wanted to be a prosecutor for a long time.  Since majoring in this, I've changed my mind several times.  I love all the options in Criminal Justice.  This was beneficial because the gang investigation and corrections was very interesting to me.  Seeing it hands on in person was very special"

 Rachel Kleman, who is also a Criminal Justice major, shared her insights gained through the tour.

"Visiting Indian River gave me a glimpse of what a career in corrections would be like.  Not only did they give us a tour of the cells and living quarters, but they took us behind the scenes and told us all the different types of careers you are able to have within the facility.  Corrections is a tough field to go into and many don't last throughout the program, but the challenge is what is the most interesting to me.  I also think the trip really put into perspective what a juvenile detention center is really like, unlike the shows you see on TV.  Overall hearing the stories from different workers was really interesting, giving us an example of what really goes on during day to day activity."   

For more information about our Criminal Justice program, and what it has to offer, please visit our website here.

  

Fall Career, Internship, and Graduate School Fair

Career Services will be hosting a Fall Career Fair on Wednesday, October 12th from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm in Upper Convocation.  Professional dress is required for this event (for guidance on what to wear, consult the Career Services's Business Attire Pamphlet).  Be sure to bring several copies of your resume.  Student Registration, which is highly recommended, is available on the Career Services website.  All registered students will receive printed nametags to wear at the event.

There are many exciting opportunites for jbs and graduate schools at this career fair.

Employers and graduate schools attending include:

-Ohio State Highway Patrol

-Richland Correctional Institution

-Capital University Law School

-Indiana Tech Law School

-Ohio Northern University College of Law

-The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

-The University of Akron-School of Law

-University of Toledo- College of Law

AU students should refer to the Career Services Guidebook for a complete list of employers and graduate schools who will be in attendance at the Fair.

Criminal Justice Club Meeting

The CJ club will have its first meeting of the semester on Wednesday, September 21, at 11:00 am.  The meeting will take place in Schar, outside Dr. Hedrick's office, 157.  The purpose of this meeting is to elect the CJ club officers for the upcoming school year.

Membership in the club provides excellent opportunities to further the intellectual, cultural, and social development of students majoring or minoring in Criminal Justice.  Events in the past have included a CJ Job fair, hearing from guest speakers, and tours of facilities.

If you have any questions, contact Dr. Hedrick at mhedric2@ashland.edu

It's National Police Week!

National Police Week began in 1962 when President Kennedy made May 15 Peace Officer Memorial Day, and the week that follows Police Week.   

National Police Week recognizes the service of all U.S. Law Enforcement, but it pays special tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Ashland University's Criminal Justice Department extends its thanks to all law enforcement personnel for their dedication and service. 

For more information about National Police Week and the activities scheduled, please visit their website.

Congratulations, Class of 2016!

The Criminal Justice Department extends its congratulations to all of the students graduating from Ashland University today!

AU President Dr. Carlos Campo Speaks to Race, Ethnic and Minority Issues Class

On April 20, 2016, students in Criminal Justice Professor Hedrick's SOC 301 (Race, Ethnic, and Minority Issues) class heard from AU's President, Dr. Carlos Campo, about his experiences as a Cuban-American.

Race, Ethnic and Minority issues, which is offered each semester and meets core credit for social sciences, allows students to examine the impact of living in a multi-ethnic, multi-faith, and multi-cultural society.

During his talk, President Campo brought up his struggles growing up with a Latino name in Miami, Florida, but not having the look or the Spanish language faculty of a Latino to back it up. He said many people had different expectations of him just because of his name, but he felt like he couldn’t live up to these expectations because he didn’t have the look that matched his name. As a result, President Campo believes that we as a society need to start to break down these barriers and quit labeling people. It is easier said than done, though. Our society needs to realize that if we quit labeling people as something that they are not, then they will turn out to be a totally different person or, rather, become the person they are supposed to be.

President Campo’s lecture on Latinos was enjoyed by the entire class.  “For someone who has as much knowledge and education as Dr. Campo, I expected him to have some insightful thoughts on the issues of race, but I never thought he would be so inspirational,” said Jessica James, a dual Criminal Justice/Social Work Major.  Ms. James further explained, “I appreciate Dr. Campo coming and talking to our class and opening my eyes to so many issues that I knew already existed, but I didn’t realize to the true extent how bad they were in our society. With Dr. Campo coming into a predominately white area, and becoming the first Latino president in AU’s history, he has already broken past so many barriers, and he continues to keep breaking down more of these. It is good to see that we have a president who cares so much and is so influential because that is what it will take to work down to the student level and have them start to take the same actions.”

"Truly it was great to have somebody who is Latino and who fully understands the issues and problems surrounding Latinos speak with clarity, personal insight, and from a balanced viewpoint on a topic that many try to make contentious,” said Professor Hedrick. 

Convocation Honors Outstanding Criminal Justice Students

Each year, departments across campus choose one of their students at the sophomore, junior and senior levels to receive the distinction of Outstanding Student.

Criteria for this award include scholarly achievement, acting as an academic role model for other students within the department, and possession of an inquiring and/or creative mind.

On Sunday at the Academic Honors Convocation, three Criminal Justice students were recognized for their outstanding achievements:

       Kimberly Vidika, sophomore criminal justice major
       Morgan Scarberry, junior criminal justice major
       Maxwell Ostrowski, senior criminal justice major

Congratulations, Outstanding Criminal Justice Students!

It's National Crime Victims' Rights Week!

Every April, communities throughout the country observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW).  This year it runs from April 10-16.

The Office of Victims of Crime, which helps promote NCVRW, explains this year's theme, Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope., as a way to "underscore the importance of early intervention and victim services in establishing trust with victims, which in turn begins to restore their hope for healing and recovery."

It is important to raise awareness of victims' rights because there are still many unmet needs that need addressed.

For more information, visit the Office for Victims of Crime website, or view the NCVRW Resource Guide. 

Students Inducted into Criminal Justice Honor Society

On Wednesday, April 6, 2016, the Alpha Upsilon Chapter of the national Criminal Justice Honor Society inducted 7 new members.  Current members Daniel Medvetz, a junior criminal justice major, and Megan Maguire, a senior criminal justice major, assisted in inducting their fellow classmates into the honor society.

To be eligible for membership, students must meet rigorous academic standards.  "It was an honor to recognize the students who were inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma," said Criminal Justice professor Marc Hedrick, who advises the honor society.  These students are some of the most studious, hard-working, and bright students, both from the online and classroom programs, in the Criminal Justice Department and at Ashland University."

Members of the Alpha Phi Sigma Alpha Upsilon Chapter
with the Honorable Brent N. Robinson

(L to R; New Member*) Laura Stanley*, Michael Talbert*, Judge Robinson, Megan Maguire,
Daniel Medvetz, Aimee Linville*, Morgan Scarberry*, Kimberly Vidika*, Tarin Cook*
Not pictured: Burton Roberts*

The Honorable Brent N. Robinson, Judge for the Richland County Common Pleas Court and Former First Assistant Prosecutor in the Richland County Prosecutor's Office, spoke at the ceremony.  Judge Robinson, who as a prosecutor handled thirteen murder trials, including one death penalty trial, and had a 100% conviction, discussed the ethical challenges present when prosecuting serious felonies.

When addressing the students, he spoke about the importance of not letting emotion or passion get in the way of justice and on how crucial it is to preserve the legal process and uphold the rights of the accused individual.

"He really impressed upon us how important it is to never sacrifice our integrity, character or reputation," said Morgan Scarberry, a senior student and newly-inducted Alpha Phi Sigma member.

Thank you, Judge Robinson, for sharing your insights with our students!

Congratulations on your academic achievements,
Alpha Phi Sigma members!

Highway Patrol and Ashland Officers To Speak On The Issue Of Police Brutality

Please note that the event will be held in the auditorium in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center.

Criminal Justice Graduate Graduates Top of Police Academy Class

A spotlight on AU Criminal Justice graduate Mariah Lindsey was recently featured by Ashland University.  Read on to see what Mariah's been up to!  To view the original spotlight, visit the post here.

"Mariah Lindsey graduated from Ashland with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. During her time on campus Mariah was a member of the Track & Field team as a sprinter, as well as being a member of the Black Student Union and Psychology Club for two years! After graduation Mariah was accepted into the Corpus Christi Police Academy in Texas. While there, she underwent intense training in areas including firearms training, defensive tactics, physical training, defensive driving, water survival, and boxing! Academically, the Cadets were challenged in classes such as Penal Code, Transportation Code, U.S./Texas Constitution, Code of Criminal Procedures, Communications, Race & Ethnicity, and Spanish.

In the Academy, Mariah received the honor of Top Academic and was second in Physical Fitness! She now works as a police officer for the City of Corpus Christi, where she responds to calls for service ranging from traffic accidents to disturbances, robberies, civil matters, stabbings, shootings, and murders, just to name a few! Mariah says that the Criminal Justice Program here at Ashland gave her opportunities to expand and network, and also credited her professors and advisor for being readily available to answer any questions that she may have about the field! Mariah says this is the best job she’s ever had and she enjoys working for a great department with major goals for change! Congrats Mariah on everything you’ve accomplished, and all your hard work paying off!"

Did you know we love hearing from our CJ and Sociology grads?  Keep in touch by emailing us at cj-dept@ashland.edu.

Ashland University Day of Giving

Ashland University is celebrating its first Day of Giving, during which individuals who make a donation to the University can show their support for the Criminal Justice Program.  Today, any donation made at the Day of Giving donation website is part of the Eagle Rising Challenge, the winner of which will receive a $1,000 donation from the Alumni Association.
 

If you wish to vote for the us in the challenge, please visit the Day of Giving donation website and enter "Criminal Justice Program" in the "Cast your vote!" box. 

 
Click here to learn more about and to follow the progress of the Day of Giving.
 

Thanks for your support!

AU CJ Club Hosts Guest Speakers

On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, Patrolman Jordan Spelman (AU CJ graduate) and Detective Char Traub from the Beachwood Police Department spoke to the Criminal Justice Club and guests about police and detective work.

Officer Spelman and Detective Traub

Detective Traub discussed women in policing and also her position as a detective and crime scene analyst while Officer Spelman discussed his experience in policing at Beachwood Police Department including his participation in a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team.

CJ Club members take a look at different equipment used by the officers.

Thank you, Detective Traub and Officer Spelman, for sharing your time and insights with the Club!

March is National Criminal Justice Month

Established in 2009 because the criminal justice system "touches the lives of nearly every American in some form or another," the purpose of National Criminal Justice Month is to "promote societal awareness regarding the causes and consequences of crime, as well as strategies for preventing and responding to crime."

The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, an organization that seeks to make the public aware of the need to "make our criminal justice system as effective as possible," asks that we take time this month to applaud the efforts of the many individuals who work in the criminal justice field.

The Ashland University Criminal Justice Department extends its appreciation to the dedicated men and women who are an integral part of our justice system. 

To learn more about National Criminal Justice Month, visit the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences' website.

Middleburg Heights Police Department Campus Visit

Last week, Middleburg Heights Police Officers Mark Malenic and Dave Holderbaum visited AU to talk with criminal justice students interested in a position with the Department.  They also spoke to students in CJ 450 (Ethics) about the Middleburg Heights Police Department hiring process and how it relates to hiring practices in law enforcement in general. 

Students Regina Delucia and Brent Grant;
 Officers Malenic and Holderbaum

Professor Hedrick, who arranged the visit last Tuesday, noted that "it's important for students to start thinking about the hiring process earlier than they'd think - by their junior year, really - because it can take a while.  The process involves testing, results for which are usually valid for two years, and getting on a police department or other law enforcement agency's list can put students on track to interview shortly after graduation instead of months after."

Students who were unable to attend the sessions last week should contact Professor Hedrick with any questions.

Thank you, Officers Malenic and Holderbaum!

Spring Career, Internship and Graduate School Fair Hosted by Career Services

Wednesday, March 16

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Upper Convocation

Professional dress is required for this event (for guidance on what to wear, consult the Career Service's Business Attire Pamphlet). Be sure to bring several copies of your resume, as well.

Student Registration, which is highly recommended, will be available on the Career Services website. All registered students will receive nametags to wear at the event.

There are many exciting opportunities for jobs and internships at this career fair. Employers attending include:

•  ATIC (Advanced Technical Intelligence Center) 
•  Ohio State Highway Patrol 
• US Customs and Border Protection  

In addition to these employers, there will be many graduate schools attending with great opportunities. AU students should refer to the Career Services website (link above) for a complete list of employers and graduate schools who will be in attendance at the Fair.

Human Trafficking Awareness Group Informational Meeting

The Religion and Criminal Justice programs will be revitalizing Ashland University's Human Trafficking Awareness Group (HTAG).

For any student interested in joining the group, there will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, February 16th at 3:30, in room 13 of the Rinehart Center.  This is a great opportunity to get involved and learn more about what you can do in the fight to end Human Trafficking.   

Contact Professor Dickson in the Religion Department with questions or for more information.

View our post covering a recent event featuring two human trafficking survivors' experiences and call to action here. 

Recap of Human Trafficking Awareness Event

On Monday, January 25, 2016, the Ashland Center for Nonviolence sponsored an event raising awareness of human trafficking, a practice best equated to modern-day slavery under which individuals are forced to work in the sex industry or as laborers for little to no pay.

Theresa Flores, human trafficking survivor

Theresa Flores and Jen Albert, both survivors of human trafficking and now soldiers in the fight to stop sex trafficking, spoke on the importance of recognizing the signs, spreading awareness, and knowing how to help.

Students entering the field of Criminal Justice will certainly face this issue, as human trafficking is now the second leading and fastest growing crime, according to Theresa Flores.  

Professional Instructor of Criminal Justice, Marc Hedrick, adds:

“The Ohio the Attorney General’s Office recently said that local law enforcement made more arrests for human trafficking and received more tips about forced sex or labor crimes in 2015 as compared to 2014. While that may sound depressing at first, it is also a good sign that law enforcement has become more aware and started taking action against human trafficking. It is also good that more people are becoming aware of something happening in the United States that most people thought only happened in third world nations these days.”
 

To further facilitate awareness, the Criminal Justice and Religion programs will be revitalizing Ashland University’s Human Trafficking Awareness Group (HTAG).  For any students interested in joining the group, there will be an informational meeting on February 9^th at 3:30 in Rinehart 113.  This is a great way to begin to get involved and learn more about a modern day human atrocity that is occurring right here in America.  Contact Professor Dickson in the Religion Department at sdickso2@ashland.edu, with questions or for more information. 

Human Trafficking Awareness Event

Contact Professor Hedrick in the Criminal Justice Department or Professor Dickson in the Religion Department with questions or for more information.

Welcome Back, AU Students!