an open letter from faculty, James Paul, Fall 2006

Introduction to Criminal Justice
“The Changing Role of Criminal Justice Agencies After 9/11/01”

As an extra credit assignment, students registered in the class Introduction to Criminal Justice (CRMJ-101-51) were asked to volunteer a minimum of 30 hours at a Criminal Justice agency in order to gain a better understanding of the agency’s function along with its problems. Students were also asked to examine the role of each agency in the area of Homeland Security and asked to formulate an opinion on any possible improvements that the agency might consider. Initially, eight students, only five were able to complete the assignment. (Copies of student reports attached.)

Four of the five students chose to volunteer at local Law Enforcement agencies and one student chose to volunteer at a Court agency. Overall, the students that observed law enforcement found that since 9/11/01, Police have become better trained in anti-terrorism tactics. Some agencies required new officers to participate in terrorism prevention classes while other agencies selected specific officers to undergo anti-terrorism training. Each of the law enforcement agencies involved reported improvements in weaponry to combat terrorism and one agency reported the acquisition of a K-9 for anti-terrorism duties through a federal grant. One student was able to learn that law enforcement agencies are involved in preparedness training with schools and other institutions. The student that volunteered in the State Court system felt that there was little involvement by the Courts in the area of Homeland Security and pointed to improvements in Courtroom and Courthouse security as the main area that saw a difference since 9/11/01.

Overall, students reported very little need for improvement in the area of homeland security at these Criminal Justice agencies, other then further training to increase preparedness.

This project allowed student to opportunity to observe our Criminal Justice agencies and to participate in its functional areas. Although the students did not seem to be overly critical of how each agency operated on a daily basis or each agencies reaction to the Homeland Security initiative, I am sure that these students will be in a better position to their aspirations, this experience should help them to formulate solutions to the ongoing threat of International and Domestic Terrorism and the need for our continuing preparedness.

James Paul

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