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Newsletters:
School of Criminal Justice: Fall 2020

 

Welcome to the Fall 2020 edition of the Walden University School of Criminal Justice Faculty and Student Newsletter!

A Word from the Dean

As we continue to face such challenging times in both our communities and country, I am reminded of a saying that my grandmother would always share with me: “you just gotta have grit!” She shared with me simple wisdom which presents in so many of our efforts, whether it's daily, events inside and outside of our classrooms, as well as our many efforts as a University. But what exactly is grit?

Grit is an attitude that represents determination for persistence. Grit refers to staying strong when faced with fear, pain, or uncertainty. It means being focused and engaged while staying optimistic and determined for your end goal. Using your expertise and voice to consistency work towards harmony and resolution. Whatever the issue is, it requires a commitment of perseverance to see change transpire due to your courage.

For all the challenges we see these days, never lose your commitment and focus on what matters most to you. Stay engaged, steadfast, and devoted to your beliefs and passions while working to create the changes needed in our communities. Decide where you can have the greatest impact, and start there. Choose to step in and help create and sustain the needed positive change. No matter what is currently challenging us at this time, always remember to embrace your grit!

Dr. Shana Garrett, Dean, School of Criminal Justice

Impossible is just an opinion.
-Paulo Coelho

Group Advising Sessions Now Available

Join Dr. Blackmon and Dr. Lee each Tuesday at 2pm EST for a School of Criminal Justice group advising chat. We will be online to answer questions, provide support and offer advice as needed. Look forward to seeing you there!

 

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Faculty Publications, Presentations, and Service

Dr. Joe McMillanFaculty member and Walden alum, Dr. Joseph A. McMillan's study  was accepted as a "Poster" presentation for Walden's 2020 Research Conference.  The poster is titled: Epidemiology and Criminology: Managing Youth Firearm Homicide Violence in Urban Areas.
 

Dr. Chris Hansen recently presented at the 45th Annual American Probation and Parole Association Training Institute Conference on Strengthening Officer Wellness and Leadership in the 21st Century. Dr. Hansen began his career as a state probation officer for the Florida Department of Corrections in 1983. In 1989, he accepted a probation officer position within the U.S. Probation Office for the Middle District of Florida.

In 2003, Dr. Hansen was appointed as the Chief United States Probation Officer for the District of Nevada where he remained until his retirement in 2012. He then accepted a position as chief probation officer for the Solano County, California in 2012 where he oversees a department of 220 staff, a juvenile detention facility, and comprehensive adult and juvenile services.

Dr. Evaristus ObinyanObinyan, E. ., Ochie, C. O. ., & Ibe , P. I. (2020). Delinquency as the Failure of Adults and the Village to Exercise Their Moral Strength. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 8(10), 518-527.

Welcome to our new Criminal Justice Faculty

From the Desk of Dr. Blackmon

Reaching Out

Have you ever been at a point in your academics where you thought, "Gee, I wish I had some clarification on this process"? I know I certainly did along the way. Trying to navigate the logistics of an academic program of study can be difficult at times, especially if you have questions about transfer of credit, grade appeals, disability services, etc. There's a lot more to attending online education programs than just signing in and completing your assignments. That is why we encourage you to reach out when you have questions! Don't be afraid to ask for help. We here at the School of Criminal Justice at Walden University are part of your support system and we are with you every step of the way. We have all been there and we know what a struggle it can be to try to attend class, work full time, raise a family, volunteer for our favorite organizations, take care of household responsibilities, etc. Sometimes you just need a helping hand to provide guidance, reassurance or even just some affirmation that everything is going to work out okay.

As part of your support system, I want to make sure you always have a way to get the help you need, when you need it. Therefore, I now have an appointment system in place for advising. Here, you can schedule an individual 30 minute session with me via Microsoft Teams in order to discuss your specific program of study, questions about  the dissertation process, classroom issues or anything in between.  See below for appointment booking information and schedule a time to speak with me. I look forward to meeting with you and discussing more about your academic journey!

Dr. B

Dr. Kimberley Blackmon, Program Director, School of Criminal Justice

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Blackmon

““If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”
-Vincent Van Gogh

Student Spotlight

Dr. Christopher BushRecent PhD graduate, Dr. Christopher Bush has been quite busy since receiving his doctoral degree! His study, Public Perceptions of Delays in the Release of Police Body-Worn Camera Footage was recently published in the Walden University Journal of Social Change, Special Edition, Racism in America. Additionally, Dr. Bush received approval on his proposal for a book chapter community policing-focusing on minority communities - specifically black communities, on strategies on how to engage, etc.

From the Desk of Dr. Lee

Make connections before your Degree Completion

I have been contacted by many people who feel that they have hit a barrier to move forward in their pursuit of a career, whether it is obtaining employment after obtaining their college degree, certifications or transitioning to a new profession.

Consumed with the demands of studying, completing coursework and research while also maintaining the daily tasks of work and family, a critical component to obtaining the career that you had earnestly prepared for, is missing from this preparation. This critical component is ‘Networking.’ Unfortunately, we waited until we needed or wanted a new job, and we then realized that we have neglected to network. With the current state of the economy and the demands of our professional and personal lives, it is worth taking the time to cultivate and maintain a strong network.

Networking

How I accidentally discovered networking, not knowing the real impact it would have on my life. Networking was not at the top of my priority list; it was not even a thought.

For years growing up, we were continuously told that you learn more from listening than speaking. So let us look at the journey in building networks cultivated sustain long-term relationships built on mutual trust and respect.

Networking started in childhood “You will likely get a job through who you know rather than what you know.” This statement has some partial truth. You can do a great job in networking, but you also must take the necessary steps to be prepared. This preparation will come through your educational endeavors, but you can no longer keep your head down and keep working and not networking. These two processes move hand in hand.

It would help if you connected with others, be vocal about your interests and career goals, and build relationships with people you might not otherwise have met. Remember to look beyond your comfort zone.

Throughout the years, I have developed an approach for making the most of networking: P.O.W.E.R.

  1. Purposeful. Set a goal for yourself and find a networking opportunity that meets that goal. Be prepared and familiar with the requirements of what you want to achieve. (provide examples, such as join professional organizations
  2. Opportunity. Just walking up to someone has always been the hardest for me. I learned that just being yourself works the best. Make the most of the opportunity
  3. Work. Stay focus, share your goals, manage your expectations, but it is essential to be available to listen. You might find a path that will help you achieve your goals
  4. Evaluate. Following up is a vital aspect of networking. Ensure you exchange contact information, make a note to yourself where you made the connection and purpose. Evaluate if you are going in the best direction for you.
  5. ReThink. After you have to evaluate your educational and career aspirations, you have the opportunity to follow up with your network with additional clarity

Twenty-twenty (2020) has changed our lives and the way we do things. As we are now holding virtual conferences, meetings, and working remotely, it is vital to continue to network. If you are attending a virtual forum for the first time. Share your information in the Chat section if possible, send a message to the Facilitator. Ask if anyone would like to share their information create a network of all those who attend the virtual conference. At the Walden Residencies, consider emailing individuals after the event to ask questions or offer feedback. Ask if they would be willing to speak with you briefly about the educational or career paths they have taken that you may be considering. Pick up the phone in call someone. Do not wait until you need something. I randomly will go through my phone and call someone I have not spoken to in a while. They appreciate the call in the relationship continues to maintain value to both parties.

Here are a few organizations that have a network of professionals, part of their mission is providing educational workshops and mentorship networks:

Police / Sheriff Organizations

Federal Law Enforcement Organizations

 

Women in Law Enforcement Organizations

Asian Peace Officers’ Association

National Asian Peace Officers’ Association

Black Peace Officers’ Associations

Latino Peace Officers Associations

National Latino Peace Officers Association

Narcotic Officers’ Associations

California Narcotic Officers’ Association

Criminal Justice Student Organizations

-Dr. Lee

Dr. Jessie Lee, Program Coordinator, School of Criminal Justice

 

Conferences

While most conferences for 2020 have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are some upcoming opportunities for 2021.

Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society

Visit the Alpha Phi Sigma website for information on joining the criminal justice honor society, Alpha Phi SigmaApplications for membership will open in August.

Submissions Welcome!

If you would like to submit an article or information for the School of Criminal Justice Newsletter, please contact Dr. Blackmon at kimberley.blackmon2@mail.waldenu.edu.