SUMMER INSTITUTE

A The Department of Criminal Justice in conjunction
with the Office of School and College Partnerships at
Camden County College held the first Public Safety
Summer Institute for Camden County high school
students. The program was conducted at the Criminal
Justice Center on the Blackwood Campus during the
period July 12 to July 23, 2004.

Attendees came from four Camden County High Schools. Conflicts generated by summer work responsibilities and family commitments reduced the number of attendees from the anticipated sixteen students to seven who successfully completed the program. Staff has already begun to explore recruitment strategies to increase the number of participant for next year's summer institute.

The daily program consisted of drill and ceremony laboratory at the beginning of each day lasting from 8:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Students learned fundamentals of marching, saluting, professional courtesy, and flag etiquette. Every other day a visiting criminal justice professional inspected the students. Each of these professionals gave brief presentations regarding their personal law enforcement careers.

Immediately following the above activity, students had three hours of lecture consistent with the college syllabus for Administration of Justice (CRJ - 101) after which the students had a half-hour lunch period. Beginning at 1:00pm each day students participated in a two-hour practicum, which was lead by law enforcement professionals from eight different Camden County law enforcement agencies. Each agency addressed a different specialty function including: special tactics, mounted units, K-9, accident investigation, crime scene reconstruction, bombs and hazardous materials.

On Wednesday, July 21, the students, accompanied by staff faculty, visited the New Jersey State Police Museum and Education Center in West Trenton. A highlight of the visit was the presentation to the staff and students of an Iraqi Freedom Flag signed by members of the Fourth Infantry Division of the United States Army. The flag was presented by a retired member of the New Jersey State Police currently serving as a security consultant in Iraq. The students presented a U.S.A. flag, signed by students, faculty, and New Jersey State Police employees, to the NJSP personnel for forwarding to the Fourth Infantry Division.

After student evaluations and a final examination, a brief graduation ceremony was held. A number of parents and relatives attended the ceremony.

E. J. Evans, Jr., Coordinator Criminal Justice Program
Lt. Thomas Riddle, Cherry Hill Police Department
Anthony Martino, Sgt. (Retired) Camden Police Department
Stephen Hetherington, Public Safety Officer Camden County College

(The Criminal Justice Department has decided to institutionalize this summer institute as a permanent basis in future years and to expand the number of high schools invited to participate.)