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We bring real-life experience to the classroom.”
emergence of terrorism as a leading global threat in the 21st century has prompted the expansion of curriculum that incorporates homeland security education in criminal justice programs nationwide. Leading the way, Park’s Department of Criminal Justice Administration has developed a new Terrorism and Homeland Security Certificate Program. The program trains students to identify and respond to situations related to terrorism, security and national emergencies. Students learn how to assist organizations with preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation activities associated with natural and man-made threats. The program will be available to students this fall. “The new certificate offers the latest knowledge and practical skills that make students more marketable to a range of companies, businesses and government institutions,” Plumb said. “The curriculum we’ve developed also will be incorporated into other Park degree programs such as public administration.”
Fact or fiction: the CSI effect
In a post 9/11 world, the growth of criminal justice careers is on the rise. But could popular television shows such as “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” also be inspiring an interest in the field? Plumb says it definitely lures prospective students. “They see themselves working in CSI-like crime labs. Some are discouraged when I tell them that it can mean taking a lot more chemistry classes. There are certainly many misperceptions.”
— Greg Plumb, J.D. what elements are factual and what aren’t realistic. It’s a great teaching tool,” he said. Even Plumb finds shows like “CSI” entertaining and says most of the science depicted is accurate. So what is fiction? “Crimes aren’t solved in an hour,” Plumb said. “Many of our graduates working in the field will tell you about the ‘CSI Effect.’ For example, juries today expect DNA matches to be delivered overnight and to instantly solve a case — and it’s just not that easy.”
Then there’s the Hollywood approach that can skew reality. “The sophisticated ‘toys’ they use to solve crimes aren’t in most budgets,” Plumb said. “And investigations are complex and require a much larger team of lab technicians, detectives and crime analysts working for months behind the scenes.”
Critical thinking and service learning
In their pursuit of truth and justice, criminal justice students rely on critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication skills. “The liberal arts tradition at Park prepares our students to make informed judgments that foster
concern for individual and social wellbeing,” Plumb said. “This is essential for our graduates who are solving real problems for people interfacing with criminal justice systems, both nationally and internationally,” Plumb said. Service and experiential learning are increasingly important aspects of the criminal justice program. “We encourage students to experience living outside themselves and to develop an interest in serving a global community,” Plumb said. To gain their own real-life experience, criminal justice students work with a variety of community agencies, including Synergy Services, a Kansas City area nonprofit organization that serves victims of violence and abuse. Park students also participate with the Inside-Out Prison Exchange, a national program that brings college students and incarcerated men and women together to explore issues associated with crime, justice and freedom. Plumb said the department remains focused on developing the timehonored skills and values of a liberal arts education — that all students need to be contributing members of society.
To challenge his students, Plumb engages them to think critically with a game he calls Fact or Fiction. “I show an episode of “CSI” and ask students to determine
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