Happy Thanksgiving to all...have a good break!!!

Posted by Professor Joseph Bobak at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Professor Joseph Bobak at 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The criminology students in my Introduction to Law Enforcement class were visited by Trooper Jeffrey Butler of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement this week. This branch of the Pennsylvania State Police has initiated their first ever recruitment drive and the students of my class were lucky enough to be selected as the very first class to host their presentation. It was a tremendous success and the students were extremely excited to hear all of the information Trooper Butler provided concerning this outstanding career opportunity.
The students have additionally embarked upon class trips to FCI Loretto and also the Cambria County Prison during the past few weeks. One of the most memorable events of the week occurred in CR 450 Ethics - students participated in a group debate in which the death penalty was the focus (those supporting it vs. those against it)...space does not allow me to provide the particulars of this debate, but I can say that based upon the arguments presented and the fervor in which both sides presented their material - and fought back the opposition...I am absolutely certain that our students will have a tremendously positive influence upon the justice system after their graduation.

Posted by Professor Joseph Bobak at 3:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The 2nd Annual Criminal Justice Symposium: Proof and Consequences was held on October 28th on the Mount Aloysius Campus and it was a tremendous success. Attendees included Mount Aloysius College students, members of local and state police departments, district judges, coroners and representatives from a variety of other law enforcement entities - there were nearly 80 attendees in all. The lecturers included Charity Holland of Mitotyping Technologies who explained DNA analysis and provided insight into a number of high profile cases that she has worked on including the identification of 9-11 victims at the World Trade Center, two major airline crashes, and the identification of the Unknown Soldier (Vietnam) a few years ago. Dr. Reena Roy of the Penn State Forensic Science Department instructed the participants on the proper techniques of crime scene evidence collection and analysis. She additionally explained her involvement in a case that was made into the movie Boys Don't Cry (in which Hilary Swank won an Academy Award...for those who are movie/celebrity buffs). Richard Hunter presented material on fingerprint analysis and described common investigative errors that must be avoided in order to ensure that the correct individual is arrested and convicted of the crime. Finally, Kirk Bloodsworth presented the story of his wrongful arrest and conviction, along with his eventual exoneration through the advent of enhanced DNA analysis. There were very few dry eyes (in a room full of law enforcement officers) as he explained the blunders leading to his being sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit.
The students have been very busy these past few weeks and enjoying the in-class debates that have been occurring in their Criminal Justice Ethics course. These same students are currently preparing to debate their position with regard to capital punishment. I am looking forward to moderating this debate, as I expect to see some very well thought out arguments presented and discussed. It is always very satisfying to observe students seize the material that was covered in class and apply it in diverse mediums.

Posted by Professor Joseph Bobak at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)