tag:blogs.targetx.com,2009:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302 2009-05-15T20:06:04Z Movable Type 3.34 tag:blogs.targetx.com,2009:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.10334 2009-05-15T19:22:48Z 2009-05-15T20:06:04Z

The semester has drawn to a close and last Saturday (May 9th) I had the distinct honor of attending the MAC graduation ceremony and correspondingly witnessing a number of the criminology students receive their diplomas. We had students earn degrees...

Professor Joseph Bobak The semester has drawn to a close and last Saturday (May 9th) I had the distinct honor of attending the MAC graduation ceremony and correspondingly witnessing a number of the criminology students receive their diplomas. We had students earn degrees at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, and I was truly honored and very proud to witness these exceptional students...now graduates...receive their long-sought-after diplomas. I wish them all overwhelming success in all they do, and I am sure they will find it...as they have been well prepared. Congratulations 2009 Graduates...it has been a pleasure and a privilege. tag:blogs.targetx.com,2009:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.10112 2009-04-24T00:11:42Z 2009-04-24T02:09:25Z

In November 1981, a young woman named Kathleen Dawson was brutally murdered late one night while on her way home from her job at a local hospital. The investigation led police to believe that her husband was responsible for this...

Professor Joseph Bobak In November 1981, a young woman named Kathleen Dawson was brutally murdered late one night while on her way home from her job at a local hospital. The investigation led police to believe that her husband was responsible for this horrific crime (I have spared the details), but their investigation did not provide sufficient evidence to make an arrest. That suspect subsequently moved to Florida soon after the murder and started a new life for himself...leaving investigators stymied, and this heinous crime unsolved... A few days ago, more than 27 years after Kathleen Dawson's life was viciously extinguished, authorities arrested her former husband...yes, the investigator's suspect back in 1981 (still living in Florida) and charged him with her murder. Why...you may ask, do I bring this up... The answer is simple, I have followed this case in the news for many years, I have read the letters Kathleen Dawson's father has written time and again to the local newspaper...on her birthday, on holidays, on the anniversary of her death, and on days when he simply wanted someone to listen to his plea and bring him the justice he has sought for a very long time. I have always kept this case in my mind, with the hope that one day Mr. Smith (Kathleen's father) would finally obtain the justice he has demanded for so long. On Wednesday morning, upon reading the morning newspaper, I was absolutely overjoyed...the headline provided that sufficient evidence had been established and the suspect had been arrested...and I knew that Mr. Smith finally was on the verge of obtaining the justice, and modicum of peace, that he has sought for 27 years. This case presents valuable insight for criminology students, law enforcement, and society in general. As you must be expecting...I will elaborate on some of these...however, as space is limited, I will do so divergent to my typical modus operandi...and…as they say…make it brief... Students intending to enter into any aspect of the criminal justice professions must ensure that they learn as much as absolutely possible with regard to crime scene preservation, conducting investigations, interviewing witnesses, interrogation, law, and essentially every component associated with ensuring that the victims receive the justice that they absolutely deserve and that the offenders are apprehended and prosecuted according to the letter of the law. As well, law enforcement must bear in mind that no case, no matter how "cold" or how difficult, should ever be forgotten or ignored (sometimes it takes 27 years - as this case has shown). The victim and their family deserve justice, and look specifically to you to obtain it for them...it is your absolute duty to never forget their pain or do anything less than your very best to ensure that they receive this justice...no matter how long it takes, they will never forget the tragedy that has befallen them and neither should you, as your choice of profession has deemed you their champion...live up to that honor. In class I make certain that students understand the importance of the role they will assume, and the enormous weight they will carry upon their shoulders when they eventually earn their degree and enter their respective professions within the criminal justice system…becoming the champions of those who fall victim to crime. I will use this case as an illustration to remind students of how important it is to never give up, to remain the champion of the victim, to follow up on every lead and to have the patience and diligence to ensure that justice is attained…and to make every effort to ensure that the fathers of future victims do not suffer as Kathleen Dawson’s father has suffered. Mr. Smith has exhausted many years and penned countless poignant letters to the public and authorities...ensuring that he and Kathleen would receive justice...ensuring that this crime would never be forgotten…ensuring that there would be a resolution. To the investigators in this case…I would like to extend a hearty thank you...and a very heart felt congratulations to Mr. Smith...justice it seems, is finally near... tag:blogs.targetx.com,2009:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.10094 2009-04-22T18:47:50Z 2009-04-22T20:04:10Z

As has been apparent through my lack of recent postings to this blog, it has been very busy in this department as of late. The students have been feverishly working on a wide assortment of research projects in their Capstone...

Professor Joseph Bobak As has been apparent through my lack of recent postings to this blog, it has been very busy in this department as of late. The students have been feverishly working on a wide assortment of research projects in their Capstone and Research Methods courses...twenty-four research projects in all!!! In that regard, I am very happy to report that the Fourth Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium took place yesterday and was a great success. I am even happier to report that the criminology students had five different primary research projects entered in the symposium and they swept their category winning both first and second place. The winning research projects were titled Juror Bias Due to Facial Attractiveness and Environmental Stress Cracking of Soda Bottles...congratulations to all of these students for a job well done. tag:blogs.targetx.com,2009:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.9314 2009-02-27T17:03:55Z 2009-02-27T17:13:04Z

Spring break begins today and the students will be going home to catch up on their reading, pending assignments, and research projects. This semester has been a busy one and the time seems to be flying by. It seems like...

Professor Joseph Bobak Spring break begins today and the students will be going home to catch up on their reading, pending assignments, and research projects. This semester has been a busy one and the time seems to be flying by. It seems like only yesterday that I was discussing possible research projects with the students and now the Undergraduate Research Symposium is nearly a reality. The students have all been researching their topics, writing their literature reviews and developing their respective methodologies. A few of the groups will actually be gathering their data during this break...I wish them great success. Finally, I wish all students and faculty an enjoyable break...I look forward to seeing you all again in March…as always, I will be here in my office if anyone needs me :) tag:blogs.targetx.com,2009:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.8877 2009-01-30T17:12:34Z 2009-02-11T15:03:43Z

The students are finally settled on their topics and they are in the beginning phases of their research projects. This semester should prove to be exceedingly interesting as they have chosen some outstanding topics. Research is to be conducted concerning...

Professor Joseph Bobak The students are finally settled on their topics and they are in the beginning phases of their research projects. This semester should prove to be exceedingly interesting as they have chosen some outstanding topics. Research is to be conducted concerning various elements of eyewitness evidence, ballistics, blood spatter analysis, decomposition, cell phone distraction while driving and many more. I am proud to be mentoring these students as they embark upon the research process. I will keep you posted as to their progress and continue looking forward to the Undergraduate Research Symposium...I expect these projects to do very well at this event. tag:blogs.targetx.com,2009:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.8671 2009-01-20T14:41:59Z 2009-01-20T15:00:16Z

Welcome back to one and all...I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season. This semester promises to be an interesting and busy one, as a large number of the criminology students will be conducting individual and group research projects in...

Professor Joseph Bobak Welcome back to one and all...I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season. This semester promises to be an interesting and busy one, as a large number of the criminology students will be conducting individual and group research projects in conjunction with their courses. The students are currently developing their ideas and determining an appropriate methodology, so I will be able to post specifics concerning their projects very soon. Many of these students will also be entering their research in the Undergraduate Research Symposium (held on April 21st) with the hope of showcasing their researching prowess while making a few extra dollars in prize money to go along with it. I am excited to see all of the student entries from across campus - as each year the students do a better and better job. I can only imagine the terrific work that will be presented this year… tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.8369 2008-12-12T19:53:34Z 2008-12-12T19:56:53Z

I would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season...I look forward to the start of the spring semester...enjoy your break!!!! See you all very soon......

Professor Joseph Bobak I would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season...I look forward to the start of the spring semester...enjoy your break!!!! See you all very soon... tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.8145 2008-11-25T15:47:32Z 2008-11-25T15:53:33Z

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

Professor Joseph Bobak Happy Thanksgiving to all...have a good break!!!]]> tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.8102 2008-11-21T20:38:01Z 2008-11-21T20:39:15Z

Professor Joseph Bobak ]]> tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.8005 2008-11-14T20:05:11Z 2008-11-14T20:34:46Z

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...

Professor Joseph Bobak 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. tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.7865 2008-11-06T14:22:31Z 2008-11-06T17:03:30Z

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,...

Professor Joseph Bobak 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. tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.7544 2008-10-14T22:48:08Z 2008-10-14T22:49:18Z

It seems as if I just composed my last message a few days ago, but it has been more than one month since my last post…this semester is truly moving along very quickly. The rapid passing of time must be...

Professor Joseph Bobak It seems as if I just composed my last message a few days ago, but it has been more than one month since my last post…this semester is truly moving along very quickly. The rapid passing of time must be resultant to the vast number of projects that are currently underway here in the Criminology Department - - I will touch upon just a few. The past weeks have witnessed a reorganization of the 2nd Annual Criminal Justice Symposium - Proof and Consequences…as at the last minute; the individuals from the PA State Police Bureau of Forensic Services Unit were unexpectedly unable to participate as planned. Their inability to participate, while seeming to be a devastating blow to the event, turned out to be quite the blessing in disguise. In reconstructing the symposium, I was able to bring together an even more distinguished and diverse assembly of presenters than those who were in the original plan. Our featured lecturer, Mr. Kirk Bloodsworth has remained the central figure whose personal story defines the goal of this symposium. However, revised lecturers include Dr. Reena Roy of Penn State’s Forensic Science Program. Dr. Roy will instruct attendees on the proper techniques for crime scene evidence collection and correspondingly mechanisms to avoid common mistakes. Additionally, Charity Holland of Mitotyping Technologies will provide guests the benefit of her extensive knowledge concerning DNA evidence and discuss the common pitfalls that investigators and crime scene technicians commonly encounter. Finally, Trooper Richard Hunter of the Washington PA State Police Forensic Services Unit will enlighten participants to the collection and analysis of latent fingerprints…it should be an event to remember, where a genuine positive impact has been made in the professional capacity of those in attendance. On another note, the members of the Criminology Club have been creatively enhancing their presence on the campus. In doing so, these students have enacted a movie/documentary night and organized a midnight breakfast during midterm examinations. They have many other projects in the developmental stages and it is a pleasure to watch this group of students turn their ideas into reality. In alternate areas, the students in my criminalistics and crime scene reconstruction class were busy last week searching a dorm room for biological evidence with an Alternate Light Source. It was remarkable to see the expressions on their faces when evidence that was not apparent to their naked eye suddenly became visible through utilization of the ALS. As a final note, I encourage students to begin developing ideas for the Undergraduate Research Symposium that is to be held in April 2009…it is never to early to begin planning. Last year, students participating in the symposium produced some outstanding research projects and I hope to see many more in the spring!!! tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.7187 2008-09-09T22:50:47Z 2008-09-09T22:58:42Z

The fall semester is only three weeks old and there is already so much going on. The Criminology Club has resumed business and new officers have been chosen to replace those officers who graduated this past spring. This new group...

Professor Joseph Bobak Proof and Consequences provides an unparalleled source from which current law enforcement, criminology students and society in general can come to understand exactly why we must…get it right. Our journey continues….]]> tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.6381 2008-05-14T18:35:59Z 2008-05-14T18:39:18Z

This past weekend Mount Aloysius College celebrated the graduation of yet another fine group of students. I was very proud to have attended the event and take advantage of the opportunity to congratulate our students one last time before they...

Professor Joseph Bobak This past weekend Mount Aloysius College celebrated the graduation of yet another fine group of students. I was very proud to have attended the event and take advantage of the opportunity to congratulate our students one last time before they enter into new chapters of their lives…with all of their hard work and memories of college life behind them. These next few months prior to the fall semester, I will be mentoring student internships at a variety of agencies across the area. Some of these include the Blair County Coroner’s Office, Johnstown Police Department, Cambria County Prison, Cambria County Sheriffs Office, and the Cambria County Probation Department…to name a few. Also, I am looking forward to the Introduction to Forensic Science course that I will be instructing this summer. It is a small class and I hope to be able to guide the students through a variety of hands-on educational endeavors that are not always possible in courses with more students. Finally, I will be spending a great deal of time planning the 2nd Annual Criminal Justice Symposium. While it was originally a summer event, I have moved it into the fall semester as of this year (2008). Continued details will follow as preparation moves forward. Until then, enjoy the warm Pennsylvania summer and all that goes along with it!!! tag:blogs.targetx.com,2008:/mtaloy/JosephBobak//302.6294 2008-05-06T15:19:25Z 2008-05-06T16:00:10Z

The spring semester is coming to a close and I can’t believe that the end has arrived so quickly. I would like to commend all of the students for their tremendous effort this semester and for the quality of work...

Professor Joseph Bobak The spring semester is coming to a close and I can’t believe that the end has arrived so quickly. I would like to commend all of the students for their tremendous effort this semester and for the quality of work that they have completed. The undergraduate students have worked diligently on research projects with topics exploring human decomposition in conjunction with blow fly activity, ballistics, hypothermia, effects of diving while intoxicated, correctional employee job satisfaction, and those who have been wrongfully convicted of a crime and exonerated through DNA advances. There have been many others and they were all noteworthy in their own unique way. Finally, I would like to congratulate all of the graduating undergraduate and graduate students who will be entering into a new chapter of their lives or careers as this semester draws to an end. I am sure that I speak for all faculty when I say that we are proud to send you onward after having had the opportunity to prepare you for what lies ahead. Congratulations!!!!