Category: Technology

There are times when the fields of political science and criminal justice intersect. Today was the case for such an event when Professor Mike Yawn, the director of SHSU’s LEAP Center, was asked to present to the High School Criminal Justice Instructor Training (HSCJIT) Conference held annually on SHSU’s campus and sponsored by the University’s excellent College of Criminal Justice and organized by the wonderful Doris Pratt.

Designed for high-school teachers in the fields of criminal justice, law enforcement, and forensic science, the conference features presentations by experts in myriad disciplines, including: criminal investigations, victimology, forensic DNA, cybercrime, forensic psychology, corrections, and serial murder.

Indeed, Yawn’s session came on the heels of Dr. Mitchel Roth…

…who discussed his research on serial murderers…

…and, following a 15 minute break, Yawn discussed the interdisciplinary use of technology, with an emphasis on first responders.

Covering topics such as smart businesses, smart health devices, smart cities, and Real Time Response Centers, Yawn presented for approximately half-an hour to the 40-plus educators present.

The audience was polite and managed to stay awake (!) during Yawn’s presentation, which involved how technology can be used across major sectors of contemporary life. From ALPRs tracking our vehicles’ movements to the facial recognition of animals so that lost pets can be found.

The teachers really came alive, however, when the Arson and Explosive Squad of the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office came out to describe their jobs. The “bomb squad,” as they typically known, are licensed police officers–Darren Parker and Blaine Pyles–who specialize in explosives and arson.

Their work can take them to political events, where much explosive-sweeping is required, to large sporting events, to hostage situations and, of course, arson.

They have various equipment to assist with this, including separate robotic assistants, battering rams, state-of-the-art communications, drones, and more. The robotics were the hit of the show…

…but so were the bomb technicians, Parker and Pyles, who approach their job in the spirit of service, with courage, compassion, and competence, qualities on display throughout their presentation.

Indeed, following the event, many of the educators, Professor Yawn, and Parker and Pyles discussed future opportunities for collaboration–a way to benefit the public, higher education, and K-12, a win-win-win.

Many thanks to the College of Criminal Justice (and Ms. Doris Pratt), Darren Parker and Blaine Pyles, and the many high-school educators–all of whom are shaping the next generation of leaders.

The LEAP Center would like to thank LEAP Ambassadors Michelle Moya and Olivia Discon, who stepped up for this event; LEAP Center student worker Gabila Flores, who helped with photos and the blog; and volunteers Bailey Hopkins, Jacob Wessels, and Sofia Soto.