by Olivia Discon
The ACJS Conference has officially begun! As we inch closer towards our presentation on Automated License Plate Reader technology (as it relates to the Criminal Justice world), the anticipation only continues to rise. This is our first time presenting on a panel at an academic conference–or any conference, for that matter! With that being said, we of course scoped out the space and enjoyed several sessions on day one.
Criminologists Converge
While hundreds of criminologists converged at the Sheraton in Denver, we split up a bit, maximizing the coverage of the conference and the sessions it offered. Collectively, we attended sessions on “Perceptions of Law Enforcement Technology,” where the standout presentation was “Support of BWCs by Type of Law Enforcement Agency,” by Dr. Mustafa Demir (John Jay);
“Rational Choice Theory and Crime: Emotions, Cognitions and Opportunity Structures,” which featured SHSU professors Timothy Barnam…
…and Shaina Herman;
…”Crime, Data, and Technology;” and the Presidential Panel: Key Strategies for Successful Academic-Practitioner Partnerships, the latter of which, we turn to next.
A Presidential Panel with the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University
The highlight of these sessions was unanimous among our group, which was the Presidential Panel from Sam Houston State University’s (SHSU) College of Criminal Justice. We were, of course, incredibly biased, but it was fascinating to see the various leaders within the college along with the diverse institutes they represent.
As noted by Dean Lyons, SHSU is uniquely positioned to serve as a leader in the criminal justice field, and the College has “its finger on the pulse” of criminal justice.
Whether it be forensic science, corrections, policing, criminal justice legislation, or sociological phenomena, SHSU remains a leader, a resource, and an asset to the state of Texas. Interestingly, the nationally recognized program is the reason I chose to attend college and, by extension, to major in criminal justice.
We had the opportunity to hear from John Ray, Executive Director of LEMIT;
…William Wells, Faculty Research Director of LEMIT; Christie Haney, Assistant Director of CEMIT; Michael Aspland, Executive Director of the Institute of Homeland Security;
Ryan Randa, Associate Professor; Doug Dretke, Director for the Office of Comparative and International Education and Leadership;
…Erin Orrick, Associate Dean for Programs and Assessment; and Dr. Bitna Kim, President of ACJS, professor at SHSU, and former doctoral candidate at SHSU!
Among the College of Criminal Justice at SHSU’s many accolades and amenities, what stuck out was its embodiment of a concept, noted by John Ray, as “pracademics”.
The relationship between academician and practitioner, as we devolve further into niches and silos, is more important than ever. I truly respect how SHSU has gone beyond what others simplify Huntsville to be–a “prison town” – and instead aim to drive crucial research and policy that impacts the state, our country, and impressively, the entire world as it relates to criminal justice.
It was a great opening to a first experience for us, made all the more comfortable and welcoming by being among friends and mentors.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 