Zimmerman Trial

Hi everyone,
The trial is over and the jury has spoken.

One would think the judicial review would be accepted. But, as we see there are some that feel the verdict was wrong. 

Now we see that in city after city there are protests, some peaceful, while others are acting out and require police intervention. 

Regardless of how you feel about the outcome, police are being called on to maintain the peace.  

What do you think of the police response?  Have they been restrained? 

Weigh in, remembering that this can be a public forum. 

Dr. Steve   

Gotham Gazette

Gotham Gazette

Safe Communities - Good Idea?

Shrink school zone for drug offenses? - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News

A recent article in the Metrowest Daily News discusses proposed changes in law including shrinking the distance that was intended to keep schools and other public facilities and land from crimes including drug selling and distribution.

Why do you feel it is being proposed?  Will it help reduce sentences?  What would you suggest if given the opportunity to weigh in? 

Shrink school zone for drug offenses? - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News

Value of Internships

While you have and affiliation with WSU, or another university for a graduate degree, use that affiliation to gain experience in a supervised internship.
 If you have participated in an internship, please take the time to discuss the experience.  If you are considering an internship where would it be?  What kind of organization would you seek experience from?
 

The Value of Volunteering

If you are still a student, it is advisable to look for opportunities to gain experience through volunteering.  While it is understandable that many of you have work obligations, carving out a few hours a week to help in a volunteer capacity at an agency, or non-profit organization to gain experience, hone skills and in the process gain knowledge and resume material and potential references from suerpvisors. 

Take some time to consider where you might offer your services and gain experience. You may be surprised at personal satisfaction an growth you may experience.

Looking for Work in the CJ Arena

Hello everyone,

This is a tough time to be looking for work in the criminal justice field.  With budget shortfalls and cutbacks, many agencies are downsizing or handling the cuts through attrition.  This meas that as officers or other personnel retire, the position is left unfilled or eliminated.

As I have mentioned in the past, there is a job for nearly everyone who wants to reach for them, but not necessarily in new England.  It means sacrificing and taking chances.

The reality is that people are moving, very often to warmer climates and that is where the need and growth of positions are.  Over the years, WSU alums have traveled to Washington, DC, Florida, Texas, California, the Carolinas in search of jobs.

One place to look for openings in  policing is at http://www.discoverpolicing.org/.

This is a joint effort by the US Department of Justice and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.  Take a look at how rich the website is.  Another place to look is at http://www.usajobs.gov/.

There are other opportunities to look for related work in Compliance units, Risk Management, civil  investigations, general investigations for the feds and state agencies across America. 

Let us know how you are thinking about finding a career in these trying times.  What are some of the other place to look?

Dr. Steve

Problems in Probation and Parole in Massachusetts

Over the past several months, there have been a few troubling issues and incidents in the Commonwealth Probation Department and the Commonwealth Parole Board. 

Several high ranking members of the Probation Department have resigned following a Boston Globe Spotlight report and the follow-on report.  Issues of patronage and nepotism were alleged.   

Member of the Parole Board resigned after a career criminal, having been sentenced to multiple LIFE sentences was released and later gunned down a Woburn Police officer following a jewelry heist.

Clearly, both of these agencies play a vital role in public safety and the public should be able to rely on the ethical conduct of members. 

What are your thoughts of the matters?  What can be done to restore faith in the organizations?

Please weigh in with thoughts and ideas to improve the system.

SAM

Tucson Shooting

While in Arizona for vacation, the shooting rampage, targeting a Congresswoman took place.

The incident has captivated our nation.  A U.S. Judge was killed along with a 9 year old child.  33 shots were fired for a Glock semi-automatic with a high capacity magazine.

There is disucssion about gun control and increasing the security for public appearances of our elected feederal officials.  How do you feel about these two issues?

SAM

Opening Post

Hi everyone,


I am opening this Blog to allow for your input about policing, courts, corrections and public management. I am looking forward to your posts, your thoughts on the CJ system, the important news and developments in policing, corrections and the courts, management and leadership issues and approaches.

Feel free to discuss job opportunities, course learning, innovative practices from the field, Internship experiences, guest speakers, or suggest ideas for discussion?

This blog is intended to open the dialogue and allow for sharing of ideas.

Thanks in advance for your willingness to share!

Dr. Steve Morreale