University of New Haven Student-Organized Law Enforcement Showcase Highlights Diverse Career Paths

The American Criminal Justice Association’s Law Enforcement Showcase brought together more than 250 University of New Haven students and nearly 40 representatives from local, state, and federal agencies to spotlight the diverse careers in public service.

One phrase that has stuck with me throughout my time at the University of New Haven is “Working for a Safer Tomorrow.” I first came across this slogan my first year when I attended the University’s Mass Casualty Incident Drill as it was proudly worn by all participants on the event’s t-shirts.

Four years later, serving as the conference preparation chair for the University’s chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, I strive to make sure my peers get the chance to live by these words. Public Service is a very dynamic web of highly dedicated individuals who rely on one another for success, and we need to inspire and educate the future workforce.

The American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA) provides members with opportunities to network with employers and members of the industry through educational experiences related to law enforcement, conferences and competitions, field trips, and hands-on skill development. ACJA achieves this by hosting guest speakers, coordinating tours of the FBI Academy, running self-defense and other classes with local police departments, and carrying out acts of community service throughout the state.

When I was elected to our E-Board, I wanted to create an event that was new and exciting on campus and provide an opportunity for students that would have a lasting impact on their careers and inspire them to serve their community. I have attended numerous career fairs hosted by the University and found they could be overwhelming for newer students still exploring their interests and passions.

An important element I have noticed is that there are so many more positions in law enforcement than just police officers, something that isn’t always known by students when choosing their majors. I spoke with my fellow E-Board members, and we decided to host an event that was educational to all students, but mainly underclass students to highlight professional staff positions that exist among a variety of different law enforcement organizations. After that discussion, the Law Enforcement Showcase was born.

‘Deeper conversations’

Fast forward through 5 months of planning, which consisted of numerous meetings and dozens of emails, and at the event we proudly had over 250 students attend and embrace the opportunity to meet with 36 representatives from 10 local, state, and federal agencies. These representatives consisted of intelligence analysts, evidence technicians, crisis negotiators, K9 handlers, victim-service specialists, drone operators, patrol officers, state troopers, federal agents, and more.

What made this event particularly meaningful was the environment we created for the attendees by hosting it outside on campus. Feedback and reviews from students and representatives stated they found the slower-paced environment and relaxed atmosphere of the event beneficial, with underclass students feeling comfortable having deeper conversations that extended beyond the steps of the hiring process or specific job postings.

The West Haven Police Department shared that they received an unprecedented number of inquiries about civilian positions, and government agencies received questions about the disciplines they focus on and the lifestyles that come with those jobs, rather than strictly discussing hiring requirements.

As one of the many ACJA members in attendance, I found that the most rewarding part of the event was watching students realize just how many different career paths exist, and watching the representatives from our partners interact with so many interested parties.

The two-and-a-half-hour event passed quickly, with conversations taking place at each table long after the conclusion of the event. I believe that after this event, students had a better understanding of the specialized paths that await them and were excited by the prospect of serving their community.

‘It strengthens connections with our surrounding agencies’

In the days following, the true impact of the event became clear. ACJA members were approached by students who attended, as well as by faculty members who saw the uniqueness behind the event and decided to bring their classes to the showcase. One hope that I have for the event’s long-term impact is that it strengthens connections with our surrounding agencies. In recent days, this hope has been realized, as we’ve received requests to host events such as a mock CHIP Test on campus.

Hosting the Law Enforcement Showcase is only one step of creating connections between students and real-world professionals, and we are proud to say that we will host this event again next fall with an expanded roster of representatives and specialized-units, and we aim to have an even bigger turnout from the student body. This is only the start of an exciting year for the American Criminal Justice Association as we continue coordinating new events and as we continue “Working for a Safer Tomorrow.”

Interested in joining ACJA?

Email ACJA@newhaven.edu and follow our Instagram: @acja_psiomega

ACJA would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners that made this event possible, and for their dedication to public service. Thank you to:

• New Haven Police Department
• West Haven Police Department
• Connecticut State Police
• Naval Criminal Investigative Service
• Fairfield Police Department
• New Britain Police Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• United States Secret Service
• Hartford Police Department
• Bridgeport Police Department