Last Thursday Night, Campus Director Dwayne Bertotto, Instructor Leslie Palmer and the Introduction to Criminal Justice course at the Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus hosted a forum on law enforcement careers where local, state, and federal agencies were represented.  Each agency spoke individually about their departments and how local, state and federal agencies all work together to protect America in the post 9-1-1 era.

Minneapolis Police Officer David Palmer spoke about the ever changing roles of the local police force and the necessity of criminal justice students to plan for their futures in their respected career paths.  Officer Palmer emphasized the necessary preparing of résumés through volunteer work, future career related employment, professional associations/affiliations, and gathering the personal and professional background information needed to put forth a professional perspective towards hopeful employers that would set you apart from other job applicants.

Special Agent K9 Handler Sheila Fry, Certified Explosives Specialist, from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) came out with her K9 partner “Andy” and spoke about her career with the agency and what her job entails.  They performed a demonstration of explosive material detection and spoke about their history of the (ATF) including their response to the World Trade Center bombing.

Special Agent David Carriker from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) also spoke to the audience about the personal challenges that he had went through when he transferred careers from being a chemist to being an Federal Agent. 

Both Agents Fry and Carriker spoke about the personal requirements of being employed with the Federal Government, how to prepare and apply for a position and some of the personal sacrifices that is necessary for the career path which they have chosen.

Conservation Officer (CO) Julie Siems from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) spoke about her career path with the DNR along with some of the challenges, rewards and the paths she took to become a Conservation Officer.  CO Siems specifically referenced how she works with local, other state agencies and the Federal Fish and Wildlife Services to perform investigations and assist in the successful prosecution of offenders.

There was alot of positive feedback from the students who attended the event, so watch for the  Lake Elmo/Woodbury campus  to hold more criminal justice related events.

Event Host and written by Rasmussen College Instructor Leslie Palmer

 Minnesota Corrections Association (MCA) held it’s Annual Fall Training Institute October 17-18-19, 2007 in St. Cloud, MN. The purpose of the Training Institute is to provide MCA members with a valuable training opportunity, which will promote both professional and personal growth. MCA is a non-profit professional association of more than 1,000 members, statewide, that has served as a forum for corrections in Minnesota since 1933. Members represent all facets of the field, including probation, supervised release, community based programs, residential programs and correctional facilities. The Minnesota Corrections Association is the oldest and largest corrections association in the state of Minnesota. It is also one of the largest in the nation.

There were over 750 corrections professionals in attendance. Also, there were almost 80 students from numerous colleges that received scholarships to attend the conference at no charge. Four Rasmussen College students from Mankato attended. There are a variety of workshops to choose from depending on your interests. Some of the scheduled topics were: Sex Offender Recidivism, Effective Case Planning, YLS/LSI-R Booster Training, Domestic Violence, Civil Commitment, Homicidal Behavior, just to name a few. Key note speakers included Crystal Woodman Miller, a survivor of the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999. She delivered an inspirational message of hope. Also speaking was Denise Brown, Nicole Brown Simpson’s sister. She has dedicated her life to spread the message of non-violence and domestic violence awareness.

Wednesday morning I attended a workshop titled ‘Female Responsive Programming’, the presenters were three Probation Officers from Hennepin County. They discussed current issues facing female offenders and research initiatives taking place in the state. Wednesday afternoon I attended a workshop titled ‘I Didn’t Know My Own Strength’, the presenter was Jackie Millar. She survived an execution style shooting, when she interrupted two teens who were attempting to steal her car. She has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show and recounted her experience. She was shot and left for dead, doctors said she would never survive, yet she has recovered and has faced the man that tried to kill her and forgave him. A very emotional and spiritual presentation.

Thursday morning I attended ‘Homicidal Behavior’, presented by the Wisconsin Association of Homicide Investigations. The session included case studies and discussed the 14 warning signs of potentially violent (homicidal) behavior. Thursday afternoon I attended ‘Dealing with Change and Negativity’, presented by a retired police officer now engaged in providing professional training services. The workshop helped to increase an individual’s effectiveness in dealing with negative behaviors and resistance to change. Many humorous anecdotes were presented and I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.

In addition to the many quality training opportunities there was a Resource Fair sponsored by 72 agencies that provide services to correctional clients as well as professionals working in corrections. Some very valuable information about services provided is available as well as some treats and goodies for stopping and chatting.

I would highly recommend exploring the MCA website to learn more about the organization and the many opportunities that exist for you to get involved. I hope to see you in Duluth next year for the 75th Annual Fall Training Institute.

Peace.