It’s hard to go to school to become a police officer when the whole world seems to have turned on the profession over a highly publicised injustice.
Now don’t get me wrong, it could be seen as a noble career to pursue to some, but that does not erase all the years of stigma around the industry due to those who abuse and misuse authority.
Everyone knows what a police officer is in theory, someone helping the community and keeping the community safe. However, they are often perceived as rule breakers for personal gain and people who only see color, creating a police state run by the white man that shoots anything with a pulse.
This makes it hard to believe in the profession when those who bleed blue are argued to be a living and working hate crime.
Despite that, my hope is that not all the world views cops with a prejudiced outlook, but helps recognize those who strive for the original oath: to protect and serve all those who make up the community.
A critical part of this understanding is realizing the many different positions within the Criminal Justice (CJ) major.
My specialty of study is forensics and communications, minors that combine to get a Public Information Officer (PIO) job, which is a sub-department in a police station that deals with local emergencies and the public.
To sum it up, my new life mission is to become JJ from “Criminal Minds“, which is so ironic because I told myself I would not be that Criminal Justice freshman who thinks the Federal Bureau of Investigation is an option.
Speaking of “Criminal Minds,” it serves as the perfect example of the “CSI Effect,” which is the exaggerated portrayal of forensic science and criminal procedure on fictional crime shows such as “Law and Order” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
Just look at all those true crime podcasts and YouTube channels where amateurs attempt to solve cases from Gabby Petito to Casey Anthony. Apparently a degree in criminal justice is not even needed for the world of crime anymore; anyone can be an expert.
Because if Ice-T can be a fake cop then anyone can.
There is such a saturated market from fictional to real crime shows. I even grew up watching “The First 48” and “Forensic Files” for fun, which are both factual crime shows that sparked an interest in the forensic field.
There is so much more to CJ than police work. There’s correction, parol, forensics and attorneys. The list goes on and on.
Understanding the variety and importance of the Criminal Justice major is critical considering the draw of Colorado Mesa University’s (CMU) program.
The advantage of studying here at CMU is the vast community, resources and career help provided for the students from enrollment to after graduation. From the Forensic Investigation Research Facility, the western United States’ only taphonomic research facility, to the new masters program in Criminal Justice, the program is constantly evolving.
CMU’s advancement of the Criminal Justice major is an inspiration for those who still believe in cops and grew up watching “Dateline” instead of “Care Bears.” This helps us to pursue careers in law enforcement, regardless of the large stigma the major carries in today’s world.
