Valdosta State University’s Criminal Justice Outreach Program is offering the community another opportunity to learn more about its ongoing Critical Issues in Criminal Justice Seminar Series.
 
Members of the community who want to learn more about the seminars are invited to attend an open house from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, in the University Center Magnolia Room. The open house is free of charge.
 
Dr. Bobbie Ticknor and Dr. Sha Wilfred, faculty members in VSU’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, will give brief previews of Technology in Policing, which will be offered on May 12, and Diversion Programs, which will be offered on June 30. Refreshments will be served and attendees will have an opportunity to meet and greet with faculty members from the department.
 
Technology in Policing will explore the history of technology in policing, technology used to improve execution of officer duties, the enhancement of community relations, the newest technology in policing, research on police body-worn cameras, and more.
 
Diversion Programs will discuss diversion programs in specialty courts, restorative justice initiatives, advantages and limitations of diversion programs targeted at juveniles and nonviolent offenders, the role of alternative courts in working with offenders with mental health and substance abuse issues, and more.
 
Participants interested in attending Technology in Policing or Diversion Programs can register online at https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts-sciences/sacj/criminal-justice/forms/open-house-rsvp.php. Advance registration is $300 for general admission, $150 for VSU alumni, and $75 for current VSU students, faculty, or staff. Employees from any Lowndes County criminal justice agency can register for a discounted fee of $225. Onsite registration will be available for an additional fee of $50. Registration includes continuing education unit credits, breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
 
The Critical Issues in Criminal Justice Seminar Series is presented in collaboration with VSU’s Office of Admissions, Dual Credit Honors Academy, and Pathways Program. It is funded by the Criminal Justice Outreach Program, which is supported by a 2016-2017 VSU Innovation Fund Grant. The Innovation Fund was created to invest in the future of VSU by supporting innovative practices, programs, and approaches that continue to improve teaching, services, and support of VSU students.