The driving simulator not only lets you experience real world scenarios like conducting a traffic stop, stopping a drunk driver, and participating in high speed chases, it also takes the students away from the normal lecture and allows them to have fun and challenge themselves, while also learning."
Course name: CRJ 217: American Policing
Instructor: Adam Jack, Chairperson for the Criminal Justice and Social Sciences Department, Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of Athletics
Course description: Topics considered include the historical foundations of policing processes in America, occupational roles and tasks of law enforcement, and the nature and designs of typical, as well as innovative, police systems. Problems of policing and community interaction are also an essential component of the course. Hands-on components include training on the Patrol Driving Simulator and the Lasershot Use of Force Simulator.
Instructor Commentary: The addition of the Patrol Simulator to the Criminal Justice Administration curriculum provides yet another training opportunity that very few undergraduate students would experience at any other university in the country. The instructors that will utilize this simulator for training are Pennsylvania State Troopers, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Officers, and other industry experts that will be able to put students into real world situations, allowing for problem solving and critical thinking opportunities that will better prepare them for their careers. There is also applicability with the simulator for ongoing professional development opportunities for current officers, as well as training for distracted driving for those that are just learning to drive. We are very lucky to have support from the University and a generous donor to purchase training items to better prepare the next generation of criminal justice professionals.
Student Commentary: "American policing was a very interesting and fun class to take. You get to learn information such as how to stay safe while conducting a traffic stop, or what you will experience while going through the police academy. This is information that you will use the rest of your life in your profession as a police officer. You also get to learn about the history of policing and how/who started the profession. One reason I was compelled to take the class was because I got to participate in using the driving simulator. The driving simulator not only lets you experience real world scenarios like conducting a traffic stop, stopping a drunk driver, and participating in high speed chases, it also takes the students away from the normal lecture and allows them to have fun and challenge themselves, while also learning. Overall I believe this class showcased what it is like to work in law enforcement and gave great examples of what your day to day life would look like from people that actually worked in the field." - Garrett Cook, criminal justice administration major
Department of Criminal Justice & Social Sciences
As a student in the Department of Criminal Justice & Social Sciences, you'll gain a new perception of law and its role in the delivery of American justice or you'll gain an in-depth understanding the psychological and political aspects of contemporary issues from law and international studies to human services and sociology.
