[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
If you\u00a0<\/span>like<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>understanding\u00a0<\/span>how\u00a0<\/span>the law intersects with real<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>life<\/span>, you could\u00a0<\/span>foster that interest<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>into a career as a\u00a0<\/span>law enforcement or corrections officer or any of the many personnel in the Criminal Justice system<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After being a prosecuting attorney for 11 years,\u00a0<\/span>I understand the importance of preparing quality Criminal Justice professionals who will approach their work ethically and with passion, who respect all individuals,\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>who understand the system<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>will do great work within it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let me tell you about\u00a0<\/span>WSU\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Criminal Justice<\/span><\/a>\u00a0program.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/04\/Michelle-Keller.jpg” title_text=”Michelle-Keller” admin_label=”Keller Headshot” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Keller Author Creds” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_testimonial admin_label=”Keller Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n We are at a time of great hope for great change within the Criminal Justice system, and it\u2019s a privilege to work with students who will soon be part of that change.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Jump to…” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/criminal-justice\/#passionate” button_text=”Why I’m Passionate about This Field” admin_label=”Why I’m Passionate about This Field” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/criminal-justice\/#offer” button_text=”What We Offer at WSU” admin_label=”What We Offer at WSU” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/criminal-justice\/#do” button_text=”What You’ll Do” admin_label=”What You’ll Do” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/criminal-justice\/#experiences” button_text=”Experiences You’ll Get” admin_label=”Experiences You’ll Get” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/criminal-justice\/#shoutout” button_text=”Alumni & Student Shoutouts” admin_label=”Alumni & Student Shoutouts” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”passionate” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Why I’m Passionate about This Field – Title” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Why I’m Passionate about This Field – Body” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n I was always drawn to teaching, even before I went to law school. I worked as a prosecuting attorney for about 11 years and in different states\u2014from\u00a0<\/span>Michigan and\u00a0<\/span>Colorado to Missouri\u00a0<\/span>and<\/span>\u00a0Wisconsin\u2014<\/span>and no matter where I worked, a big part of my job was education. I\u00a0<\/span>regularl<\/span>y spoke with law enforcement and probation officers, I was heavily involved in on-going law enforcement trainings, and I acted as the liaison between prosecutor\u2019s offices and police departments.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Becoming a professor of Criminal Justice was a natural extension of this: I wanted to be part of the people who are going to be working in the field. Becoming a professor seemed like a great way to make an impact because one way or another, Criminal Justice is involved in our everyday lives.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The way a Criminal Justice system operates has an immense impact on a community and society.\u00a0<\/span>We are at a time of great hope for great change within the Criminal Justice system, and it\u2019s a privilege to work with students who will soon be part of that change.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Although Criminal Justice is a difficult field, it\u2019s never going to improve until we have good people who choose to improve it. And it\u2019s becoming apparent that there\u2019s a need for greater diversity of perspectives in Criminal Justice professionals. Differing perspectives is crucial for real, sustainable change.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After teaching Criminal Justice at WSU for six years now, I believe students should understand that they have a<\/span>\u00a0real<\/span>\u00a0opportunity to be part of the way that the Criminal Justice system operates in the future and how\u00a0<\/span>that system\u00a0<\/span>interacts with communit<\/span>ies<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Now is the perfect time to enter this field.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let me tell you more about our Criminal Justice program.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”offer” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/04\/Viewing-Rooms.png” title_text=”Viewing-Rooms1280″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/04\/Etta-Wheeler-Mock-House.png” title_text=”Etta-Wheeler-Mock-House1280″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What We Offer at WSU – Title” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”What We Offer at WSU – Body” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n All Criminal Justice students gain foundational knowledge of the Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice systems, Criminology, and Criminal Law and Procedure. Our students then take their knowledge to the next level through hands-on learning opportunities in our advanced campus spaces.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The\u00a0<\/span>Etta Wheeler Mock House, for example, allows students to act as police investigators and practice being the first to arrive at a crime scene. The Etta Wheeler Mock House is a two-bedroom apartment with bedroom<\/span>s<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>a\u00a0<\/span>bathroom, kitchen, living room, and laundry room. The apartment can be adapted with props to make the space appear neat and cozy<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>chaotic and messy<\/span>, or anything in between<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We also have four private Forensic Interview Rooms set up for one-on-one interviewing. Here, students practice\u00a0<\/span>eliciting<\/span>\u00a0good information from others<\/span>, as<\/span>king questions that aren\u2019t suggestive and protect <\/span>the accuracy\u00a0<\/span>of<\/span>\u00a0information, having proper interactions with victims and witnesses who have suffered through traumatic events, and establishing rapport and creating a level of trust and comfort when talking to others. These rooms\u00a0<\/span>are fully equipped with everything needed for a child forensic interview, including\u00a0<\/span>anatomical diagrams and dolls.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Etta Wheeler Mock House and Forensic Interview Rooms are wired for video and audio recording. Both spaces also offer remote viewing rooms<\/span> that allow for simultaneous viewing of exercises. That way, <\/span>instructors, peers, and students themselves can review their performance and skill\u00a0<\/span>later on<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whereas students regularly visit the Forensic Interview Rooms to ensure they\u2019re comfortable in those spaces, students visit the Etta Wheeler Mock House less frequently to ensure they don\u2019t get too comfortable with the space\u2014this is important because no two crime scenes are alike, so this prepares them for that fact.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to these advanced spaces, our students also practice testifying in our on-campus courtroom. The coolest part: they get to be cross-examined by a real-life and experienced guest attorney!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”do” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/04\/MN-Marine-Art-Museum.png” title_text=”MN-Marine-Art-Museum” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/04\/Cal-Fremling.png” title_text=”Cal-Fremling” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”What You’ll Do – Title” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”What You’ll Do – Body” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Getting to know and experience a community is so important for those entering into service professions.<\/p>\n Upon graduation, our students leave WSU prepared to speak with and serve child victims in ways that Criminal Justice graduates from other institutions are not. We incorporate opportunities into our curriculum for students to talk to pre-school and elementary schoolers one-on-one and work on creating rapport with them to discuss both positive and negative events. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These visits to local schools and daycare centers help enhance students\u2019 communication and forensic interviewing skills. Criminal Justice students also gain experience with face drawings and family circles with the help of these children from the community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We’ve taken our students to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum for art and culture education, and we\u2019ve even taken them out on the Mississippi River on the Cal Fremling to practice their networking with WSU professors and other professionals while enjoying this beautiful area.<\/p>\n On top of all this<\/span>, students learn about and practice writing offender risks\/needs assessments, which are\u00a0<\/span>often considered<\/span>\u00a0best practice for determining\u00a0<\/span>case o<\/span>utcome<\/span>s in corrections settings.\u00a0<\/span>For example, a detention risk assessment may be used to decide whether a juvenile should stay\u00a0<\/span>in detention\u00a0<\/span>or can return home while their case is pending. It\u2019s important for students to learn how to properly complete these assessments because of their prominence in the field of Criminal Justice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We also host an annual Criminal Justice Internship and Job Fair that connects Criminal Justice agencies with our students. It\u2019s a great opportunity for networking with alumni and professionals in the field.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”experiences” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/04\/Agencies-Amy-Nelson-20.jpg” title_text=”Experiences-You’ll-Get1280″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Experiences You’ll Get – Title” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Experiences You’ll Get – Body” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n I love watching students figure out hard things, like understanding a United States Supreme Court case decision or learning how to read criminal statutes. But probably the best part of my job is supervising students through their internship experience\u2014especially watching them learn from what they\u00a0<\/span>get to<\/span>\u00a0see<\/span>\u00a0and do<\/span>\u00a0in the field.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Criminal Justice students\u00a0<\/span>are required to\u00a0<\/span>complete a 480-hour internship in the field. Corrections majors typically do this during their final semester, and Law Enforcement majors typically do this the summer between their junior and senior years at WSU.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Depending on a student\u2019s goals for after graduation, you could find yourself attending police ride-<\/span>alongs<\/span>\u00a0and criminal investigations and working with prosecuting attorneys, dispatch, or medical examiners. Or you could find yourself having your own\u00a0<\/span>probation\u00a0<\/span>clients, case planning, <\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>conducting interviews and <\/span>offender meetings<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Previous Law Enforcement students have interned at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA),\u00a0<\/span>the<\/span>\u00a0Drug<\/span> Enforcement Administration (DEA), and police and sheriff\u2019s departments<\/span> all over\u2014including placements like<\/span>\u00a0Winona and St. Paul, Minnesota; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Naperville, Illinois; and even Clearwater, Florida.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In the past, Corrections students have interned at local juvenile and adult probation and parole offices; the Advocacy Center of Winona; prisons in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota; and even the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Or, in\u00a0Akpos\u00a0Eyafe\u2019s\u00a0case, an organization focused on giving back to the community, especially to individuals with underrepresented voices.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”shoutout” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Student Shoutout” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Akpos Eyafe” job_title=”Senior Criminal Justice: Corrections Student” company_name=”Winona State University” portrait_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/04\/Akpos-Eyafe.jpeg” admin_label=”Akpos Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n The Criminal Justice program has prepared me very well for my future career. The faculty keep us well-informed about what’s going on in the world around us and what we need to do within the program to be successful.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I just got offered an internship opportunity with Urban Scholars. My position at this internship will include community outreach with marginalized populations. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I want to complete my internship here because I believe community outreach and development is critical to improving the relationship between law enforcement and the public.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Keller has always been kind to me within and outside of the classroom, and she’s\u00a0actually my\u00a0academic advisor. I admire the way Dr. Keller carries herself: her demeanor demands respect.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I have a lot of respect for her not only as an authority figure in my life, but also as another woman in a male-dominated field.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Our alumni go on to do great things in the field of Criminal Justice, like Shawn Kudron, Chief of Police for the La Crosse Police Department:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Alumni Shoutout” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Shawn Kudron ’97” job_title=”Chief of Police” company_name=”La Crosse Police Department” portrait_url=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2021\/04\/Shawn-Kudron.jpg” admin_label=”Kudron Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n As the Chief of Police, no two days are alike. I\u00a0<\/span>think of new ways<\/span> to engage our community, work with staff who investigate crime, recruit new officers to our department, and con<\/span>sistently review<\/span>\u00a0policy and procedures to ensure our department is following best practices in the policing profession.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Michelle Keller, J.D.<\/h4>\n
Jump to…<\/h2>\n
Why I’m Passionate about This Field<\/h3>\n
What We Offer at WSU<\/h3>\n
What You’ll Do<\/h3>\n
Experiences You’ll Get<\/h3>\n
Student Shoutout: Akpos Eyafe<\/h3>\n
Alumni Shoutout: Shawn Kudron<\/h3>\n