At the Center

The Criminal Justice Center is in the midst of a much-needed refresh. The furniture in our common areas is worn. Confronted with the prospect of spending substantial sums of money to restore our furniture to its 1976 glory, we decided, instead, to purchase more contemporary furniture with built-in charging stations that will provide a much more welcoming experience for our students and visitors. We also will have furniture and spaces that will facilitate conversation and collaboration. Of course, a fresh coat of paint was in order before the furniture installation. Technological upgrades are also in the works. An interactive kiosk in the lobby will welcome visitors to the CJ Center. They will be able to view a “Welcome” video from the Dean introducing them to the Center and the College—or a “Bienvenidos” version for our Spanish-speaking visitors. Video monitors near the advising office will inform students about internships, job openings, and other opportunities to build an experiential base and facilitate smooth transition into the workforce.

Even as we move into the future, though, we continue to celebrate and honor our past. Our lobby now features plaques that recognize our three Distinguished Professors. Likewise, the wall in the hallway leading to the Dean’s Suite commemorates those who have served the college as Dean. The College seal also hangs on the wall of the lobby and, across from it, a large illuminated “College of Criminal Justice” sign expresses the Bearkat Pride of our students, faculty, and staff. Throughout the building, we will acknowledge the accomplishments of our faculty, staff, and students.

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LEMIT

Leadership Command College (LCC): The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) graduated it’s 82nd class of the Leadership Command College. The Leadership Command College is the most comprehensive program offered at LEMIT. The nine-week program is designed to provide law enforcement executives with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful leadership in a modern law enforcement agency.

Targeted for completion over a two-year period, this program consists of three modules held at prestigious universities in Texas, including Texas AM, Sam Houston State University and Texas Woman's University, which focus on the strengths of each institution. It also includes an optional fourth module to continue educational opportunities as well as a Leadership Command College Alumni Association to keep in touch with colleagues from the course and ongoing information on topics of interest to the field of criminal justice.

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Fire Executive Management Training Program (FEMT)

The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas is collaborating with the Texas Fire Marshals' Association to provide the first executive management training session for the discipline in the nation. Their 3rd class graduated in November.

The program addresses the professional qualifications for fire marshals and evaluate the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to meet essential tasks of the job based on National Fire Protection Association standards. The program also will focus on the day-to-day operations of the job as well as community risk assessments and resource distribution.

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CMIT

The Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT) at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) hosted its annual Texas Mental Health Training Initiative for Jails with attendees representing county jails, mental health professionals, and federal partners. The initiative is a collaborative attempt to continue leading the way in a training initiative for jail detention officers in Texas to address mental health issues in their facilities.

This year, the program celebrates certifying its first 24 jail officers since the initial collaboration last year.