Criminal Justice Club
The Criminal Justice club is one of the most exciting clubs at Shippensburg University and it is open to all students. We seek to provide interesting events, critical information, and valuable skills to students interested in all fields of Criminal Justice—including Law Enforcement, Forensics, Corrections, Law and Criminology. We are committed to helping students reach their academic and professional goals through network and skill building, while also assisting our community with creative charity work and community service.
Despite the clear focus the club puts on the field of Criminal Justice, it is open-and free-to all students of Shippensburg University. All it takes to be a member is to consider yourself one. Students are encouraged to attend our bi-weekly meetings to learn more about the club, the field and our coming events.
The Criminal Justice club offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge, and learn more about the many careers and issues in the field of Criminal Justice. They can also form connections with interested students, professors and established professionals-in other words, creating a network. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in exciting events-such as playing Dodgeball, Airsoft/Paintball, attend Murder Mystery Dinners and take part in both Crime Scene Investigations and Criminal Trials. Students will also have the chance to be part of club field trips to places such as the Cumberland County Prison, Shooters Range in Chambersburg, and Washington D.C to visit the Museum and Crime and Punishment and its Forensics laboratory. Unique to the Criminal Justice club is the opportunity to become a Junior Executive. Junior Executives are chosen by the Executive board and join them in all executive meetings. Junior Executives gain the knowledge and experience of running a club, which is invaluable experience to have in college and beyond.
The Criminal Justice Club engages in a variety of activities each academic year. Here are some examples of the activities we have sponsored in the past:
- Traveled to the Crime and Punishment Museum in Washington, D.C.
- Sponsored a trip to the Carlisle Police Department for a tour
- Hosted several guest speakers from various agencies in the field of criminal justice to include: the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Cornell Abraxas, and The Pennsylvania Department of Probation and Parole.
- Donated over 215 non-perishable food items to the Kings Kettle Food Pantry before the holidays
- Hosted a CPR training and certification seminar for CRJ students
- Assisted with the Criminal Justice Department's annual Career Fair
We are always looking to provide greater access to individuals in the field who can answer questions, offer their insight, and provide direction to students. Additionally, we are exploring the requirements necessary to establish a chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association (Lambda Alpha Epsilon). By sponsoring speakers, trips, community service activities, and by joining a national organization, we can continue to expand our networking capabilities and enhance the recognition of our Club.
CRJ Club President, Victoria Carroll (vc3640@ship.edu)
CRJ Club Advisor, Professor Stephanie Jirard (sajira@ship.edu)