NORFOLK– Criminal justice is defined as the system of law enforcement, involving police, attorneys, courts, and corrections that is used in all stages of criminal proceedings and punishment. One important element of all of this is the ability to communicate effectively.

The Criminal Justice program at Northeast Community College is looking for opportunities to get out into the community in order for students to speak to groups and organizations on issues related to the subject.

Matt McCarthy, program director/instructor, is looking for 8-10 community groups to assist his Communication Skills in Criminal Justice class.

“What I am looking for are organizations, community groups, schools, nursing homes, and service clubs that would allow a group of two-to-three criminal justice students to come in and give a 15-20-minute presentation on a criminal justice topic of their choice. Possible topics could be scams targeting the elderly, cyberbullying, safe online practices, and the like,” he said.

McCarthy said communication is an important component to the education of his students, which is mostly made up of sophomores who will graduate this May.

“Since communication is such a big part of what our criminal justice professionals do day in and day out, this project is an excellent opportunity for our students to not only work on honing their skills, but also on educating the public and showcase what they are learning.”

Northeast Community College offers an associate of arts degree in law enforcement. The degree, with a concentration in criminal justice, provides students with a knowledge that allows them to directly apply skills on the job or to continue study toward a four-year degree.

In addition, Northeast Community College has an active Criminal Justice Association (CJA) for students. Activities include tours to various correctional facilities, such as the Omaha Correctional Facility and Madison County Jail, hosting speakers to discuss various criminal justice career fields, and demonstrations of the Mobile Crime Lab and repelling wall. There are several opportunities to get involved with community events. In past years, the CJA has assisted with security at the Nebraska Cattleman’s Ball, participated in a missing person search, and conducted a security assessment for the college campus.

For those interested in scheduling a time for Northeast Criminal Justice students to speak to their group or organization, contact McCarthy at (402) 844-7345 or by email at [email protected].