Research and service
Students in the MA Criminal Justice Program at WSU Spokane have unique opportunities to conduct hands-on research and service in the criminal justice community.
Our philosophy is not simply to give students a classroom and theoretical education. We strive to facilitate real world educational experiences that often lead to or enhance careers in criminal justice.
Institutions
Students are given opportunities to participate in evaluation research of police agencies and work on applied research projects with city, state, federal and tribal agencies through three widely recognized institutes housed at the campus:
- Washington State Institute for Community Oriented Policing (WSICOP)
- Western Regional Institute for Community Oriented Public Safety (WRICOPS)
- Division of Governmental Studies and Services (DGSS)
Opportunities
Students also conduct research on correctional and judicial issues through the program's connections with local agencies. Faculty members employ students as research assistants to assist them in their ongoing research projects.
Students are encouraged to attend professional meetings and conferences. Students regularly present papers at conferences with the financial assistance of the university and funds raised by the Criminal Justice Student Association. Attendance at these conferences enables students to share their research with others, learn more about their specific areas of interest, and make professional connections that aid their professional life after graduate school.
Research spotlight
WSICOP currently engages in activity with founding partners in two principal ways. First, a community perspective is provided to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's Peace Officer Certifications Hearing Panel.
This panel hears testimony to determine whether evidence exists that would lead to the decertification of commissioned police officers (Executive Director Mike Erp serves as a presiding panel member).
Second, researchers from WSICOP provide technical assistance to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs in facilitating their “Town Forum” and “Five Hills Over” sessions, and serve as members and research consultants to the WASPC Police Futures Committee.
