From the CSU ChancellorÂs Office, Public Affairs:
Criminal Justice Experts and
California State University
To Examine Workforce Challenges
and Student Preparation
LOS ANGELES Â DNA, carpet fiber and fingerprint analysis are some of the activities portrayed in mainstream media that have helped increase college student interest in criminology in recent years. Forensics, however, is just one category in the criminal justice spectrum. That is why on Nov. 3 leaders who work and teach in several disciplines will come together at Cal State L.A. to discuss California State UniversityÂs role in preparing students for the multitude of occupations within this exciting field.
The forum, which will be held from 9:15 a.m. to noon on Friday, Nov. 3 at Cal State L.A.Âs Golden Eagle, will also focus on specific programs offered at the 23 CSU campuses throughout the state.
Showcasing the event will be a panel of experts from throughout California who work in law enforcement, forensics, judicial service, criminalistics, homeland security, criminal justice education and other specialties.
More than 7,900 students are enrolled in criminal justice programs on CSU campuses. Annually, CSU graduates 1,800 criminal justice professionals into the workforce. That represents 89 percent of the CaliforniaÂs total graduates in this field.
ÂCriminal justice is one the most timely and popular fields of study today, said California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed. ÂThis panel of experts will not only explore the universityÂs vital role in preparing students to tackle the challenges within criminal justice, but also the skills and commitment needed by students to succeed in the fields that interest them.Â
Chancellor Reed and Cal State L.A. President James M. Rosser will speak on behalf of the CSU, and Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley will provide the eventÂs opening remarks.
The forumÂs keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Devine, co-executive producer of the hit television show ÂCSI: Miami and former head of the Los Angeles Sheriff DepartmentÂs crime scene investigation unit. Devine retired in 2000 after 15 years with the LASD and joined the production of CSI as a technical consultant.
Broadcaster and Cal State L.A. professor Tony Cox will moderate the panel of criminal justice experts, which will include the following speakers:
Rolanda Pierre-Dixon, supervising district attorney of the domestic violence division, Santa Clara County District AttorneyÂs Office, and the countyÂs expert on domestic violence
Barry Fisher, director, Los Angeles County SheriffÂs Office, Crime Laboratory
Michael Judge, chief public defender for the county of Los Angeles with oversight for 40 offices and more than 700 lawyers
Brian Levin, criminologist, civil rights attorney and director for the Study of Hate & Extremism, Cal State San Bernardino
Scott LaChasse, vice president of security and emergency services for Paramount Pictures
Michael Nash, presiding judge, Los Angeles Juvenile Court at the EdelmanÂs Children Court facility
Ralph W. Partridge, acting special agent in charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Los Angeles Field Division
For a complete view of the CSUÂs impact on the field of criminal justice as well as other industries, go to www.calstate.edu/impact/.
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