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In 2011, California took a revolutionary step to deal with prison overcrowding through a major correctional system reorganization called Public Safety Realignment. This involved local law enforcement, corrections departments and participation from community based organizations to manage offenders locally and work to reduce recidivism. Interface, where I have interned, has worked with the Ventura County Probation Agency to develop comprehensive community programs for non-serious offenders under local supervision. I have assisted these organizations in research and implementation techniques for evidence-based practices to help those offenders coming into or staying in the community. My personal observations and experience in this internship has shown me how much criminal justice theory and research applies to real word practices and policy development. Additionally, it has shown me a career path where criminal justice experience combined with non-profit organizations can assist them as they take on roles to enhanced community safety.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is an organization responsible for criminal investigations on Naval and Marine Bases throughout the United States, as well as around the world. Through my NCIS internship I had the opportunity to work closely with Special Agents assisting and observing in various aspects of the investigation process. I had the opportunity to see the entire investigation process from the initial call, response to the scene, collection of evidence, conducting interviews and eventually closing a case. My NCIS internship gave me great insight and enhanced my knowledge in the process of conducting a criminal investigation, as well as the criminal justice system as a whole. I was able to apply methods and theories from my course work to the real world cases that I assisted the agents with. This added experience will be extremely beneficial in helping me pursue a career in this field.

Academic Service-Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ enables students to deepen their knowledge of their coursework, and apply what they are learning through service. Our Criminology course established a partnership with the Ventura County Probation and gained great insight into the problems of juvenile delinquency, and how the Juvenile Facilities operate to care for their juveniles. We had the opportunity to tour the Juvenile Facilities and also interact with probation officers. Not only did our understanding of juvenile delinquency deepen through this partnership, but in return, our class provided the agency with research and recommendations based on the agency’s requested topics. Within my research team, I specifically studied the impact of first time detainment on juvenile offenders. My research team also suggested further community programs for Ventura County Probation to explore.

Family violence has always occurred, but has not always been recognized as a social problem. Family violence is a pervasive problem affecting the lives of many women, men, and children worldwide. The Coalition for Family Harmony is a non-profit organization in Ventura County that provides support through services and intervention programs to victims and offenders of family violence. In my position as a resource table volunteer at a service-learning community awareness event, I was able to assist with community awareness in the support of family, friends, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I have recognize the serious need for awareness and the importance of creating a harmonious home and environment to families in our communities in order to intervene and prevent family violence. Ultimately, my service with the Coalition informed my learning in the classroom, and the classroom knowledge informed my desire to engage in serving my community.