Program of Distinction
Under Kentucky state law, one program from each regional university has been chosen as a Program of Distinction earning more resources and greater recognition.
In 1998 the College of Justice and Safety (then the College of Law Enforcement) was awarded this designation.
The award and funds have empowered the College in many ways and have provided for improved technology, more personnel, scholarships, faculty fellowships, research and an increase in international efforts.
Highlights from the 2007/2008 Academic Year
- The Correctional & Juvenile Justice Studies Department continued to reach out to individuals working in the fields of adult corrections and juvenile justice by expanding their online learning programs in the 2007-08 academic year.
In addition to being able to complete the major requirements for a bachelor’s degree online, students are now able to complete the entire Master’s degree via distance education. This online course development demonstrates the Department’s dedication to providing educational opportunities to non-traditional students.
- The Criminal Justice and Police Studies Department
hosted a symposium on “Crime, Justice and War in a World Without Borders.” The Department welcomed internationally recognized scholars who joined together to discuss these timely issues and share insights from their various research activities.
- The Department of Safety, Security & Emergency Management began offering a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security to address the nation’s growing homeland security needs and issues. In addition to providing students with a broad understanding of safety and security issues, the Homeland Security bachelor’s degree program focuses on four vital components of homeland security: prevention and protection; preparedness and response; information sharing and analysis; and research and technology.
- The Training Resource Center/University Training Consortium staff developed a prototype “Critical Incident Reporting Tool” that could be used by social workers for online entry of critical incidents and unusual occurrences. Since its inception, this resource has been used to capture more than 1,400 events that impacted worker safety and provide timely responses to those events.
- The College’s Justice & Safety Center (JSC) has received more than $121 million in grant funding since its inception in 1998. In its first year, JSC began with $1.2 million and in the 2007-08 fiscal year, received more than $20 million in grant funding.
- The College hosted their fifth annual Night of Distinguished Professionals Awards Dinner. The evening recognized individuals who stand out among their peers for their dedication to and advancement of the fields of justice and safety.
The evening’s awards honored the “Father of Community Policing” Dr. Lee Brown, retired Fire Chief Ron Coleman, Warden Cookie Crews and Tim James.
