Mission
The Justice & Safety Center is a team of faculty and staff at Eastern Kentucky University dedicated to the advancement of public safety and security. The Justice & Safety Center specializes in:
- Research and evaluation
- Prototype development and testing
- Training
- Technical assistance
- Application of emerging technologies
The Justice & Safety Center will achieve national and international recognition as the leading university-based center focused on public safety and security.
- Research & Evaluation
Research conducted by the JSC is critical to subsequent development of prototype technologies that are ultimately tested and evaluated for their efficiency for the end user. Continuous dialog is maintained with professionals in the field to identify current needs. Following assessments of needs and availability of existing technologies, research is undertaken to assess the "fit" of what is available and determine whether or not prototype development is necessary.
By examining the "best practices," conducting national assessments and surveys, and developing "lessons learned" databases, the JSV adds to the current body of knowledge on various public safety and security programs and technologies. Current technologies under development include, but are not limited to various surveillance technologies and distributed learning modules on CD's, Internet, and handheld computing systems.
- Testing & Prototype Development
-
The JSC conducts testing and evaluations of existing and emerging technologies. Testing and evaluation is imperative for determining the value of the technology prototypes and identifying areas for improvement. Continuous evaluation insures, at a minimum, that every effort is made to remain on the cutting edge with regard to product development and user-friendliness in today's challenging environment. In addition to product testing and evaluation, the JSC conducts program and system evaluation that employ technology for law enforcement and security.
- Training & Technical Assistance
-
Working with the Kentucky Regional Community Policing Institute (RCPI) and the Rural Law Enforcement Technology Center (RULETC), the JSC provides training and technical assistance to various public safety agencies on assorted subject matters. Training provided through RCPI includes police ethics and integrity, community policing to reduce domestic violence, community safe initiatives, and on-site community assessments. Through programs such as the Virtual Technology Officer, the FLETC Virtual Campus, and various courses offered at the Center in Hazard, RULETC provides quality capacity building activities for small and rural law enforcement officers. In addition, Eastern Kentucky University is entering its 12th year as the sole source provider for the U.S. Air Force Crime Prevention training.
