Criminal Justice Week planned at Miami Regionals

By Brennan Burks, Miami University Regionals

During Criminal Justice Week (Feb. 27-March 3), Miami Regionals’ department of justice and community studies will host events featuring current practitioners, experts in the field, and faculty. Guests from the areas of law enforcement, forensic investigation, courts and corrections will participate.

Feb. 27, Panel Discussion - Prison Reform in America, 9 a.m., 136/137 Johnston Hall, Middletown campus. In 2015, America had the highest incarceration rate in the world, with five percent of the world's population and 25 percent of its prisoners. With nearly 2.5 million Americans in prison, reform of the prison system is a hot topic.

Feb. 27, Film Screening - Broken on All Sides: Race, Mass Incarceration, and New Visions, noon, 142 Johnston Hall, Middletown campus. “Broken On All Sides” is a compelling documentary addressing racial inequities within our criminal justice system and its devastating collateral consequences.

Feb. 28, Improving Policing in America, 9 a.m., 136/137 Johnston Hall, Middletown campus.  In this panel discussion, learn ways we can improve our police force and help protect them and others in a hot political climate.

March 1, Criminal Justice Career Symposium, 8:30 a.m.–noon, 136/137 Johnston Hall, Middletown campus. Professionals in law enforcement, forensic investigation and corrections will discuss the nature of their careers and then join in a panel discussion.

March 1, Criminal Justice Career Fair, noon –3 p.m., 142 Johnston Hall, Middletown campus. Representatives from a number of criminal justice agencies will be on hand to meet with interested students to share information about career opportunities in their field.

March 2, What is the Proper Role of Courts in America?, 9 a.m., Seminar 3, Harry T. Wilks Conference Center, Hamilton campus. In this panel discussion, learn the importance of courts to the justice system and what makes the courts work.

March 2, Reality of Re-entry: A Lunchtime Discussion of the Real Issues, noon, 136/137 Johnston Hall, Middletown campus. Participate in a discussion on issues affecting individuals released from prison and rejoining society, including lack of support and resources.

March 2, Tour – Butler County Jail, 2 p.m.

Concluding the week on Friday, March 3, will be tours of the Middletown Police Department (9 a.m.), the Hamilton Police Department (11 a.m.) and Butler County Juvenile Court/Detention in Hamilton (1 p.m.). The full schedule is online. For more information, contact the department of justice and community studies at JCS@MiamiOH.edu or (513) 785-7702.