John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Considered one of the leading institutions of higher education for law enforcement degrees, John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City serves students who wish to become police or public safety officials on the local, state, or federal level. Although John Jay School of Criminal Justice is now a premiere liberal arts college, in its earliest incarnations the school merely provided expanded police science courses to prospective officers of the New York City Police Department.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice has its roots in 1954, when the New York City Police Department and City College teamed together to create a Police Science program at the Baruch School of Business and Public Administration. In addition to courses specially developed for police officers, the school offered liberal arts courses that promoted a well-rounded education. The response to the program at City College was overwhelming, and just 10 years later, the New York Board of Higher Education established a specialized degree for police science.
To accommodate the flood of students seeking this degree, the College of Police Science opened its doors in 1965. Although the school was affiliated with City College, classes were initially held at the New York City Police Academy. By 1966, officials realized that the school’s name did not accurately reflect its diverse mission and broad curriculum. At that time, they voted to adopt the John Jay College of Criminal Justice moniker. Notable alumni of John Jay College of Criminal Justice include Petri Hawkins-Byrd, the bailiff on the Judge Judy television program; writers Dorothy Uhnak and Jennings Michael Burch; and forensic scientist Henry Lee.
Photography Tips for Beginners by Tinel Bedford, Part 2
Photography Tips for Beginners by Tinel Bedford, Part 1 here
Our photography advice for beginners concludes with several more useful pointers.
5. Mind the Mundane as Much as the Extraordinary
Do not overlook simplicity just because you want to capture something special. Often the best shots are found in the most ordinary of settings or objects.
6. Experiment
The best way to learn about your camera’s settings and develop your own unique style is by tinkering with the camera. Are you unsure as to what a particular button, function, or setting does? Enable it and take some pictures to find out. Take multiple pictures from different angles, vertical or horizontal and in different lighting conditions. This will give you a feel for what your camera can really do.
7. Study Technique
You should aim to craft and employ your own style of photography, but also study amateur and professional photographers to get a sense of their own style. You might find a technique of theirs you like and wish to incorporate into your style.
8. Practice Constantly
As with any skill, you have to practice photography often in order to evolve your talent. Nothing special needs to go into your practice sessions; simply take pictures and study them. What do you like about your work, and why? What factors could be improved?
9. Learn the Basics
There are a number of basic rules and practices on topics such as composition that you should learn. These basics will provide a foundation on which to build to more advanced techniques. Search the Internet and read as many beginner’s blogs and articles as you can find.
10. Have Fun
When you stop enjoying photography, it has become a chore. When you set out with your camera, try to remember why you became interested in photography and channel that positive energy in your endeavors.
International Association for Identification
Founded in 1915, the International Association for Identification (IAI) is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the forensic sciences. The organization represents members from around the world, including those in the academic, judicial, law enforcement, and private practice sectors. The IAI screens applicants with great care, and membership reflects commitment to a high standard of excellence in the forensic professions.
Offering many classes for the continuing education and professional development of its members, IAI also provides advanced certification programs in several disciplines. These programs involve rigorous coursework, strenuous testing, and a certification procedure administered by a board of experts. All programs must adhere to strict guidelines approved by IAI.
The certification programs currently available to members include Bloodstain Pattern Examiner; Footwear examiner; Forensic Photography; Crime Scene Investigator, Analyst, or Senior Analyst; Latent Print; and Tenprint Fingerprint.
Primarily focused on providing resources to forensic professionals, IAI also hosts an annual international educational conference for its members. The conference offers a comprehensive range of highly informative general sessions, workshops, presentations, and exhibits for basic and advanced practitioners alike.
Sergeant of Police and lecturer in Forensic Science Tinel Bedford is a member of the International Association for Identification.
