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.
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.
