Criminal Justice
Contact Information
Criminal Justice
Kathleen Marino, M.S., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Annunciation Center 312
Phone: (973) 290-4324
kmarino@steu.edu
Michelle Perez
B.A. in Criminal Justice
Minor in Victim Services
As a criminal justice major and a victim services minor, Michelle Perez has been gaining
invaluable experience interning with the Morris Township Police Department.
As an intern, Michelle was assigned to an officer and participated in ride-alongs
during their shifts. During this time, she was able to witness how officers respond
to calls for service and gain experience in more proactive police work, such as motor
vehicle stops and community policing.
The hours she spent with the Department underscored the importance of community engagement
within policing. She recognized that, with the community's support, it's significantly
easier for officers to perform their jobs.
However, she may have never known about this internship if it wasn't for Heather Glogolich,
an SEU professor who currently worked at the Morris Township Police Department. Since
SEU's entire criminal justice faculty is comprised of current or retired law enforcement
officers, they bring with them vital connections for networking and building experience.
"In every class I teach, I mention that the Morris Township Police Department has
an internship program in hopes that it gives students an opportunity to receive hands-on
experiences in the field," explains Heather. "With her natural ability to see past
what is in front of her, integrity and great ability to communicate, she was the perfect
candidate for the program."
Prior to this internship, Michelle never realized the capabilities of her own mind
and body. Observing the officers reacting to rapidly developing situations with grace,
inspired Michelle. She hopes to take this experience and translate it into her own
experiences with law enforcement after graduation.
"This internship familiarized me with the law enforcement field and prepared me for
my career," says Michelle.
Jacqueline Carter
Master's in Justice Administration and Public Service
"I entered law enforcement to foster change within the community and to be a positive
role model," says Jacqueline Carter, director of the Community Engagement Division
for a Sheriff's Office in TX. She is the first African American woman to hold this
position in the agency.
Throughout her nearly 30-year career, one of Jacqueline's main goals has been to
improve the relationship between law enforcement and the community. She does this
through extensive community programming and by being an exemplary role model as a
law enforcement professional herself.
As a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
and the International Council of Women in Law Enforcement, Jacqueline was asked to
speak at SEU's Police Studies Institute on campus. This event ultimately led to Jacqueline
enrolling in SEU's master's in justice administration and public service program.
"Every single thing that I'm involved in is done from the heart," says Jacqueline,
who holds several professional certifications such as Rape Aggression Defense Instructor,
Master Peace Officer, Certified Crime Prevention Specialist and more. "I love meeting
people from all walks of life and being able to provide them with the resources for
success."
As a member of the International Council of Women in Law Enforcement and the National
Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Jacqueline was asked to
speak at a Police Studies Institute event on SEU's campus. After several conversations
with Dr. Jim Ford, the chairperson of SEU's criminal justice department, during the
event, Jacqueline became interested in the University's Master of Arts in Justice Administration and Public Service program.
Having already obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's
in sociology and criminology, Jacqueline decided it was time to earn a degree in the
criminal justice field directly.
"I believe that Saint Elizabeth's will allow me to expand my network of law enforcement
professionals while conducting research about current criminal justice trends," explains
Jacqueline. "I plan to retire in a few years and this degree would allow me to explore
teaching criminal justice or crime prevention counseling."
Devin Hinchcliffe
B.A. in Criminal Justice and M.A. in Justice Administration and Public Service
As a police officer and EMT, Devin Hinchcliffe's life has changed drastically during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Since domestic violence incidents, medical calls, and traffic
accidents don't lend themselves to social distancing guidelines, Devin had to rely
heavily on the use of personal protective equipment.
Outfitted in protective suits, gloves, googles, and respirators to avoid infection,
Devin went to work. During the peak of the novel coronavirus, Devin saw a major influx
of very sick patients who required immediate treatment and transportation. However,
as a fourth-generation law enforcement officer with a deep conviction for helping
others, Devin's concern was always for his patients and fellow first responders, never
himself.
"One of the hardest things about working in these fields during this pandemic has
been watching fellow police officers, firefighters and EMTs become sick and even die
from COVID-19 as a result of performing their duties," says Devin, who earned a bachelor's
in criminal justice at SEU.
"When you become a police officer, a firefighter or an EMT, you take an oath to serve
your community," explains Devin Hinchcliffe, '20. "That means when the community needs
you most, it's time to step up to the plate and perform."
As a police officer and EMT, Devin's life has changed drastically during the COVID-19
pandemic. Since domestic violence incidents, medical calls, and traffic accidents
don't lend themselves to social distancing guidelines, Devin had to rely heavily on
the use of personal protective equipment. Outfitted in protective suits, gloves, googles,
and respirators to avoid infection, Devin went to work.
During the peak of the novel coronavirus, Devin saw a major influx of very sick patients
who required immediate treatment and transportation. However, as a fourth-generation
law enforcement officer with a deep conviction for helping others, Devin's concern
was always for his patients and fellow first responders, never himself.
"One of the hardest things about working in these fields during this pandemic has
been watching fellow police officers, firefighters and EMTs become sick and even die
from COVID-19 as a result of performing their duties," says Devin.
During his time at SEU, Devin was able to mentor students also considering a career
in law enforcement. He loved answering questions from those who weren't already in
the field and passing on knowledge that he learned on the job.
"I always encourage people who want to better law enforcement and better their community
to consider a career in law enforcement," says Devin. "Because wanting to improve
your community is one of the core values of a good police officer."
Devin is one of the many essential workers that are part of the SEU community.
Debra Pacheco
B.A. in Criminal Justice/B.A in Psychology
Debra Pacheco, '21, originally wanted to study psychology to better understand her
brother who struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As she
continued her education, Debra earned an opportunity to intern at SEARCH Learning
Group.
An acronym for Science-based Education targeting Autism Resulting in Change and Hope,
SEARCH offers highly specialized behavior analytic services to address the needs of
those living with autism. In this role, Debra observes and assists the instructors
with running programs for the children.
"Not only am I learning more about others in this internship but I'm learning more
about myself," explains Debra, a double major in psychology and criminal justice.
Most importantly, this experience made Debra realize that she's passionate about working
with children who have either physical or mental disabilities.
Read Debra's Story
David Clowney
Master's in Justice Administration and Public Service
David Clowney, '11, a retired wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL),
used to leave practice with the New York Jets in Florham Park and drive down the road
to Saint Elizabeth University. Clowney's profound respect for education enabled him
to pursue a master's in justice administration and public service at SEU while balancing
fatherhood with the rigorous demands of being a professional athlete.
"When my son was first born, he never slept. So, I'd stay up late each night to get
all my work done," recalls Clowney, who is currently the inside receiver coach and
pass game coordinator at Howard University in Washington, DC. "I would literally watch
game film, pause it, read a chapter of homework while rocking my son's crib and then
go back to the film."
Clowney never minded exchanging sleep for studying because he understood the inherent
value of an education.
"Education is the foundation for everything," says Clowney. "Knowledge can never be
taken from you. You can lose your house, your car or your job, but you can never lose
your education."
In 2008, just one year after being drafted into the NFL, Clowney further demonstrated
his commitment to education by forming The David Clowney Foundation. Instead of reveling
in the fame of being a professional football player, Clowney began the nonprofit organization
aimed at improving the quality of life for at-risk, underprivileged and economically
disadvantaged youth. His organization assists exceptional students by providing opportunities
for academic enrichment and financially supporting their educational endeavors.
"I was blessed enough to receive an athletic scholarship to attend college, but not
everyone is an athlete," says Clowney, who was raised in the projects of Delray, Florida.
"I personally think it's unfair that you have to be wealthy or make a decent income
just to get an education. I wouldn't have been able to attend college if my parents
had to pay for it."
For the last decade, The David Clowney Foundation has been working to rectify this
educational disparity by distributing scholarships to high school seniors who exude
academic excellence and are in pursuit of higher education.
In addition to his impressive career and growing family, Clowney has earned two master's
degrees and plans on obtaining his doctorate. He hopes his personal dedication to
learning and ceaseless desire to earn degrees will ultimately inspire others to do
the same.
"I try to lead by example," says Clowney. "And I'm able to lead by example because
of SEU. The kids I mentor see that I went to college and graduate school and hopefully
they will follow in my footsteps."
Learn more about SEU's criminal justice program here: http://www.steu.edu/criminaljustice.
Danielle Crosson
B.A. in Criminal Justice
Human trafficking, corruption and fraud- these topics are typically reserved for the
subject of evocative headlines. However, Danielle Crosson, '20, spent eight weeks
fighting these crimes with the Newark division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI). As part of the FBI's prestigious Honors Internship Program, Danielle was able
to work on real, time-sensitive cases.
"In most internships, students spend a lot of time shadowing someone else without
too much hands-on experience," explains Danielle, a double major in both criminal
justice and psychology. "However, just a day after orientation I was analyzing bank
records, watching surveillance videos and conducting data analysis."
For Danielle, this internship was a dream come true. She'd been intent on joining
the law enforcement field ever since she was a child and nothing was going to get
in her way. Even when doctors informed Danielle that she needed serious reconstructive
knee surgery just one week before the program began, her commitment never wavered.
She underwent the intensive surgery and showed up to the FBI headquarters on crutches,
ready to work.
Read Danielle's Story
Gary Markowitz
Certification in Cyber Security and Investigation
Gary Markowitz, a retired police officer, was the first person to complete SEU's 12-credit
certification in cyber security investigation.
"I ran a community policing unit for nine years and I can absolutely say that getting
this certificate at SEU enables police officers to better themselves, their community
and the residents they served."
However, this degree isn't just reserved for law enforcement officers. "The certification
in cyber security investigation applies to both the public and private sector," explains
Dr. Jim Ford, director of justice administration and public service. "You don't have
to be in law enforcement to pursue this certificate."
In addition to the certification in cyber security investigation, Saint Elizabeth's
also offers certificates in counter terrorism and leadership in community policing.
Read Gary's Story
Zipporah Thomas
Master's in Justice Administration and Public Service
When she's not disrupting the sale of illegal narcotics or arresting criminals, Detective
Sergeant Zipporah Thomas is raising her children and earning her master's at SEU.
However, crime rarely respects conventional business hours and unpredictable, demanding
shifts makes it difficult for active law enforcement officers to enroll in traditional
graduate programs.
Luckily, SEU's understands these challenges. "The criminal justice program at Saint
Elizabeth's is designed for people in law enforcement by people who've been in law
enforcement," explains Zipporah. "They understand the need for flexibility with our
jobs and families because they've been there themselves."
Read Zipporah's Story