Public Interest

Many of our Criminal Justice graduates are tasked with the important work of keeping our communities safe. While many associate Criminal Justice with policing and corrections, Boise State graduates enter many fields, including the park service, law, investigations, and victim services–not to mention other careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

In this issue of Public Interest, we’ll introduce you to an outstanding Boise State student, spotlight a study-abroad course, and tell you how our faculty researchers are helping to improve services to crime victims. And we’ll share a few of the honors our students and faculty are receiving for their service.

The criminal justice system impacts just about all of us at one time or another. Our Criminal Justice program is the largest in the School of Public Service and our students graduate with both discipline knowledge, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Thank you for following along as we educate a new generation of dedicated public servants who work in the public interest.

Thanks for reading,

Andrew Giacomazzi
Interim Dean, School of Public Service
Boise State University

Boise State Criminal Justice’s Danielle Swerin devoted a great deal of time helping victims of domestic violence to obtain protection orders to protect themselves and their children. She was recently recognized by KNIN Fox 9 with a Jefferson Award, a national recognition honoring those that contribute positively to their community.

Read more on the Women and Children’s Alliance web site

Incorporating Study Abroad and classroom work on campus, Criminal Justice 497/597 considers the complicated nature and dynamics of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the U.S. and Spain. This faculty-led program examines the scope of gender-based violence, different forms of gender-based violence, and national trends and practices. Students work to understand the roles of governments, non-governmental organizations, and individual actors in addressing the problem of gender-based violence.

Incorporating Study Abroad and classroom work on campus, Criminal Justice 497/597 considers the complicated nature and dynamics of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the U.S. and Spain. This summer program, led by Boise State Criminal Justice’s Dr. Lane Gillespie, examines the scope of gender-based violence, different forms of gender-based violence, and national trends and practices. Students work to understand the roles of governments, non-governmental organizations, and individual actors in addressing the problem of gender-based violence.

Students will also enjoy a Catalan cooking class, take in a Flamenco show, experience a guided tour of La Sagrada Familia, and visit several historical and cultural landmarks such as the Gothic Quarter and the Magic Fountain.