Northwestern College Criminal Justice Department Teams up With Sergeant at Oak Lawn Police Department
[Oak Lawn, IL] Northwestern College’s Criminal Justice Department has partnered with Sergeant Carl Michalski of the Oak Lawn Police Department who will speak to its Juvenile Justice classes on three separate visits as the classes move through their Summer Quarter curriculum. This is the first multi-presentation initiative on a single law enforcement topic for Northwestern College and the Oak Lawn Police Department, although law enforcement officers from numerous local, state and federal agencies frequently come out to speak to classes as special guest speakers throughout the year.
In early July Sergeant Michalski addressed the Juvenile Justice classes during the second week of the Summer Quarter curriculum. He will return during weeks five and seven of the Quarter to speak to the same classes of students, with his presentations intensifying as the class explores and becomes more proficient with juvenile justice issues.
“The instructors for all of Northwestern College’s Criminal Justice Program courses are active or retired law enforcement officers, bringing real-life experiences to our classrooms,” commented Joseph Pecko, Program Director of the College’s School of Legal Studies. He explained that criminal justice students are afforded multiple opportunities throughout their program to hear veteran and active law enforcement officers provide them with specialized knowledge in various aspects of their jobs.
Former Oak Lawn Police Chief Charles Chigas, a Northwestern College Criminal Justice instructor, facilitated Sergeant Michalski’s extended participation in his Juvenile Justice classes. “Sergeant Michalski is a veteran law enforcement officer whose specialty is Juvenile Justice – working with children caught up in the law enforcement system in one way or another. This partnership, providing three separate visits to our Juvenile Justice classes, will provide our students with real-world knowledge as their familiarity and proficiency with this particular area of the legal system progresses.”
About Northwestern College:
Northwestern College (NC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, www.ncahlc.org. The college offers focused career-oriented associate degree and certificate programs with flexible schedules and a supportive faculty. Day, evening, weekend, online classes and online programs are available, with campuses in Chicago and Oak Lawn as well as Online. More information can be found at www.northwesterncollege.edu or by calling toll-free (888) 205-2283.