SW New Mexico News

The Department of Criminal Justice at New Mexico State University has announced a partnership with the Tulsa Police Department (TPD) for a student internship program. The collaboration aims to provide students with hands-on law enforcement experience while they complete the final 15 credit hours required for their bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice.

Marija Dimitrijevic, a criminal justice professor and coordinator of the partnership, emphasized the benefits of the program, stating, “Being in the criminal justice program and working for the agency gives students the ability to undergo training and receive employment upon graduation, supporting a student’s education costs as a result.”

In an effort to engage students and discuss career opportunities, officers from the TPD will be present on the NMSU campus from April 29 to May 3. NMSU alumni and TPD recruitment officers David Medrano and Troy Honeycutt expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. Honeycutt shared, “The reason why I wanted to get into recruiting is because of opportunities like this. I wanted to go back to my hometown and recruit fellow Aggies and give them the opportunities that were given to me.”

Medrano, who graduated from NMSU as a first-generation college student, highlighted the importance of representation and empowerment, stating, “I'm the representation of that light at the end of the tunnel. When a first-generation college student sees me and learns my story, they’re able to see themselves accomplishing the same things.”

Dennis Giever, professor and department head of criminal justice, praised the quality of the program’s graduates, using Medrano and Honeycutt as examples. Giever emphasized the program’s track record of producing outstanding graduates and credited the internship program to the efforts of alumnus Jesse Guardiola.

Guardiola, a recipient of a Distinguished Alumni Award, played a significant role in strengthening the partnership between NMSU and the TPD. Giever highlighted the TPD’s proactive approach in engaging with students early on, fostering relationships over time to encourage and support their career aspirations.

Both Honeycutt and Medrano commended the NMSU criminal justice professors and staff for their support and accommodation. Medrano mentioned, “The staff and faculty are all so accommodating to us and their students. They understand and they see when there is a possibility for a student to progress and find a career.”

Interested students can find more information about joining the TPD or getting involved with the NMSU criminal justice department through the provided links and contact information. The partnership between NMSU and the TPD aims to provide valuable opportunities for students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

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