In 2005 a partnership was formed between the Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA) and the Shelby County Jail (located at 201 Poplar Avenue), and this partnership has grown to include the Shelby County Corrections Division (at the Penal Farm), the Mark Luttrell Correctional Center (a state women’s facility), and the East Arkansas Regional Unit (in Brickeys, Arkansas). The program that has grown out of this partnership is known as “Lock-Up-and-Learn,” which provides students with an inside look at the participating correctional facilities.

Lock-Up-and-Learn has proved to be an enriching experience for students and members of corrections agencies alike. Far more than a tour, the experience teams students with correctional facility staff for several hours, allowing workers to share their knowledge and mentor the next generation of corrections staff. Students get an intensive look at future career possibilities in the fields related to their academic studies.

Because of the success of Lock-Up-and-Learn, several other opportunities for students studying criminal justice have been initiated. Junior and senior members of the CJSA and the department have the chance, beginning this semester, to ride for a full shift with a member of the Memphis Police Department. This new program is called “Riding with MPD,” and is also rewarding for both students and law-enforcement personnel. In addition, students now have weekly opportunities to observe court proceedings at the Shelby County District Court as invited guests of the District Attorney General’s Office.

Because of outreach programs such as these, the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is demonstrating some practical strategies that are bringing University of Memphis students face-to-face with real life career opportunities in the fields of corrections, law enforcement, and the courts.

Students from the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice visit the East Arkansas Regional Unit in Brickeys, Arkansas. First row (kneeling): Telesa Echols, Tuere Triplett; second row: Marilyn Ezell, Elizabeth Terry, Shardae Dawkins, Ashley English, Susan McNeeley (a graduate student), Jessica Moody, Tabatha Perry, Constance Dunlap; back row: Cliff Priestly, Dr. Wayne J. Pitts (Assistant Professor and CJSA advisor), Jacob Tucker, Ben Baker,Thomas Hamilton.