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Part 5 of 9

School of Public Affairs blends innovative ideas and practical training.

To see one vision for the future of policing, look no further than the St. Cloud Rotary Community OutPost (aka COP House) located near the St. Cloud State University campus. Designed to facilitate connections between police and those they serve, the COP House is a local hub for neighborhood activities, community service, and helping people and police form bonds.

One of the drivers behind the COP House was St. Cloud Police Sergeant Dan McClure, a graduate of SCSU. Inspired by a program in his home state of Wisconsin, Sgt. McClure pitched the COP House concept. "We're continuing to build trust, build relationships, and the COP House was kind of that foundational piece to revitalize and reshape the neighborhood."

Through an internship program, the COP House is also a real-world learning environment for St. Cloud State University School of Public Affairs students, including those pursuing a career in law enforcement.

"It helps to start looking at the field of law enforcement...through a humanistic lens," said Dr. Shawn Williams, assistant professor in the Criminal Justice Studies department at SCSU and former police officer. "How can I help a stranger? How can I better their life? What can we do to assist this community to be exactly what it wants to be?"

A View of Public Service that Includes the People Served

This broader view is typical of the approach taken throughout the St. Cloud State School of Public Affairs, which encompasses Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, and Geography and Planning.

"We train students to be stewards of the public interests" whether they are going into public service or private practice, said Dr. King Banaian, dean of the school. "So think about our students who are going into law enforcement. They need to know how to drive a patrol car and do investigations. But they also have to understand the people they're serving, both the victims and the suspects."

 

It helps to start looking at the field of law enforcement...through a humanistic lens. How can I help a stranger? How can I better their life?


 

Factors such as the economy, politics, and changing demographics all shape the world in which Public Affairs graduates will operate, so these themes are now woven into the school's curriculum, thanks to input from partner organizations. Connecting with the community is a key to St. Cloud State University's It's Time initiative, which aims to redefine its role in preparing students for dynamic careers.

"It's Time informs all the work we do," said Dean Banaian. "Our leadership training is geared toward helping students understand they're in a wider world, in a multicultural world, in a world that has changed dramatically."

Research to Guide Tomorrow's Law Enforcement and Community Leaders

A key to serving the needs of Minnesota communities is understanding the challenges they face. For the Criminal Justice department, which is celebrating 50 years at SCSU, that means looking at how police departments are evolving and how technology is changing.

Research within the SCSU School of Public Affairs aims to understand and respond to these trends. Dr. Lindsey Vigesaa, professor of Criminal Justice Studies, is researching artificial intelligence in the criminal justice system, and is helping develop a new course on the use of AI.

"Many agencies are starting to utilize these technologies," Dr. Vigesaa said. "We want our students to be aware of the data that they use and also recognize the ethical issues and concerns associated" with automating or using machine learning in public safety, corrections and related areas.

For his part, Dr. Williams is conducting research into how education around diversity, disparities, and cultural intelligence impacts Criminal Justice students and how motivated they are to apply those principles in practice.

Preparing Professionals Who Are Well-Rounded and Well-Grounded

Students can assist in research and are expected to participate in internships and other hands-on learning opportunities. That mix of academic and practical exploration helps ensure graduates are well rounded and well grounded.

 

Our leadership training is geared toward helping students understand they're in a wider world, in a multicultural world, in a world that has changed dramatically.


 

"Someone who's been in the field and can tell you personal stories or personal anecdotes about what's happened in the field, and it gives you insight," said Nick Hainlin, who is pursuing a law enforcement degree.

Hainlin's time at SCSU has included a summer internship at the COP House and work with the local police. "Between the internship experience in the field and learning in the classroom with various professors who have different perspectives, I have experience already in the field," he said. "It's almost like opening the door for you, but you have to walk through the door yourself."

 

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Discover more stories about how St. Cloud State is redefining what it means to be a university.

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It's Time

The world has changed. In higher education, It's Time for a new approach. At St. Cloud State, we've reimagined higher education and have redefined what it means to be a state university. It's Time to meet St. Cloud State.

With an enhanced focus on students and their success, we're providing a world-class education to ensure they graduate prepared for a career on day one. Students are at the heart of St. Cloud State experience and work closely with professors, even conducting academic research.

It's Time emphasizes fields that are important to our state, its citizens and its businesses. This has led St. Cloud State to focus on excelling in the fields of engineering and applied science, holistic health and wellness, education and leadership.

As University President Robbyn Wacker says, "It's Time recognizes and builds upon our institutional strengths, forward-thinking research, and academic excellence as we identify new and innovative ways to serve our students and state."

More about It's Time

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Protect the Pack safety protocols were employed based on community safety conditions and the rate of transmission of Covid during the filming of the stories in this series.