Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation

Explore the possibilities at the 52nd Annual Criminal Justice Career Fair

Bridging education and law enforcement: The success of UW-Platteville graduates at the Milwaukee Police Department

The Milwaukee Police Department Forensics Division exemplifies the power of teamwork among graduates of UW-Platteville. Their hands-on training and strong educational foundation have positioned them as leaders in forensic investigation, showcasing the university's impact on law enforcement careers.

How a training dummy demonstrates a degree in forensic investigation is a wise choice at UW-Platteville

UW-Platteville is the first and only public institution in Wisconsin to offer a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation, featuring a hands-on Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House and a world-first training dummy equipped with thermo-chrome paint for simulating blanching livor mortis.

Tremelling honored with Woman of the Year Award

UW-Platteville will recognize Elizabeth Tremelling, academic advisor in Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation, as one of two recipients of the 2024 Dr. Carol Sue Butts Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes employees and students who identify as a woman and make a difference in the lives of others in the campus community.

Women in criminal justice mentor program continues with hands-on event

Participants in the new University of Wisconsin Women in Criminal Justice (UW-WICJ) Mentoring Program attended a hands-on Law Enforcement Experience event last week, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Improving the system: BSCJ student enacts positive change in several prison facilities

Raelene Baker started as a passion project that is now on the verge of becoming a multi-state phenomenon. She serves as the director for the Minnesota Prison Doula Projects, a nonprofit organization that helps birth professionals train to become prison doulas for service in penitentiary institutes on the county, state and soon-to-be federal level.

February LAE Faculty Forum to examine the war on drugs

The College of Liberal Arts and Education Faculty Forum Series will start the year with a presentation on Thursday, Feb. 2 by Dr. Patrick Solar and Dr. Frank King, Jr., titled “The War on Drugs: Effective Crime Control or Racism in Action.”

M.S. Criminal Justice program named one of nation's best online master's degrees

UW-Platteville's Master of Science in Criminal Justice program was recently recognized as one of the Top 10 Online Criminal Justice Master's programs in the nation by Online Schools Guide. The rankings were based on affordability and reputation.

UW-Platteville collaborates to launch women in criminal justice mentor program

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently rolled out its first women-focused mentoring program for criminal justice majors, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the UW-Madison Center for Law, Society, and Justice.

UW-Platteville, Madison College sign transfer agreements

UW-Platteville and Madison College celebrated the signing of three new transfer agreements between the schools, involving the programs of business management, construction management and criminal justice.

Students from multiple programs collaborate on clandestine grave documentation research

Faculty from Forensic Investigation and Computer Science and Software Engineering are collaborating on clandestine grave documentation research.

Forensic investigation students attend nationwide conferences

A group of forensic investigation students had the opportunity to learn more about the field by attending two virtual conferences, the 74th Annual Scientific Conference hosted by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) and Mayo Clinic’s 7th Annual Forensic Science Symposium.

Social sciences students recognized for successes

The Department of Social Sciences recently announced awards highlighting outstanding student work and accomplishments, including the Outstanding Political Science Graduate Award, special recognition certificates for political science graduates and Outstanding Social Sciences Paper awards.

Forensic investigation students conduct outdoor fingerprints research

Timothy Juedes, lecturer of criminal justice and forensic investigation, and a group of his students are investigating the longevity of fingerprints. The research is in its initial phase and is being conducted at the Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House Outdoor Research Facility, where they are determining how long fingerprints can stay on surfaces outside and inside, while comparing results with climate data.

Getz joins elite group of forensic anthropologists with highest professional certification

Dr. Sara Getz, assistant professor of forensic investigation at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville earned the highest professional certification available in her field and is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA).

Criminal Justice students engage with inmates for unique learning opportunity

More than 70 criminal justice students currently enrolled in Corrections and Criminology courses at UW-Platteville recently had the opportunity to enhance their coursework when they engaged in Zoom sessions with a panel of inmates from the Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution.

Annual Horrific Crime Scene Revisited event returns Nov. 6-7

UW-Platteville will host its 10th annual Horrific Crime Scene Revisited event on Nov. 6-7. Drawing several hundred attendees in years past, this popular tradition provides an opportunity for students and the community to learn more about the field of forensics.

Solar releases second edition of book on police, community relations

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Patrick Solar recently published the second edition of his book, “Police Community Relations: A Conflict Management Approach.” 

Criminal justice major researches treatment court

“When you are doing research every single thing matters,” said Jacob Wehler, a University of Wisconsin-Platteville criminal justice major. “If you don’t pay attention to all the little details, you could be missing a whole plethora of conclusions or details that could sway your results.”

Research explores impacts of agricultural land changes on rural communities

A team of UW-Platteville researchers is exploring how farmers and rural communities are affected by agricultural land changes and record-high dairy farm closings and their response to policy proposals intended to address the issues.

After 22 years, alumna returns to excel in criminal justice program

“I had always wanted to go back to school, but it was always either life, distance or motivation that prevented me from taking those steps,” said alumna Sara Booth. However, in 2016, Booth made the leap and returned to UW-Platteville after 22 years to complete her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, ending her final semester with a 4.0.

Criminal Justice Instructor Chris Polzer wins 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award

Two-time UW-Platteville graduate and Criminal Justice Instructor Chris Polzer was named one of the university’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni. Recipients of the honor, which is presented by the Alumni Association, are chosen for their contributions to and recognition in their professions and communities, and continued engagement with the university.

Pioneer Mock Trial Team earns top witness award

The UW-Platteville Mock Trial Team participated in its first invitational tournament of the season and received a top witness award. “Testing the Waters” tournament took place virtually from Oct.16-18 and featured 12 colleges from across the country.

Recent alumni publish academic work, credit summer research program

Two recent UW-Platteville alumni, Kathryn Bartels and Dominique Kornely, have had their research work accepted for publication in academic journals. Both alumni are former participants of UW-Platteville’s Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program and credit the program for their success.

Criminal Justice program recognized as one of the country's best online master's degrees

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's reputation as a leader in distance education has been cemented again, as Online School Report recognizes the criminal justice program as one of the <

Forum series to foster discussions on race and inequity

As the fall semester gets underway, the College of Liberal Arts and Education is offering a number of opportunities outside of the classroom for students, and the wider community, to engage in discussions about race and inequality, as well as the contribution of African American voices to the liberal arts and education fields, through two concurrent forum series.

Instructor finds innovative way to deliver criminal justice course during COVID-19 crisis

During the COVID-19 crisis, UW-Platteville faculty and staff have risen to the challenge by adapting and designing novel ways of realigning course delivery to ensure students continue to receive an outstanding, rigorous education, including hands-on learning experiences. This includes Dan Román, lecturer of forensic investigation, who modified his spring Crime Scene Diagramming course.

Forum to explore concept of ‘moral luck’ and its legal implications

Update, 4/16/2020: Due to safety and health concerns around COVID-19, this event has been cancelled as a precautionary measure. A rescheduled date will be announced at a later time.

Pioneer Mock Trial Team wins Witness Award, more at regional tournament

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Mock Trial Team had an impressive showing at the American Mock Trial Association Regional Tournament held recently in Wheaton, Illinois.

WI State Assembly Rep. Sargent to present ‘Representation and Justice in Politics’ March 12

On Thursday, March 12, Wisconsin State Assembly Rep. Melissa Sargent will present “Representation and Justice in Politics” in Room 136 Doudna Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville at 5 p.m. The presentation, sponsored by the university’s Social and Environmental Justice Program, is free and open to all.

UW System Board of Regents approves new online Master of Science in cybersecurity

The UW System Board of Regents has granted its approval to offer a 12-course, 34-credit online master’s degree in cybersecurity. The program is a collaboration of University of Wisconsin Extended Campus and eight UW System campuses, including UW-Platteville.

Mock Trial Team wins Civility Award

The UW-Platteville Mock Trial Team won the Mary Lynn Neuhaus Civility Award at the 32nd National Mock Trial Invitational. Recipients of the award are chosen by their peers as the team that most exemplifies civility, sportsmanship and courtesy.

Restorative Justice Conference: repairing harm, promoting healing

The Department of Criminal Justice will host its biannual Restorative Justice Conference in the university’s Velzy Commons, Ullsvik Hall, from 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m.

Students volunteer time and talents at Ruby’s Pantry

This fall, four UW-Platteville students had an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by volunteering their time and talents at Platteville’s Ruby’s Pantry, a nonprofit, faith-based organization in Platteville that provides food for Southwest Wisconsin and surrounding communities.

Psychology students lead forgiveness program for inmates

This fall, three UW-Platteville psychology students led a 12-week forgiveness discussion group for inmates at the Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution, a medium security state prison.

Strobl honored with American Society of Criminology award

Dr. Staci Strobl, associate professor of criminal justice at UW-Platteville, and two colleagues recently received the American Society of Criminology Division of White-Collar and Corporate Crime’s 2019 Outstanding Article Award at the organization’s annual meeting in San Francisco, California.

UW-Platteville Horrific Crime Scene Revisited exhibit offers mystery, intrigue

UW-Platteville students, faculty and staff and Platteville community members helped solve a simulated crime at the ninth annual Horrific Crime Scene Revisited event held recently at Rountree Gallery in Platteville.

Criminal justice students gain critical skills during drill with area SWAT team

Nineteen criminal justice students recently gained critical skills in tactical response and hostage negotiations during a “barricaded subjects, armed and with hostages” scenario drill conducted by the Grant/Iowa County Crisis Resolution Team, the county’s special weapons and tactics law enforcement unit.

Strobl joins international team, shares policy ideas with UK Parliament

Dr. Staci Strobl, associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has been asked to join an international team of scholars convened by the Sectarianism, Proxies and De-sectarianization project, based at the Richardson Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Lancaster in Lancashire, England.

Alumnus credits restorative justice experience for career success

There are moments in life when a decision to explore something new turns out to be life-changing, both personally and professionally.<

Pioneer Spotlight: Timothy Juedes

Tim Juedes, a lecturer of criminal justice, is a UW-Platteville alumnus and has taught forensic investigation courses at the university since spring 2015. His specialties are fingerprint analysis and criminalistics.

Criminal Justice Programs Featured in Two Rankings for Best Online Degrees

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville criminal justice programs have been recognized by Online School Report for best online degrees for 2019.

Konkol to pursue law degree, hopes to help victims of domestic violence

Shannon Konkol credits outstanding professors and unique, hands-on learning experiences for helping her gain the knowledge, skills and confidence she needs to continue her journey toward her career goal: to earn a law degree and represent victims of domestic violence.

Engels accepted into doctoral program at University of Colorado-Boulder

As Kyle Engels walked across the stage at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s commencement ceremony on May 11, he felt a mixture of emotions, including happiness, pride and excitement.

Strobl presents at United Nations session on women

Dr. Staci Strobl, associate professor of criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, recently presented at the 63rd session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women held March 11-22 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Degree program leads to discovery of new passion

As the Human Trafficking Case Manager at Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Asia Jackson provides advocacy to survivors of trafficking and develops trainings on human trafficking for the community and service providers.

Inspirations of NARCOS to be Distinguished Lecturers

Steve Murphy and Javier Peña are former DEA agents who successfully hunted down and captured the Colombian drug lord and narcoterrorist Pablo Escobar, the head of the Medellin Cartel in the 1980s and 1990s.

Alumnus credits undergraduate professors, internships for success in law school

Fueled by a strong work ethic and a desire to pursue a career in which he can create lasting social change, University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Spencer Wingert is already well on his way to achieving one of his lifetime goals: to earn a law degree.

Madison police chief talks with students about police-community relations

More than 100 University of Wisconsin-Platteville criminal justice and forensic investigation students, faculty and staff recently gained knowledge and insight into police-community relations from an expert in the f