life, but they can also help students determine that a specific industry may not be the best fit for them.
SWAT Deputies Glass and Hohn present to Administration of Justice students at Lathrop High School.
Administration of Justice Students Get First Look at What Lies Ahead Administration of Justice students were treated to a presentation by San Joaquin County Sherriff’s Office SWAT team at Lathrop High School. Represented by Deputies Glass and Hohn, the SWAT team is a unit of approximately 20 officers who serve as the “last defense” – handling some of the “worst of the worst” situations throughout the county including homicides, high risk violence and assault scenarios, hostage situations and drug cartel activity. The presentation is part of a series being coordinated by CTE teacher Benjamin Cromwell, who is a key figure in Manteca Unified’s Public Service Pathway for emerging students. In MUSD’s CTE program, the Public Service Pathway has three (often interrelated) branches: Public Safety, Emergency Response, and Legal Practices. Administration of Justice classes such as Mr. Cromwell’s are designed to prepare students to meet the needs of entry-level positions in the broad field of criminal justice and surrounding career areas. The skills
developed during class enhance the student’s knowledge in specific areas of the criminal justice system as well as an in-depth understanding of law enforcement, criminal law and procedures, forensic evidence examination and the judicial process. For Mr. Cromwell, a qualified field expert who served as a police officer in San Joaquin County for 10 years, having special guest presentations such as SWAT’s is an added benefit which further supports student success. Thanks to his networking, these presentations are becoming the norm in his classroom. “The expert speakers I have visit are individuals who hold professional positions that are highly coveted, people who have accomplished so much within a specific career field. So, by having them give presentations, it’s a sort of ‘stick and carrot’ method for students” stated Mr. Cromwell. “These presentations show the kids that if they get into a specific pathway and excel, this is what they can do, and this is what the trajectory of their career can be. It gives students something to work towards by motivating them.” Presentations shed light on the day-to-day activities involved in specific jobs, with examples of real situations faced in daily life. What’s significant for emerging students is not only do these professional ‘glimpses’ give them an idea of what they may want to pursue later in
“It’s actually great when these presentations lead to a student figuring out that they don’t want to pursue a certain profession,” Mr. Cromwell explained. “Now they’re not going to waste time, money and effort getting into a profession they’re not going to enjoy, or one that just isn’t right for them. It starts them ahead of the curve.” Though a student could possibly be deterred from a career in criminal justice as a result of the detailed SWAT presentation, the reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Mr. Cromwell noted that he even had a female student in a previous class, who had been feeling lukewarm about a job in law enforcement prior to the SWAT presentation, discover a newfound interest in the field. This interest is also greater reflected in the attendance make up of Mr. Cromwell’s Administration of Justice classes, which for the first time ever are predominately female. “It’s incredible, more young women are joining my classes than ever before, and they are so excited to learn about what the Public Service Pathway can offer” stated Mr. Cromwell. The eagerness to join the Administration of Justices courses shouldn’t come as a surprise, however.
In the last two years, Mr. Cromwell has invited several prominent women in the Criminal Justice field to give presentations to his CTE students, including San Joaquin County judge and former court commissioner Kristine Eagle who has served as an expert speaker in MUSD for the last two years. Greater exposure to female figures like Eagle, who previously served as a deputy public defender in the San Joaquin County court system, could possibly be leading the clear uptick in high school-aged girls becoming more interested in the criminal justice field. “Of course Netflix and social media are helping drive interest because of shows like C.S.I. and the popularity of true crime documentaries,” Mr. Cromwell claimed. “Whatever is leading to these enrollment numbers, I’m excited the interest is there.” Later in the year, students will be joined by a variety of guest speakers including distinguished attorneys, forensic experts, probation officers and dedicated social workers. Mr. Cromwell summarized the presentation lineup perfectly: “These roles are all crucial to Public Service. It’s experience and exposure like no other for these students.” For more information on MUSD’s 15 unique CTE pathways, speak with your school’s counseling office!
From left to right: 1. A.O.J. teacher Benjamin Cromwell takes in the SWAT presentation with his students. 2. Students examine the SWAT team’s Lenco BearCat armored vehicle. 3. Students feel the heft of “kit” gear used by the San Joaquin County SWAT team.
