Into the woods for Criminal Justice

In the woods behind Rider University this summer, high school juniors and seniors will watch and monitor a decomposing pig for bacteria and decay. Through their observations, the students — part of Rider’s Criminal Justice Summer Camp, which enters its second year in July — will learn the techniques of obtaining criminal evidence, investigating crime scenes and gathering evidence.

Held from July 26 to Aug. 2, this eight-day summer camp program allows high school students to explore a variety of different career possibilities in the criminal justice field. The hands-on program includes DNA testing, self-defense training and a mock trial where students are divided into defendants, witnesses and a legal team. Last year, the mock trial was presided over by a retired judge and a prosecutor who trained the students in the basic elements of a trial.

"Rider's Criminal Justice Summer Camp is an amazing opportunity for young students to participate in many elements of professional criminal justice activities," says Wendy Heath, professor of psychology, who helps to develop and run the program along with Jonathan Millen, associate dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "Here they can roll up their sleeves and experience what it's like to be working in the field of criminal justice."

This summer the program will have an entomologist visit the camp to discuss how insects interact with a deceased body. The program is also looking to add a field trip the Jones Farm Minimum Security Unit, a work camp that houses inmates serving nonviolent, short-term sentences. Heath is excited for additions like this to the program. "I want to give campers an idea of the entire criminal justice system from criminal investigation all the way to incarceration and even beyond that,” Heath says.

Last year’s camp compelled at least one participant to enroll full time in Rider’s criminal justice major. This year, registration for the 2015 camp is in full swing with applicants coming as far as Texas.

For more information or to register, visit www.rider.edu/cjcamp.