Danny Hayes and Dr. Amber Mahan, Advisors for Kappa Omicron Rho, a chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association / Lambda Alpha Epsilon, took 8 student members to the 2017 National ACJA/LAE Conference in Austin, TX from March 26-31. The theme for this year’s conference was Human Trafficking and participants were able to learn from experts working to end human trafficking from the Texas Attorney General’s Office and Traffick911. The students were also able to hear from current Austin Police Chief Brian Manley addressing many of the challenges facing law enforcement today.

Group of faculty and students at acja-lae national conference. Faculty and students attending acja-lae national conference.

There were approximately 340 students and professional members from across the country in attendance. While at the conference the attendees are able to participate in written examinations (criminal law, police management, juvenile justice, corrections and LAE knowledge), a crime scene investigation, firearms and physical agility competition. There are three categories for participants including: lower division (students with under 70 credit hours), upper division (students with over 70 credit hours) and a professional division. Those placing in the top 3 within their category are recognized and receive a trophy. This year we were lucky enough to earn 5 trophies.

Hailey Bouwens – 2nd Place Lower Division Police Management
Dr. Amber Mahan – 1st Place Female Age 26-35 Physical Agility
Danny Hayes – 1st Place Male Age 36 & over Physical Agility

1st Place Professional Division LAE Knowledge
2nd Place Professional Division Corrections
Kappa Omicron Rho placed 5th overall in the number of trophy points earned. There were 23 chapters that scored at least one trophy point.

 As stated by Samantha Carlson, “the conference and being a part of LAE allows me to make connections within the organization that will assist me in the future”.

As stated by Dr. Amber Mahan, “being involved with this organization allows the students a realistic view as what is to come when choosing a career in the criminal justice field.”

The students attending the conference are as follows:

Evan Davies – Kappa Omicron Rho President
Samantha Carlson – KOP Vice President
Samantha Daake – KOP Secretary
Hailey Bouwens – KOP Treasurer
Grant Jensen – KOP Sgt. At Arms
Derek Faxon
Sarah Morales
Shawn Gaskill