March 17, 2023 – The Collinsville Area Vocational Center Criminal Justice program hosted their first Criminal Justice Jamboree on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the Caseyville Community Center.
Rachel Harlan, CAVC criminal justice instructor, said, “This a community policing and career recruitment event to rebuild trust and increase interest in criminal justice careers.”
In addition to Collinsville High School, Red Bud, Dupo, East St. Louis, O’Fallon, Bunker Hill, Edwardsville and Gillespie students attended to learn about different careers in criminal justice.
Local, state and federal agencies represented include FBI, Illinois State Police CSI, Game Wardens, Collinsville Police Department, Illinois Department of Corrections, Madison County Probation, Madison County Juvenile Detention, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, SWIC Police Academy, Fairview Heights Police Department, U.S. Army, Army National Guard, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.
In addition to conversations and interactions with current professionals, attendees were treated to a special demonstration by Collinsville Police Department canine officer Rocky.
Ms. Harlan wanted to provide an opportunity for students to talk firsthand with professionals in different areas of criminal justice and learn about potential career paths. Bringing the day to fruition was a coordinated effort between Madison County, CAVC and the institutions who participated.
“I want to thank [former CAVC director] Dr. Blackard for helping me develop this event and for her support through the years. I could have not pulled this off without her. I also want to say thank you to [current] CAVC Director Joe McGinnis for giving me the freedom to be creative,” said Harlan.