Criminal Justice Cohort
Students enrolled in the Criminal Justice Cohort have the opportunity to learn about the various components of the criminal justice system. With courses focused on forensic science, language arts, mathematics and criminal justice, students enrolled in this exciting program experience hands-on learning, hear from the experts visit the school as guest speakers and attend field trips to meaningful yet relevant places of interest. In addition, students have the opportunity to earn college credits at the University of New Haven and Southern Connecticut State University. Students interested in applying for the Criminal Justice Cohort are encouraged to see their school counselor for an application!
Representatives from Danbury's Federal Correctional Institution speaking to students in the Criminal Justice Cohort and Criminology program. The speakers provided a wealth of information regarding the field of corrections, services provided to inmates and information regarding careers in the corrections field. In addition, West Haven High School's favorite security guard, a 30 year veteran of the State Department of Corrections Pat Pellegrino addressed students with information about state level corrections as well as some of his experiences working in numerous facilities in the state. Students in the cohort have opportunities to listen to the experts from all three components of the criminal justice system.
Curtis Eller, Director of Community Outreach and Public Engagement for the CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, speaking to students in the Criminal Justice Cohort . As a retired police officer, Curtis is now working closely with Ronnell Higgins, Commissioner of CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Curtis spoke to students and faculty about the six divisions of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and provided an overview of the opportunities for employment after high school.
Tammy Murray, Detective from the West Haven Police Department, speaking to students in the cohort. Tammy spoke on several interesting topics including crime scene processing, fingerprinting, criminalistics and suspect identification. Students were able to ask questions concerning her life and career experiences.
Students in the cohort experiencing hands-on learning at the Forensic Science Laboratory in Meriden. Students heard from the experts and had the opportunity to participate in real-life crime solving experiences.
Students in the Cohort visited the Milford Court House and had the opportunity to see a variety of events taking place. Aside from watching the jury selection process, observing sentencings, and speaking with the state prosecutor and judges, students had the opportunity to see the holding cells and speak with several court marshalls. Carter Mario provided lunch and additional insight into the civil law side of the legal system.
Ronnell Higgins, Associate Vice President for Public and Safety Engagement and former Yale Chief of Police, speaks to students in the Criminal Justice cohort.
Members from the West Haven and Seymour Police Departments speak to students in the cohort. Students heard a variety of topics to provide students an understanding of the law enforcement career.
Students enrolled in the cohort participate in activities that foster critical thinking and problem solving skills. Students recently completed an Escape Room challenge and had a chance to celebrate their accomplishments.
Students enrolled in the cohort visited Milford Superior Court and were able to meet prosecutors, defense attorneys and a judge.
While in the courtroom, students observed court proceedings and were able to ask questions and hear feedback from attorneys and judge.
Tammy Murray, Identification and Crime Scene Unit Detective from the West Haven Police Department, speaks to students in the Criminal Justice Cohort. Tammy addressed a variety of topics including crime scene processing, fingerprinting, criminalistics and suspect identification. Students were able to ask questions concerning her life and career experiences.
Detective Sergeant Mauricio Vigil of the Darien Police Department speaking to WHHS students in the Criminal Justice Cohort about digital evidence examination
Ronnell Higgins, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, spoke to students in the cohort. Students heard about recent trends and events in the field of criminal justice and had the opportunity to ask questions.
James Scott, retired Master Sergeant from the Connecticut State Police and Army National Guard and current Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Albertus Magnus College, speaks to students in the Criminal Justice Cohort.
Lisa Ragaza speaks to students in the cohort. Lisa is currently employed with the State of Connecticut in the Division of Scientific Services in the Firearms Unit. She is proficient in footwear, tire track and imprint examinations, firearm examinations, serial number restoration, and microscopic comparisons of firearms evidence.
To end the academic year on a fun yet educational note, students travelled to the Spy Museum in New York City
