The student internship program includes a paid internship which offers students hands-on law enforcement experience while earning the final 15 credit hours needed for their bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice.
A Las Cruces Digest Report
Photos Courtesy NMSU Criminal Justice Department (via Facebook)
Back in May of this year, Las Cruces Digest reported on a partnership between the New Mexico State University Department of Criminal Justice and the Tulsa Police Department (“NMSU criminal justice department partners with Tulsa Police Department“). One of the first beneficiaries of this new partnership is a bit of a local celebrity, Wyatt Greene. Wyatt is better known for his long time court side persona… Pistol Pete. From representing NMSU as Pistol Pete to becoming a new Tulsa Police Officer, Wyatt Greene has graduated from the Tulsa Police Department Academy.
The student internship program includes a paid internship which offers students hands-on law enforcement experience while earning the final 15 credit hours needed for their bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice.
“Being in the criminal justice program and working for the agency gives students the ability to undergo training and receive employment upon graduation, supporting a student’s education costs as a result,” said Marija Dimitrijevic, criminal justice professor and coordinator of the partnership.
One of the Tulsa Police recruiters who visited New Mexico State last spring was Aggie alum, David Medrano. Medrano graduated from NMSU as a first-generation college student struggling to make ends meet. For him, the ability to connect with students of similar backgrounds is empowering. “I’m the representation of that light at the end of the tunnel,” Medrano said. “When a first-generation college student sees me and learns my story, they’re able to see themselves accomplishing the same things. Sometimes that’s all we need is a visual representation of what’s out there for us.”
In attendance at Wyatt’s graduation were Dr. Dennis Giever (Criminal Justice Department Head), Professor Ida D’Antonio, alumni K. Herrera, and student J. Salazar, Criminal Justice student in the Tulsa Police Academy – finishing her last 15 degree credits while in the Tulsa Police Academy.
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