Abstract
The traditional criminal justice curriculum typically covers the three c’s – cops, courts, and corrections. In addition, students can usually choose from a variety of discipline-related special topics courses to satisfy the requirements of their major or minor in criminal justice. However, what is missing from most curricula for future criminal justice professionals is face-to-face interaction with the very individuals they will spend a good part of their careers with – those who have been accused of or sentenced for law-breaking behaviors. The current paper describes the planning and implementation of an Inside Out Prison Exchange Course in a jail setting and offers an analysis of students’ course evaluation to discuss the benefits of this educational experience. The results are intended to highlight the importance and benefit of non-traditional educational experiences for better criminal justice professionals and creating opportunities for viable reentry.
Highlights
The traditional criminal justice curriculum typically covers the three c’s – cops, courts, and corrections
Depending on the course offerings of the particular college or university, students can usually choose from a variety of discipline-related special topics courses to satisfy the requirements of their major or minor in criminal justice
What is missing from most curricula for future criminal justice professionals is face-to-face interaction with the very individuals they will spend a good part of their careers with – those who have been accused of or sentenced for law-breaking behaviors
Summary
Criminal justice majors are pursuing their education to become professionals in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, and probation, as prosecutors, attorneys, or judges, to name but a few areas of expertise suited for graduates in this degree. Outside students receive career-relevant education while at the same time engaging with individuals who can give first-hand accounts of the issues that can render the system inefficient and unjust, giving future criminal justice professionals a heightened level of insight and knowledge in the areas that so urgently need to be addressed with regard to criminal justice reform in their own community In order for such change to take place, it is imperative to include all stakeholders in the conversation and the process, as is typical in an Inside-Out course (e.g., Pompa, 2002; Starks et al, 2011)
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