Commentary: Quality Standards for Criminal Justice Education: The Long and Winding Road

Abstract

In this commentary, the author focuses on article “Quality standards for criminal justice education: The long and winding road.” The author draws on his extensive background in criminology and criminal justice (CCJ) education, including various roles within the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) and the Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA), to provide insights into Albanese and Tartaro’s article and its implications. Specifically, Albanese and Tartaro trace the evolution of CCJ education, highlight efforts to establish quality standards, such as the Northeast Minimum Standards model later adopted by ACJS. They discuss the challenges and eventual discontinuation of the ACJS Certification program, but they conclude with positive discussion on the emergence of the ACJS Endorsement program. The commentary emphasizes the importance of quality standards in CCJ education, despite the difficulties in establishing and maintaining them. The commentary concludes with a call to continue prioritizing quality in CCJ education.