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Criminology Newsletter

June 2011

Criminology Department Incorporates “Polytechnic” Vision in New Computer Forensics Lab

The Criminology Department at the University of South Florida Polytechnic is leading the way in preparing

students to be experienced candidates for careers with criminal justice agencies. They have incorporated the

“polytechnic” vision in the development of a new computer forensics lab on campus, which will enable students

to learn real-world applications of advanced computer forensic software.

While there are numerous variations in the conception of a polytechnic campus, USF has adopted Chancellor of the University of

Wisconsin-Stout, Charles W. Sorenson’s perspective of what is reflective in a polytechnic university. “Polytechnics place a premium on

"active, applied learning": faculty members emphasize innovative, hands-on pedagogies with practical implications. The faculty member

traditionally seen as a "sage on the stage" is transformed as a "guide on the side." Students "learn by doing" and connect their collaborative

learning to in-demand career paths. Not surprisingly, faculty research agendas are also shaped by the polytechnic focus and reflect

collaborative, cross-disciplinary approaches, yielding applied solutions to real-world problems.”**

The University of South Florida Polytechnic is quite proud to be the first and only public polytechnic university in the state of Florida.

Under the polytechnic model, faculty members incorporate a variety of instructional methods to provide a comprehensive education

that allows students to be experienced in their field before ever entering the job market. The new computer forensics lab will further

promote the hands-on, applied learning that the University of South Florida Polytechnic is already known for and will allow students to

become familiar with relevant investigative techniques. Dr. LeGrande Gardner, a highly experienced forensic investigator, is overseeing

the development of the lab and recognizes the importance of educating students on current technologies and applications utilized by

criminal justice agencies.

"Criminal investigations involving digital technologies are no longer the domain of specialty units. From uniformed patrol to advanced

specialty assignments such as homicide investigations, digital technologies are an everyday part of contemporary investigations,” says

Dr. Gardner. “It is increasingly rare that some form of digital artifact is not associated with almost every criminal act. Today's law

enforcement professionals need to have a working knowledge of digital technologies and the many ways they can relate to a criminal

investigation. This is true both in terms of technology as it relates to evidence as well as digital technologies as investigative tools."

Substantial time, research, and planning have gone into selecting the computers and software programs that will best prepare students

to have a comprehensive knowledge and skill-set in the digital arena. Modifications and renovations of the classroom housing the lab

are in the works, and the department is hoping that it will be complete and operational this fall semester. The lab will contain 25

student work stations, each with a computer, monitor, and specialized digital forensic hardware. The primary forensic software

selected by Dr. Gardner is a suite of tools from Access Data called Forensic Tool Kit (FTK), which is the software used by many law

enforcement agencies to include the Federal Bureau of Investigations. There will also be a fully functional forensic workstation, which

can be used for conducting actual digital forensic exams and fully functional sets of hardware for the forensic examination of cell

phones and mobile devices.

There are currently two courses planned that will utilize the new, cutting-edge forensic computer lab. The first course, Intro to Digital

Evidence (CCJ 4933, Section 190), is being offered this fall. The course is designed so it can be taught without the lab, in the event that it

is not completed in time. The course description states, "Introduction to Digital Evidence is designed to facilitate development of the

basic knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, identify, collect, and preserve digital evidence in any kind of criminal investigation.

Focus is upon a wide array of digital technologies, how they can be involved in criminal activities, and how they can be a source of

evidence to investigators. Topics will include legal and evidentiary considerations in the field and the courtroom, foundations of digital

forensics, applying forensic science to digital technologies, digital crime scenes and digital investigations, computer basics for digital

investigators, variations among operating systems, network basics, and digital evidence on the Internet."

The second course, Case Agent Digital Forensic Examinations (CCJ 4933), is planned for the spring semester and will be based on the

current model used by many law enforcement agencies, including the FBI. In the current model, a certified forensic specialist makes an

image of the digital evidence and loads it into the Forensic Tool Kit software, which is then provided to the Detective or criminal

investigator in charge of the case (also known as the Case Agent). Using FTK, the Case Agent then conducts a forensic examination and

review of the data and bookmarks files and items of evidential value to the investigation. Once the forensic review is complete, the

certified forensic specialist makes a file containing all of the evidence that was bookmarked and gives it back to the Case Agent. This

particular model has proven to be efficient and effective and is being put into practice in numerous agencies. USF students taking the

course will become familiar with this emerging role/responsibility as a criminal investigator, as well as develop a hands-on working

knowledge of the software suite (FTK) used by many law enforcement agencies.

The Criminology Department is very excited for students to have the opportunity to participate in real-world investigative techniques

and is proud to be part of an academic institution that recognizes the ever-changing roles and responsibilities placed on law

enforcement agencies. Criminology students will be able to expand their knowledge of current, up-to-date techniques and technologies

in an educational environment that evolves with a complex and dynamic society.

**For more information about the polytechnic model and framework, please visit http://www.poly.usf.edu/AboutUs/Polytechnic.html

About Dr. LeGrande Gardner

LeGrande Gardner, Ph.D. is new faculty member and Instructor of Criminology at the University of South Florida Polytechnic. He

retired from a 25-year career in law enforcement where he had served as a sworn officer in both federal and local agencies to include

being a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His most recent assignment was as a Supervisor for the

Lakeland, Florida Police Department.

His investigative and supervisory duties as a law enforcement officer included intelligence operations, anti-terrorism intelligence,

computer-related criminal investigations, cyber crime investigations, computer and digital forensics, organized criminal gang

intelligence and investigations, special and technical (surveillance) operations and equipment. Additional supervisory level

experience included patrol operations, specialized street-level tactical operations, career criminal investigations and apprehensions,

specialized surveillance operations, and an assignment on the Special Weapons And Tactics (S.W.A.T.) Team.

In his last years of active duty, he was concurrently assigned as a Task Force Agent to the FBI’s Cyber Crime Unit based out of Tampa,

Florida. Additionally, he supervised the operations of the Lakeland PD's digital forensics laboratory for over a decade. He holds

credentials as a Certified Computer Forensic Examiner (CFCE) by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists

(IACIS), a Certified Electronic Evidence Collection Specialist (CEECS) by IACIS, and is an AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE).

Welcome, Dr. Gardner! We are very excited for you to be part of the USF family!

Meet Autumn and Alex

The Criminology Department at the USF Polytechnic campus has provided a unique service to students enrolled in

online courses! Division Director and Criminology Professor, Dr. Paul Cromwell believes it is important for

students to have a resource to help them navigate the online learning process. Therefore, the Criminology

Department has provided students a Distance Support Person to help with all things course related. Autumn Pape

has been teaching at the University of South for over seven years, and she is very excited to be part of the

Criminology Department’s dedication to student success.

“I love teaching, but I think part of why I enjoy teaching so much is because I truly love working with and helping students,” says

Autumn. “Having a Distance Support Person gives students the opportunity to have a go-to person for anything they need help with.

From help citing references for papers to posting on the Discussion Forum, you name it and I here to help them with it! I can honestly

say that the Polytechnic campus believes our students’ success is our success.”

Autumn even has her dog, Alex, involved in the process. Alex (who is also nicknamed Alley-cat because she absolutely adores cats),

has become Autumn’s class mascot this summer. Feel free to contact Autumn at apape@poly.usf.edu or Alex at

Criminology.Mascot@gmail.com if you have any questions or need help in anyway. If she can’t answer your question, she will put you

in touch with the person who can.

Alex is also forming the very first Polytechnic Criminology pack! Feel free to email a picture or your pet (dog, cat, fish, ferret, etc.) to

Autumn or Alex and they will add him/her to the (bull) pack! We are here to help make the learning process not only relevant to

your future success in the real-world, but we also want you to be involved and have fun along the way!

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Meet Autumn and Alex – Your Distance Support Resource!

Internship Q & A

When can I complete a criminology internship?

Students must complete at least 21 upper level criminology courses and be a criminology major to apply for a criminology internship.

I am already employed with a Criminal Justice agency. Can I complete my internship hours where I am currently employed?

No. Students cannot complete an internship with an agency they are currently employed by.

How many credit hours is the criminology internship?

Internships are 3 credit hours. To fulfill 3 credit hour requirements, students must complete 150 internship hours. In fall and spring

semesters, students would need to complete approximately 10 hours per week. For summer internships, students would need to complete

approximately 15 hours per week to fulfill the 150 hour requirement.

When should I start planning for a criminology internship?

As soon as possible; depending on the agency or department, it can sometimes take months for placement to occur.

Am I guaranteed internship placement?

No. Internships are not guaranteed. Agencies are fully responsible for accepting students as interns. We cannot guarantee placement with

a particular agency or department. Many agencies are highly selective and competitive. In most cases, applying for an internship is much

like applying for a job. Due to the sensitive nature of the criminal justice system, students applying for an internship with a criminal justice

agency may be required to complete a formal interview, a full background check (including neighborhood checks), a polygraph test, and/or a

lengthy application.

Am I automatically excluded from completing a criminology internship if I have a conviction on my record? What if I just don ’t tell

anyone about the conviction?

No. You are not automatically excluded from completing an internship if you have a conviction. Again, it is up to the agency to accept you

as an intern. However, depending on the nature of the charge, placement could be more difficult and take longer.

It is extremely important that you do not lie or make any false statements about the incident surrounding your conviction. Be sure to have

all dates and details accurate, and be completely honest. If you make false statements about the incident, you could be banned from ever

working in that county (it has happened before). Please contact your advisor or the Criminology Internship Coordinator if your criminal

history makes you an unlikely candidate for an internship. Although you are not automatically excluded from an internship due to a

conviction, it is important you recognize that if you cannot work for an agency in an internship capacity, it is very unlikely that you would be

able to obtain employment with a criminal justice agency.

How can I start preparing for an internship?

Consider applying for internship placement the same as if you were applying for a job. Think about the agencies and positions that meet

your interests and long-term goals. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to intern with this particular agency?” Be prepared to formally answer that

question from the very beginning, as well as why you are a good candidate for an internship with that particular agency. Research the

agency; review the chain of command and who is in charge, who will be overseeing your internship within the agency, and identify what

they would be looking for in an employee. Review courses you completed that are relevant to the internship, and be prepared to discuss

how you would apply the information you learned in those courses to the internship position. Finally, make sure you have a current and up-

to-date resume that is relevant to the agency and the internship.

If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. Kim Lersch at kimlersch@poly.usf.edu

Internship Questions & Answers

Many students have questions when it comes to completing an internship. Internships can

definitely be a great way to gain some experience and can also be a nice addition to your

resume. You will find answers to several commonly asked questions below.

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The city of Winter Haven is providing an amazing scholarship opportunity! You will find the posting below.

Applications are being accepted from qualified individuals seeking a career in law enforcement and needing financial assistance to

obtain the necessary education, training and state of Florida certification to become a prospective candidate for employment as a

police officer. A select scholarship candidate would be expected to acknowledge and commit in writing to:

Enroll in the next available police academy of the City’s choosing

Successfully graduate from the named police academy within the prescribed time

Successfully pass the next available state certification test offered after academy graduation

Meet and maintain all minimum eligibility, qualifications and standards for a police officer pursuant to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training, the City of Winter Haven, and the Winter Haven Police Department

Represent the City in a favorable and professional way both in and outside of academy classes

Remain eligible and respond to an offer of employment the City may extend within the period of one year following academy graduation and state certification attainment

Repay the City all or a portion of the scholarship award if program terms and conditions agreed upon in writing are not fulfilled.

At the minimum qualified candidates must:

Be a resident of Polk County, Florida

Preferably live within Winter Haven’s limits or service area

Be at least 19 years of age and a citizen of the United States

Be a high school graduate or have an acceptable equivalency diploma

Not have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the United States Armed Forces

Not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or the making of a false claim

Have a valid Florida driver license and a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven

Be of good moral character and satisfactorily complete a security background check with fingerprinting; physical examination with a drug screen; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation and demonstrate an acceptable level of physical agility and strength to perform police training and work.

Selection will be based on individual merit and qualifications without regard for political or religious opinions or affiliations; race;

color; creed; sex; age; disability; national origin or any other reason prohibited by law.

To Apply Contact: Human Resources at P.O. Box 2277 Winter Haven, FL 33883-2277; (863) 291-5650; www.mywinterhaven.com,

or for the hearing impaired call 711 RELAY or 1-800-955-8770

Application Closing Date and Time: July 20, 2011, 5 p.m

Diane Smith ~ Personnel Selection Coordinator

125 North Lake Silver Drive NW

Winter Haven, Florida 33881

863.298.4441 Direct

863.298-5217 FAX

Scholarship Opportunity

Notice of

Police Officer Certification

Scholarship Candidate Opportunity

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I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new and returning criminology students this Summer semester!

MEET OUR FACULTY

Dr. Kim Lersch, Professor of Criminology, received her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Florida. She has previously taught

at the University of West Florida and the University of South Florida. Her specialties are in policing and geographic information

systems. She is the author of several books and numerous journal articles on criminal justice and criminological issues.

Dr. Paul Cromwell, Professor of Criminology, received his Ph.D. in Criminology from Florida State University. He has previously

taught at the University of Miami and Wichita State University. He is a former Chairman of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles,

Chief Probation Officer, and a United States Probation Officer. He is an author of numerous books and journal articles on criminal

justice and criminological issues.

Dr. Scot Boeringer, Instructor of Criminology, received his Ph.D. from the University of Florida. He has previously taught at the

University of Central Florida and Appalachian State University. His specialty areas include deviance, theory, sociology of sex and

gender, and crimes involving internet and cyberspace. Dr. Boeringer is the program coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Social Science

degree program.

Dr. Cecil Greek, Associate Professor of Sociology, received his Ph.D. from the New School of Social Research. Dr. Greek is a

professor of sociology but often teaches in in the criminology degree program. He has previously taught criminology at Florida State

University and at the University of South Florida at St. Petersburg. He is author of several books and journal articles in sociology and

criminology. He is well known for his expertise in cybercrime.

We particularly want to welcome our new faculty members who will be joining us this fall. They are:

Dr. Lorna Alavarez-Rivera, Assistant Professor of Criminology, joins us from Ohio University where she taught criminology in

2010-11. Dr. Alvarez-Rivera received her Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of Florida in 2011. Her special interests are in

criminological theory, cross-national criminology, and parent-child attachment as a factor in juvenile crime.

Dr. LeGrande Gardner, Instructor in Criminology, is a former police detective and FBI agent. He received a Ph.D. in Sociology from

Virginia Polytechnic University. Dr. Gardner is a nationally recognized expert in cybercrime and will direct the newly formed Cyber-

Forensics Laboratory here at USFP. A more extensive look at Dr. Gardner’s work is detailed later in this newsletter.

Dr. Elizabeth Cass, Instructor in Criminology, received her Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Albany. Dr. Cass has

previously taught criminology at Florida State University and the University of South Florida, Tampa. She has an extensive background

in juvenile justice.

Exciting things are happening at USFP. The legislature authorized funding for the initial buildings on the site of

the new campus at I-4 and the Polk Parkway. We expect the new campus to start going up before the end of the

year. USFP is finally going to get a home.

GO BULLS!

Director’s Report

Welcome to the Criminology Program at the University of South Florida

Polytechnic. I am Dr. Paul Cromwell, Professor of Criminology and Director of the

Division of Social Science. I am excited to be a part of an exciting time in the life of

USFP and the criminology program. As one of the largest and fastest growing

degree programs on campus, criminology is introducing new programs, courses,

and new faculty for 2011-2012. The criminology program at USFP consists of

highly respected and nationally recognized teachers and researchers. Our

criminology faculty have published over 20 books and 100 academic journal

articles and book chapters and present their research at national and

international conferences annually. Dr. Kim Lersch, professor of criminology is co-

editor of Policing: An International Journal of Policing Strategies and Management,

the major academic and professional journal in police science and administration.

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