Truman Students Compete at Regional Criminal Justice Conference

Pictured are the Truman representatives who attended the Lambda Alpha Epsilon regional conference (front row, left to right) Amanda Salas, Taryn Spoon, Kristi Schneider, Lindsay Lambert and Kenny Jacobs; (second row left to right) Scott Chenault, Carin Thumm, Sarah Brucks, Sarah Wisdom and Aaron Smoot.

Nine Truman students along with Scott Chenault, chapter adviser and instructor of justice systems, participated in a series of competitions designed to test their abilities in the various areas of criminal justice. Truman’s Lambda Alpha Epsilon local chapter attended this regional conference Oct. 22-24, 2004, in Omaha, Neb.

The competition was divided into four areas: academic testing, physical agility, crime scene investigation and firearms. The competition was split into three divisions. The lower division consists of those who have completed less than 70 hours of college credit. The upper division consists of those who have completed more than 70 hours including graduate students. The professional division includes those who are currently employed in the criminal justice field.

Truman finished fourth as a team out of 10 schools in a competitive region. Kenny Jacobs, junior justice systems major of Kirksville, Mo., received third place in Police Management Lower Division. Chenault received third place in Police Management Professional Division and second place in Juvenile Justice Professional Division. Sarah Wisdom, sophomore justice systems major from Grandview, Mo., received first place in Corrections Lower Division. Aaron Smoot, senior justice systems major from Shelbina, Mo., received first place in Juvenile Justice Upper Division.

Lindsay Lambert, sophomore biology major from Maryland Heights, Mo.; Sarah Brucks junior justice systems major from Grandview, Mo.; Amanda Salas, sophomore sociology/anthropology major from California, Mo.; Taryn Spoon, sophomore justice systems major from Beardstown, Ill.; Kristi Schneider, junior justice systems major from Rolla, Mo.; and Carin Thumm, sophomore English major from Ballwin, Mo.; are team members who also competed.

The American Criminal Justice Association-Lambda Alpha Epsilon (ACJA-LAE) is a national organization devoted to furthering academic goals and professionalism for both students and professionals in the area of criminal justice.