Craig Goralski is a “lifetime student,” using his degrees in criminal justice, law and business in his law enforcement career.

For 29 years, Goralski worked for the Houston Police Department on patrol, in the jail, in supervisory positions, in civil recruitment, as a supervising attorney for the Police Chief, and finally as head of the pension board. Two years ago, he was named Assistant Chief of the Houston METRO Police Department, an agency charged with protecting the public transit system in and around the Houston metropolitan area.

With 31 years on the job, Goralski said he still has 20 more to go and hopes one day to be a Police Chief and to teach.

Craig Goralski (center) is sworn in as Assistant Chief at Houston METRO.“I am a lifetime student, and I really enjoy academic learning,” said Goralski. “I have learned a lot in the 31 years. I like to learn, reflect and apply it.”

After getting a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a law degree and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston, Goralski said he got “his capstone” with the Master of Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University, College of Criminal Justice in 2011.

“It synthesized all the experience and education I had received,” said Goralski. “It allows me to reflect on what I had done and to improve on how I supervise and lead.”

Goralski is no stranger to leadership. As a Captain over patrol and investigations in the Northeast District at the Houston Police Department, Goralski commanded 500 officers. At Houston METRO, he supervises 191 officers and 40 to 50 civilian employees in patrol, investigations, dispatch, internal investigations and plainclothes.

“Leaders influence others to get the job done,” said Goralski. “My job is about 90 percent leadership to create the procedures that are not only effective, but get the work done.”

To jump start that process at Houston METRO, Goralski led a strategic planning process that involved and motivated all levels of the department and trained top level leadership. It now serves as the “compass” for the department and has buy-in from the chain of command.

“That means more to me than anything,” said Goralski. “What you leave behind are the people and how good they are.”

Because of his diverse background, Goralski’s career has taken some interesting twists and turns. After beginning his career in patrol and becoming a supervisor in the jail and in patrol, Goralski was named lieutenant over civilian recruiting, in charge of hiring the 2,400 non-police workers in the department.

With a background in law, Goralski also became the supervising attorney for the Police Chief, overseeing five lawyers who dealt with legal issues in the department, such as employment law and reviews of internal investigations. Finally, with his MBA, he served as the head of the Houston Police Officers Pension System, which handles investment of more than $3.5 billion and offers pension benefits to members, their families, and beneficiaries.
As a supervisor Goralski said it is important to remember officers that serve on the frontline.

“Don’t forget the officers on the ground,” said Goralski. “They are the ones who are dealing with fellow officers, the public and criminals. Treat them well and show them by example. Also treat the public well and justify the trust and authority they have given you.”

Wed, Feb 5, 2014
3:30pm
Bates Room, Criminal Justice Center

Brown Bag Presentation with Dr. Willard Oliver

Wed, Feb 12, 2014
3:30pm
Bates Room, Criminal Justice Center

Brown Bag Presentation with Dr. Danielle Boisvert

Wed, Feb 26, 2014
3:30 P.M.
Bates Room, Criminal Justice Center

Wed, Mar 19, 2014
3:30 P.M.
Bates Room, Criminal Justice Center

Fri Mar 21, 2014
9:30 - 11:00 A.M.
Hazel B. Kerper Courtroom

Dr. McGarrell is Director and Professor of the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University.

Wed, Apr 23, 2014
3:30 P.M.
Friel Room, Criminal Justice Center

Wed, May 14, 2014
3:30 P.M.
Courtroom, Criminal Justice Center

Thu, Apr 24. 2014

Join us for the annual celebration honoring students, alumni and leaders in criminal justice.

Leadership Luncheon
11:00 a.m.
Flag Room

Sundial Ceremony
1:30 a.m.
Flag Pole outside Criminal Justice Center

Honors Convocation
7:00 p.m.
CJ Auditorium

Mon, Jan. 21 -- Thu, Jan 24
Criminal Justice Center, CJava Cafe

The American Criminal Justice Association, a national organization of criminal justice students, academics, and professionals with membership in over three quarters of the states in the nation, will hold meetings this week for those interested in joining the organization.

The dates and times of the meetings are:

• Mon, Jan. 21, 3:00pm and 9:00pm
• Tue., Jan. 22, 4:00pm and 8:00pm
• Wed, Jan. 23, 3:00pm and 8:00pm
• Thu, Jan. 24, 4:00pm and 8:00pm

Mark Denham, Regional Security Director, Memorial Hermann Health System.

Mark Denham (MS ’10) was only 18 years old when he took his first job as a law enforcement officer as a campus police officer in Mississippi.

During his 36 year law enforcement career, Denham served at every level of law enforcement, including local, state, and federal positions. He was a Mississippi State Trooper, an FBI Special Agent, and a Shenandoah Detective and Command Staff Officer before joining the private sector as a Regional Security Director for the Memorial Hermann Health System. Now he watches over patients, visitors and employees at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, TIRR Memorial Hermann, the Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza, and the Katy Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as 67 outpatient facilities throughout the Houston region. He is also responsible for the oversight of all investigations, education and training for the entire security system.

Denham as a Mississippi State Trooper.“It has been very rewarding,” Denham said of his career. “If law enforcement or security is your calling and passion, be proud of it. I am a good example that if you begin your career with passion, you don’t have to ever experience burn out. Any day I can help someone during their time of need, I feel like it is one more day my chosen profession was a wise choice for me.”

Denham caught the policing bug when he was 13 years old, doing ride-along with his neighbor, a Constable, and his teacher’s husband, an officer with the Jackson, Mississippi Police Department – all before he could even drive.
“My mother would drop me off and pick me up at the police station,” said Denham. “Even as young as I was then I was able to learn the difference between good and bad procedures.”

Denham worked his way through college while attending the University of Southern Mississippi, taking classes in the morning, sleeping in the afternoon and working the night shift at the campus police department. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Denham became a Mississippi State Trooper, where he learned the importance of appearance which translates into professionalism. As a trooper, his uniform was pressed and his boots shined, a belief he passes on to his officers to this day.

“The initial judgment by others is from your appearance, and it communicates ‘I am a professional or I am less than professional,’” said Denham. “It is a common perception that a well-dressed and groomed officer is a professional who is trained, educated and better prepared to do the job of protecting the public they serve.”

Denham served on the SWAT team at the FBI. Denham also was a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigations for the majority of his career, where he was involved in major investigative matters such as kidnappings, extortions, public corruption, bank robberies, and homicides, as well as white-collar crimes, foreign counterintelligence, organized crimes, civil rights, cyber-crimes, and terrorism. As an FBI Agent, he also served on crisis management tactical response teams. He responded to several historical criminal justice events, including the 1986 Edmond, OK. Post Office massacre by a disgruntled employee, which led to the term “going postal;” the 1992 Los Angeles riots following the police beating of Rodney King; the 1993 siege involving David Koresh and his Branch Davidian followers in Waco; and the search for Top 10 Fugitive Eric Rudolph, who was responsible for bombings at the Atlanta Olympic Park in 1996 as well as several abortion clinics in 1998.

Denham poses as an old school FBI agent.Denham credits his education and experience for getting him the FBI job. He also took advantage of every training opportunity and assignment available at the agency.

“Education is important,” said Denham. “It created opportunities that would not have been available to you. When I started my career, a Bachelor’s degree was the equivalent of a Master’s degree today,” Denham shared. “To currently be competitive in our profession, you must consider obtaining an even higher level of education with a Master’s degree!”

After the FBI, Denham took a position as head of the Criminal Investigation Division, training program, and a member of the Command Staff with the Shenandoah Police Department, a community with a population of 4,000 and 23 sworn officers. It was quite different than his federal assignment with a jurisdiction that spread across the country and his trooper position where he covered the entire state of Mississippi. But the mission was the same – providing for the safety of citizens.

Denham stress the importance of service at every stage of his career. “There was still important work that needed to be done,” said Denham. “Residents expect you to help them in their time of need and provide the professional services that they deserve.”

In July, Denham was recruited to his current position at the Memorial Hermann Health System, one of three regional security directors protecting the vast network of hospitals and clinics throughout the Houston area. His job oversees state-of-the-art technology and training of security personnel.

The system uses technology to promote safety and is equipped with cameras, electronic doorways and badging system to monitor movements throughout the facility. It also relies heavily on the presence of armed security officers, with a knack for customer services, to provide security on the ground.

“A lot of what we do is presence, and we are very customer-service oriented,” said Denham. “Being visible is a large part of the officer’s job. They defend the campus by knowing the area, but they also provide assistance to employees and visitors in need of help.”

At the Shenandoah Police Department, Denham (far left) trained Polish National Police in firearms.After receiving his Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management at Sam Houston State University in 2010, Denham became an adjunct faculty member at the College of Criminal Justice. He also was invited to Poland to teach firearms and tactical operations at their national police academy, as well as instructing leadership and management courses at the International Law Enforcement Academy in Roswell, New Mexico and a subject matter expert instructor at the prestigious Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas. He enjoys the opportunity to share his passion and experience with others.

“Even though I have been a peace officer for this length of time, I still receive enjoyment and satisfaction from the job,” Denham said. “I love the part of our system that helps people in need and to be in service to others.”

The Harris County Sheriff's Office has the largest Explorer post in Texas.

An elite group of criminal justice students at Sam Houston State University began exploring law enforcement careers long before stepping foot in the College of Criminal Justice, getting a leg-up with experience in their chosen field.

The students are members of local Explorer posts, a branch of the Boy Scouts of America Learning for Life series that offers career exploring opportunity to young men and women from ages 14-20. Through the Law Enforcement Exploring Program, students team up with local police departments and law enforcement agencies for ongoing training in different aspects of the job. In addition, they participate in local, state and national competitions on skills and provide ongoing community service to their hometowns.

Luis Pedraza (r) practices arrest procedures.“We train them as we would new officers,” said Sgt. Rebecca Carlisle of the Tomball Police Department, which started its program in 2009. “We don’t hold back. In fact, we are a little tougher on them. When mistakes are made, they all do pushups. They are learning if one makes a mistake, they all are responsible. We are also teaching them proper pushup techniques.”

Freshman Luis Pedraza learned how to handle traffic stops, domestic violence calls, burglary investigations, and officer obstacle courses from sworn deputies at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office as a member of Explorer Post 44. He also served his community by doing home repairs for the elderly, participating in food drives and organizing a storage unit for a local collection center.

He continues to be active with the post, even while a full time student at Sam Houston State University. He said the experience has helped him prepare him for college and his future career by requiring good grades to participate in activities and setting standard operating procedures while on the “job.”

“I actually get to be around deputies and know the experiences that they go through,” said Pedraza, who has risen to the rank of Lieutenant in his post. “It has taught me discipline and how to get things done. They taught me to never limit myself and do the best that I can do. It keeps me motivated with my grades and my GPA.”

Victoria Olson (second from right) is Chief of the Tomball Explorer Post.Victoria Olson joined the Tomball Explorer Post in 2010 after discovering the group at the annual Salute to Law Enforcement at the Willowbrook Mall in Houston, TX. She is trained by a wide variety of police instructors on such operations as drug dogs, building searches, search and rescue, hostage negotiations and active shooters, to name a few. She also has participated in a SWAT camp in the Fort Worth area and competitions throughout the state.

During her three years in the program, Olson has put in more than 500 volunteer hours, manning the Second Saturday Depot for area youth, fingerprinting children at local events, directing traffic for the holiday parade, and operating the Haunted House sponsored by the local fire department.

“It really got me to focus and to choose what I want to do and how I want to do it,” said Olson, who attained the rank of Chief in her post. “It puts you a step above others.”

Sgt. Carlisle said the local patrol officers also benefit from the program.

“We do it for the future of these kids and the future of law enforcement,” said Sgt. Carlisle. “But for each officer involved it does a lot too. It gives them ownership and teaches them instructional techniques. It also provides a break from the stress of the job and gives them an opportunity to make an impression on these students.”

Arthur Herrera (second from right) participates in a competition identifying weapons. Arthur Herrera hadn’t even thought about a future career path when he joined the Murphy Police Department Explorers with his friend as a junior in high school.

“The program interested me in law enforcement,” said Herrera. “We got to train in realistic scenarios and received knowledge that others don’t have. We learned the code of criminal law. It was kind of like a class to get into law enforcement.”

Before he “aged-out” of the program in January, his post got to go to nationals twice – to Atlanta in 2010 and to Fort Collins, CO in 2012. Even though they didn’t win any medals, he got to mingle with many other agencies, which included local, county, state and federal agencies, to learn the different ways basic operations are done. During his last competition, he got to meet the head of the Drug Enforcement Agency.

“It’s really an opportunity to get connections in law enforcement,” said Herrera. “It can get you those connections you need when you graduate college.”

Successful Explorers are considered for jobs at the Harris County Sheriff's Office when they turn 18. At the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, successful Explorers are at the top of the list for jobs to become detention officers as soon as they turn 18. For those interested in pursuing law enforcement careers, the posts are considering sponsoring youth at area police academies.

“It is a win-win situation,” said Sgt. Al Blendermann, Coordinator of the program for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the largest Explorer organization in Texas and second largest in the country with seven posts. “Mainly, what it is doing is letting student find out if this is what they want to do at a young age. Most do, but some say it doesn’t look like what they do on TV.”

Mon, Jan 27, 2014
5:00 PM
Chemistry and Forensic Science Building
Room 103

The Society of Forensic Science is a special interest group at SHSU, consisting of individuals who are interested in working together to expand and share their knowledge of Forensic Science. The society participates in various volunteer and fundraising activities throughout the year.

Welcome Back! Come find out what we are doing this semester!

Mon, Feb 3, 2014
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Lowman Student Center, Theater

The Crime Victim Services Alliance will host the screening of "Rape for Profit: The documentary about sex trafficking in a major US city." For more information, contact Lindsay Ashworth at lma010@shsu.edu.

Thu, Apr 17, 2014
10:00am - 11:00am
CJ Courtroom

U.S. Marshal Robert Garmon, a Sam Houston State University Alumnus, will discuss his agency and how to get a federal position.

Career Counselor Vanessa Richard (r) discusses criminal justice career options with Victoria Olson.

Career Services is coming to the College of Criminal Justice, offering a wide variety of services to help identify – and land -- a dream job in the field.

Career Counselor/CJ Liaison Vanessa Richard, a recent Georgia transplant who did career counseling for the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, will be available in the Criminal Justice Center four days a week in Room A251, near the Dean’s Office. Whether you are a freshman just starting your academic career, a senior anticipating your fast-approaching graduation date, or an alumnus looking for a new job or career,

Vanessa RichardVanessa can assist with career assessments, career counseling, mock interviews, cover letter and resume critiques, and presentations and workshops.

“I can help students identify their personal interests and skills and guide them into career choices,” said Vanessa.

The hours of operation for the Criminal Justice Career Services Office are:

• Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Thursdays: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Fridays: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Vanessa can also be reached by phone at (936) 294-4305 or by email at vrichard@shsu.edu.

Career Services can assist students or alumni in exploring different career options through assessment tests that identify your skills, interests, personality and work-related values. Sam Houston State University has two assessment tools available for students – the Newly Revised Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and Vanessa can help interpret the results. She is also available to faculty for presentations in their classrooms.

Jobs4Kats is a free, online job posting system that offers job and internship opportunities, on-campus interview schedules, online resume critiques and workshop signups. The College of Criminal Justice also offers career postings in the field at http://www.cjcenter.org/directory/jobs.php.

To effectively apply for those jobs, Career Services can assist with crafting a resume and cover letter or practicing mock interviews.

Career Services also offers Job Fairs and on-campus interviews with agencies and businesses. In fact, the Criminal Justice Career Fair, which attracts dozens of agencies in law enforcement, corrections, victims services, private security and forensics, is scheduled this year on March 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom. Prior to the event, Career Services will host a workshop on resumes and interviewing.

Before joining Sam Houston State University, Vanessa served for 22 years in a variety of positions in Georgia. Prior to her 10 years as a career counselor, she worked as a case manager in the state’s Department of Family and Children’s Services, in the Women Infant Child (WIC) program and in a private firm that assisted hospitals in determining Medicaid eligibility for their patients.

Tue, Mar 4, 2014
Members: 8:00pm
Recruits: 9:00pm
Lowman Student Center, Room 320

The American Criminal Justice Association is a national organization of criminal justice students, academics, and professionals with membership in over three quarters of the states in the nation.

Mon, Mar 17, 2014
5 p.m.
Lowman Student Center Room 302

Phi Alpha Delta is the only Pre-Law student organization at SHSU! We have members of all majors who are considering law school in the future and PAD is here to help you in the decision making process. Since we are a international organization we not only accumulate the lifelong membership and friends but we receive special benefits such as aid in traveling, insurance and lots of other discounts everyone who is a member can take advantage of.

Tue, Mar 18, 2014
Members: 8:00pm
Recruits: 9:00pm
Lowman Student Center, Room 320

The American Criminal Justice Association is a national organization of criminal justice students, academics, and professionals with membership in over three quarters of the states in the nation.

Tue, Mar 25, 2014
Members: 8:00pm
Recruits: 9:00pm
Lowman Student Center, Room 320

The American Criminal Justice Association is a national organization of criminal justice students, academics, and professionals with membership in over three quarters of the states in the nation.