A Presidential Visit
Before a standing room only crowd of John Jay students, faculty and staff, The Hon. Leonel Fernandez, President of the Dominican Republic spoke about criminal justice reform in the Dominican Republic during his official visit to the United Nations on September 21. Currently in his second consecutive term, Fernandez described the country's ambitious program in combating violence while enhancing human rights. He noted that drug trafficking , crime and violence are the most important issues not only facing the Dominican Republic, but all of Latin American.

"In the first decade of the 21st Century throughout the Latin American hemisphere, the safety of our citizens and the possibility of improving our living conditions and exercising basic rights have been obstructed by a wave of transnational criminal activity that has fostered a rise in crime rates and violence in the region." When Fernandez returned to office in 2004, opinion polls showed that next to the economy, Dominicans' top concerns were violent crime and personal security. He told the audience, "It is very difficult for the Dominican Republic, or any nation, to implement a national strategy for economic development if it does not have a policy for controlling drug trafficking, crime and violence." To address the situation, Fernandez said, they replicated a strategy used in Colombia, "democratic security."

Fernandez continued, "My administration has defined citizen security as: First, guaranteeing the rights of citizens to exercise their basic civil, social and economic rights. And, second, guaranteeing public security so that citizens can exercise these rights especially freedom of movement in their own neighborhood as well as the right not to fear for their life or physical integrity."

In addition, his administration implemented a highly successful "safe neighborhood program" in more than 100 neighborhoods that use carefully selected police officers and the coordination of multiple agencies and services. According to Fernandez, these efforts have been highly effective with recent polls showing that more than 60% of citizens feel that crime has diminished in their neighborhoods. Underlying the country's strides in combating crime and enhancing human rights, has been the professionalization of the nation's police force in which John Jay College has played a significant role. Since 2005, the College has provided the country with a broad array of expertise and technical assistance including criminal investigation, forensic science, crime scene analysis, leadership, crime mapping and data collection. As Fernandez noted, "We are very grateful for that collaboration." President Jeremy Travis also acknowledged the relationship saying, "We are particularly honored that you have asked this College to be your partner in these historic efforts."

New Master's Degree in International Crime and Justice
As John Jay expands its undergraduate degree offerings, so too is the College increasing its graduate degree programs. The first graduate program of its kind in the country, the MA in International Crime and Justice reflects the College's commitment to international criminal justice education. The program combines advanced substantive knowledge of international crime challenges and domestic and international responses, with analytic and research techniques in an interdisciplinary framework. This master's program aims to provide its graduates with a truly global outlook on criminal justice, a moral commitment to international justice, and professional competence in a workforce that is increasingly multicultural. For more information, application requirements and degree requirements, click here.

Looking for Quality Personnel?
On Thursday, November 19, 2009, John Jay alumni are invited to join the Office of Career Development Services for the Annual John Jay Career Fair. John Jay graduates who serve as representatives of their organizations not only have the opportunity to recruit the best and the brightest, but your presence will also inspire and motivate our students as they begin to make their career choices. If you, or another representative of your organization, would like to participate, please see the invitation for more details and complete the reservation form and email it to careers@jjay.cuny.edu or fax it to 212.237.8440 by November 6. The fair will be held from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM in Haaren Hall, 899 Tenth Avenue, New York City. For more information, contact Crystal Farmer at 646.557.4543




John Jay's New Building Tops-Out
The College recently held a "topping-out" ceremony for its new building on 11th Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets. The occasion marked the erection of the final piece of structural steel atop the 13-story building. Following industry tradition, the beam was painted white, topped with an American flag and signed by construction workers, project managers and College and University officials. President Jeremy Travis pointed out that, "The structure will be sheathed in glass, the transparency of which is intended to symbolize the way the justice system should function." Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the building is due to be completed in 2011. (From the left are: Senior Vice President Robert Pignatello, President Jeremy Travis, City Council member Gail Brewer, CUNY Vice Chancellor Iris Weinshall, CUNY Executive Vice Chancellor Alan Dobrin, State Dormitory Authority Executive Director Paul Williams, and Turner Construction Senior Vice President and General Manager Charles Murphy.)