Winter holiday closure

The Justice Center, along with the rest of the UAA campus, will be closed for the winter holiday break from 12:00 PM on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. We will reopen for our normal business hours on Monday, January 4, 2010. All of us at the Justice Center wish you a festive holiday season, with all best wishes as we enter a new year.

Dr. Rosay authors Victim Assistance Academy Training Needs Assessment

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, authored the training needs assessment survey report for a planned Alaska State Victim Assistance Academy. The Academy will be coordinated by Victims for Justice, and is part of a nationwide program of Victims Assistance Academies funded by the Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice. The Academy will offer coursework and training in victimology, victims' rights, and victim services designed to meet the needs of victim service providers and allied professionals in Alaska.

A summary of the report also appeared in the Summer 2009 Alaska Justice Forum.

Prof. Periman judges "We the People" competition

Prof. Deborah Periman, Justice Center faculty, participated as one of the volunteer judges for the statewide final event of the "We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution" competition on December 1. "We the People" is a national educational program developed to educate young people about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Eleven high school teams from Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla competed in this event in Anchorage sponsored by the Center for Civic Education. The West High School team won this year and will be going to Washington, D.C. in Spring 2010 for the national competition.

Three judges pictured above, left to right, Kristin Knudsen, Alaska Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission; Deborah Periman, Justice Center faculty; Monica Kane, UAA Academic Affairs.

Spring 2010 tuition waiver

The University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center will be offering a limited number of Tuition Waivers for the 2009-2010 Academic Year. Currently, we are accepting Tuition Waiver applications for the Spring 2010 semester.

Justice Center tuition waivers are awarded to recognize the student(s) who best represents those qualities we would most like to encourage in our students. These qualities include academic excellence and a willingness and ability to contribute to the field of justice and the program at UAA. Consideration may also be given to student financial need and affirmative action goals. Note: There are a limited number of tuition waiver credits awarded each academic year. Awarded tuition waiver credits may not cover 100% of tuition costs.

Eligibility

The eligible student must be an official justice major or officially admitted to the paralegal certificate program with a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher and have completed a minimum of 12 credits in the justice major or paralegal program.

Applications

Justice Center tuition waiver applications can be picked up in the Justice Center office (LIB 213) or an application can be filled out and printed online.

Also attach a typewritten statement in which you explain why you feel you should be granted this tuition waiver. Your statement should include such things as quality classroom participation or presentations, research projects, internships, special projects, Justice Club and/or Alpha Phi Sigma activities, Student Showcase participation, and nature of your need if applicable. You may also present indicators of contributions to the Justice field and community and any other information about yourself which you feel supports your request for the tuition waiver.

Application deadline

All applications must be submitted to the Justice Center office no later than 5:00pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Students who have been selected to receive a Spring 2010 tuition waiver, will be contacted by Friday, January 22, 2010. Justice Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, unless otherwise posted.

Sexual assault research by Dr. Rosay cited in Anchorage Daily News AlaskaAlmanac

Justice Center sexual assault research by Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, was cited in the "AlaskaAlmanac" feature of the Anchorage Daily News, Saturday, December 5, 2009 edition.

Dr. Rosay participates in Violence Against Indian Women in Indian Country Project

Dr. André Rosay meets with the National Institute of Justice and RTI International in Washington D.C. on Monday December 7, 2009, to discuss survey design parameters and instrumentation for a national prevalence study of violence against Indian women in Indian Country. The project is funded by the National Institute of Justice and Dr. Rosay serves as a consultant to RTI International. Dr. Rosay has been actively involved with the National Institute of Justice’s program of research on violence against Indian women in Indian Country. He has attended previous research meetings and presented to the Section 904 Violence Against Indian Women in Indian Country Task Force in Washington D.C. Dr. Rosay has also received funding from the National Institute of Justice to collaborate with Ada Pecos Melton and Dr. Duane Champagne to create a social science research guide for research in Indian Country.

Dr. Rivera assists Jackson County Treatment Courts with community education

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Center faculty, is assisting Jackson County Treatment Courts in Oregon with agency and community education about their programs. Dr. Rivera has analyzed Adult Drug Court and Family Court data and provided results of analyses describing court participants, progress in drug courts, and outcomes. This information is in a slide show presentation. She is currently working on a text report of this data for the Courts.

Dr. Chamard reappointed to Anchorage Public Safety Advisory Commission

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, was reappointed by Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan to the Public Safety Advisory Commission (PSAC). The PSAC identifies broad public safety issues of concern to the citizens of the Municipality of Anchorage and advises the Mayor and the Assembly on these issues. Dr. Chamard was first appointed to the Commission in 2006. She currently serves as the Commission's Vice-Chair.

Dr. Chamard interviewed by KTUU Channel 2 News about Homeless Leadership Team website

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, was interviewed by KTUU Channel 2 News as part of their November 29, 2009 report on the launch of a new website to educate the public about the activities of the Municipality of Anchorage Homeless Leadership Team. Dr. Chamard is a member of the Homeless Leadership Team and is coordinating the subcommittee that will compile data on the extent of the problem of chronic public inebriation in Anchorage.

See the Justice Center's Homelessness bibliography for other information about homelessness.

Dr. Chamard heads subcommittee of Anchorage's Homeless Leadership Team

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, will coordinate the activities of the data subcommittee of the "Causes of Chronic Public Inebriation" work group of the Municipality of Anchorage's Homeless Leadership Team. The primary tasks of the subcommittee are to investigate sources of data concerning chronic public inebriates, gain access to the data, and conduct preliminary analyses to inform decision-making by the Leadership Team.

See the Justice Center's Homelessness bibliography for other information about homelessness.

Dr. Rivera to assist Oregon Criminal Justice Commission

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Center faculty, has drafted an assessment plan for drug courts in Jackson County, Oregon, and will also serve as the evaluator for the plan. Funding supporting the durg courts and evaluation has been provided by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission Drug Court Grant Program. The grant is designed to provide funding for drug courts, including addiction treatment, mental health, and employee services, and for court coordinator positions. This grant from the Oregon legislature is aimed at addressing the public safety and public health issues caused by drug use, especially methamphetamine, in the state.

Alaska Mentoring Initiative seeks mentors for Spring 2010

The Justice Center is seeking mentors for youth at the McLaughlin Youth Center for Spring 2010. Please see the attached flyer.

The Alaska Mentoring Initiative is a partnership between the University of Alaska Anchorage, the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska. Its goals are to enhance the civic engagement of University students with formal opportunities to mentor institutionalized youth and to empower institutionalized youth by having a mentor that will facilitate their re-entry into their home community.

For further information, email Dr. Rosay at afabr@uaa.alaska.edu.

Thanksgiving holiday closure

The Justice Center will be closed from Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We'll return to our normal hours of operation on Monday, November 30. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Justice Club tour of Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory on Dec. 11

The Justice Club is sponsoring a tour on Friday, December 11th at 3:30pm of the Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory. The crime lab is located at 5500 E Tudor Road.

Please send an email to abjustice@uaa.alaska.edu if you would like to attend. You must be a current Justice Club member and have paid the club dues for either the semester or the year to participate in this tour.

For more information about the Justice Club, see the Justice Club home page.

Fall 2009 final exam schedule

Final examinations for the Fall 2009 semester will be held the week of December 7–11, 2009. The Justice Center examination schedule is now available online, showing day/date, time, and location of exams for Justice and Paralegal courses.

Dr. Rosay interviewed by KTUU Channel 2 News

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, was interviewed by KTUU Channel 2 News as part of their November 22, 2009 report on forensic nurses and the prosecution of sexual assault cases in Alaska.


The Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee Chair recently released their, "Report and Recommendations: Reducing Sexual Assault in Alaska." The Justice Center has a number of research reports on sexual assault nurse examinations.

Dr. Myrstol appointed to NeighborWorks Anchorage Board of Directors

Dr. Brad Myrstol, Justice Center faculty, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of NeighborWorks Anchorage, a chartered member of NeighborWorks America. Neighborworks America is a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts. Dr. Myrstol serves on the Board as a Fairview resident, one of the target areas of the organization's program.

Dr. Rosay assists with Muni of Anchorage report on sexual violence in Anchorage

Dr. André Rosay received special acknowledgment for his contribution to the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) Report, "Sexual Violence in Anchorage, Alaska - Findings and Recommendations September 2009." The MOA Department of Health and Human Services, Human Services Division, Safety Links Program, expressed in the report their appreciation to Dr. Rosay "for reviewing Uniform Crime Report data and theories and relationships between data, and his testimony regarding the need for specific services and preventative measures in Anchorage."

For copies of the report, call the Safety Links Program at 907-343-6589. The report will be posted to the MOA website shortly.

Prof. Periman announces Diversity Committee film showing, "Crash"

Prof. Deborah Periman, Justice faculty member, announces a Diversity Committee event for faculty, staff, and students. The CHSW Diversity Committee will host a discussion and showing of the film "Crash" on Friday, November 20, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., SSB 118. Admission is free and snacks will be provided.

"Crash" is a movie that casts light on bigotry and racial stereotypes as the story of people impacted by a car collision unfolds . The film is set in Los Angeles, a city with a cultural mix of every nationality.

Prof. Periman co-chairs the CHSW Diversity Committee.

Dr. Rivera to evaluate Oregon Family Connections Program

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Center faculty, will serve as the evaluator for the Family Connections program funded by a Family Connection Discretionary Grant that was recently awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children & Families . The award was made to the drug treatment provider, OnTrack, Inc., located in Jackson County, Oregon. The funding is intended to help children at risk of entering foster care to reconnect with their families by providing a number of services, including residential family drug treatment.

Methamphetamines focus of research report and Research Overview

Alaska Meth Education Project: Process and Outcome Evaluation, 2009 by Dr. Marny Rivera and Jennifer McMullen is the first report to provide information regarding Alaskans’ perceptions of meth, including effects and risks associated with meth use and perceptions regarding the availability and use of meth by young adults in Alaska. The report evaluated the efforts of the Alaska Meth Education (AME) Project, a statewide effort to reduce meth use and availability in Alaska by educating Alaskans about, and preventing youth from trying, meth. The AME Project provides free community education presentations, an anti-meth media campaign. anti-meth summits, and a website and Facebook page which provide information, local resources, and links to their campaign ads. The AME Project has resulted from the efforts of five local government: the Municipality of Anchorage, Matanuska Susitna Borough, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Fairbanks North Star Borough, and the City and Borough of Juneau.

Evaluation methods included a survey to evaluate community education presentations; a survey conducted with UAA Justice students exposed to the anti-meth radio advertisements generated by the AME Project; a survey of 10,000 randomly sampled Alaskans; and a process evaluation involving interviews conducted with AME Project statewide advisory committee members.

Meth is also the focus of a new issue of the Justice Center Research Overview, also written by Marny Rivera and Jennifer McMullen — "Methamphetamine (Meth) Use, Trafficking, and Treatment" — which presents a summary of the meth problem in the U.S. and Alaska using the most recent available data on use, trafficking, and treatment related to methamphetamines.

Justice Club tour of Anchorage Correctional Complex on Nov. 20

The Justice Club is sponsoring a tour on November 20 at 10:00am of the Anchorage Correctional Complex. The jail is located at 1400 E. 4th Ave. between downtown and Mountain View.

The Justice Club has previously been to Hiland Mountain and Spring Creek correctional centers, both of which house prisoners after trial and conviction. The Anchorage Correctional Complex, however, houses a variety of inmates, and consequently a more complex security structure. As described by Anchorage jail architect Steve Fishback in a 2001 article in the Alaska Justice Forum, "The Design of the New Anchorage Jail":

Operating as a booking center and pretrial facility, the Anchorage jail will accept defendants who will be charged with a variety of offenses, including violent and destructive crimes. For this reason, the Anchorage jail has been designed and constructed as an extremely high security institution. Since the jail population will include sentenced misdemeanants, as well as individuals charged with serious crimes, the custody structure will range from minimum to close and maximum custody.

You must be a current Justice Club memeber and have paid the club dues for either the semester or the year to participate in the tour. You must also fill out a background check form and submit it to the Justice Center by November 12. This form is available in the Justice Center and on the Justice Club’s webpage.

For more information about the Justice Club, see the Justice Club home page.

Atlas of Anchorage Community Indicators released

The Atlas of Anchorage Community Indicators is an online collection of maps reflecting survey and census data for the Municipality of Anchorage. The intent of the Atlas is to make empirical information about Anchorage neighborhoods widely accessible to many different audiences. Our selection of indicators for presentation in the Atlas was inspired by Peter Blau and his interest in measures of heterogeneity (diversity) and inequality and by the work of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. In these prior works, variables known as Community Indicators were theorized to educate and inform researchers about the cause and context of neighborhoods in the development of criminals. These indicators can be measured in various ways, typically through surveys or by mining existing census data.

By leveraging Geographic Information Systems methods and technology and using survey data, the Justice Center has been able to illustrate the distribution of these variables (by 2000 U.S. Census block group) throughout the Municipality of Anchorage. This will allow the audience to see patterns of distribution, and raises important questions about the spatial distribution of variables like Concentrated Disadvantage (a measure of relative neighborhood poverty) and Residential Stability (theorized to promote the evolution of common values). Ideally, this information will educate community councils, sociologists, and other stakeholders about the composition of Anchorage neighborhoods and the possible ramifications of that composition, and assist in policy making.

Dr. Rivera assists Oregon Treatment Courts

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Center faculty, was the consultant on and will serve as an evaluator for a drug court program for the Jackson County (Oregon) Treatment Courts. The program has been funded by a Drug Court Enhancement grant, and the funding will be used to enhance offender accountability by increasing the restitution collection rate among drug court participants.

Justice Center Research Overview: Two new issues on Anchorage arrestees & homelessness

Two new issues of the Justice Center Research Overview look at homelessness among adult male arrestees in Anchorage:

• "Homelessness Among Drug-Using Adult Male Arrestees in Anchorage, 2000-2003" (July 2009)
• "Criminal Offending Among Homeless Drug-Using Male Arrestees, Anchorage, 2000–2003" (August 2009)
  

Both Overviews, by Justice Center faculty member Brad A. Myrstol, are based upon data collected in Anchorage from 2000 to 2003 as part of the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) program. Anchorage was one of 40 sites which participated in the nationwide ADAM program. Justice Center researchers collected data on the prevalence and types of drug use among booked arrestees during four two-week periods each year, once per quarter, at Cook Inlet Pretrial Facility and Anchorage's Sixth Avenue Jail (through 2001) and at the Anchorage Correctional Complex (2002-2003).

Although the program was discontinued in 2003, its data continues to be valuable for understanding alcohol and drug use among Anchorage arrestees. ADAM data was also the basis for a recent Alaska Justice Forum article by Brad Myrstol, "Drug Use Trajectories of Anchorage Male Arrestees: 2000–2003" (Summer 2009).

For further information, see our bibliographies on homelessness and on drugs & drug abuse.

Dr. Chamard interviewed by KTUU Channel 2 News about 2007 Anchorage Community Survey Report

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, was interviewed by KTUU Channel 2 News concerning the release of the "2007 Anchorage Community Survey Sourcebook," "2007 Executive Summary," and the " Community Indicators Project at UAA: Anchorage Police Department Related Results." This biannual survey of the Anchorage Municipality asks residents demographic information, their opinion about life in Anchorage, including their level of satisfaction with municipal services, their perception of safety in the community, and questions about neighborhood social cohesiveness.

The 2009 Anchorage Community Survey is currently underway, and the report from the survey is anticipated in late spring 2010.

Dr. Rivera elected Chair of the CHSW Curriculum Committee

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Center faculty member, has been elected to serve as Chair of the College of Health & Social Welfare (CHSW) Curriculum Committee. This committee reviews proposals for changing, adding, or deleting majors, minors, courses and programs in CHSW.

Dr. Chamard quoted in Anchorage Daily News re H2H project

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, was interviewed October 30, 2009 by the Anchorage Daily News in her capacity as President of the Fairview Community Council about the Highway-to-Highway Project. The Highway to Highway Project is a proposal to connect the Seward Highway to the Glenn Highway.

Women in Law Enforcement Fair a great success

The October 22, 2009 Women in Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair sponsored by the Women Police of Alaska attracted numerous UAA students and non-students interested in law enforcement career opportunities. Women, and also a number of men, attended the fair to talk to federal and state law enforcement agency representatives from the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, FBI, Anchorage Airport Police, Department of Corrections, Seward Police Department, North Slope Borough Police Department, Sand Point Police Department, Fairbanks Police Department, Alaska State Troopers, and members of the Women Police of Alaska.

The event was presented with the support of the Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police, and the UAA Justice Center.

Pictured:

• Top - Patrol cars from the Anchorage Airport Police, Anchorage Police Department, and the Alaska State Troopers were staged in front of the Student Union during the event.
• Trooper Sgt. Maurice Hughes talks with UAA Justice student Sarah Herrin.
• Officer Julie Hellrung of the Anchorage Airport Police and her explosives detection canine, "Dasty," take a break.
• Students discuss careers with Sgt. Bob Thompson, Fairbanks Police Dept. (far left) and with DEA Diversion Investigator Candy Kopf (far right).
• Students gather to talk to Deputy U.S. Marshal Jimmy Johnson (left in cap) and his explosives detection canine "MacDuff," and to Deputy U.S. Marshal Rochelle Liedeke (facing front) of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Dr. Chamard invited to participate in Anchorage Fire Fighters Fire Ops 101 event

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, in her capacity as a member of the Municipality of Anchorage Public Safety Advisory Commission, was invited to participate in the October 23, 2009 "Fire Ops 101" program presented by the International Association of Fire Fighters Anchorage Local 1264. Other invitees included state and local elected officials and members of the media. This day-long program was designed to educate participants about fire and emergency medical operations. The group was divided into teams and outfitted in protective clothing. Each participant was also matched with a firefighter shadow; teams participated in activities including entering a burning room, climbing an aerial ladder, performing CPR and operating an automatic external defibrillator (AED), extricating a victim from a vehicle crash, and rescuing a victim from a simulated fire.

Prof. Periman speaks on researching specific legal issues

Prof. Deborah Periman, Justice Center faculty, will be a presenter for a day-long Alaska Associaton of Paralegals (AAP) seminar, "From Intake to Resolution: Strategies for the Prepared Paralegal" on November 6, 2009. She will speak on "Researching the Specific Legal Issue of Your Case."

Anchorage Community Survey 2007: Three new reports

Announcing the release of three reports from the Anchorage Community Survey 2007:

• The Anchorage Community Survey, 2007: Executive Summary, revised ed.
• The Anchorage Community Survey, 2007: Sourcebook
• Community Indicators Project at UAA: Anchorage Police Department Related Results

All reports are authored by Shel Llee Flexman-Evans, who was principal investigator for the project.

The biannual Anchorage Community Survey (ACS), part of the Justice Center's Community Indicators Project, provides one of the most detailed pictures available of community attitudes within the network of communities forming the Anchorage municipality. The survey reports contain information on the demographics of residents, their perceptions of life in their neighborhoods, social activities and organizations, and satisfaction with various municipal and government functions, including policing. The first Anchorage Community Survey was conducted in 2005. The 2009 survey is currently in progress.

Women in Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair on October 22

Representatives from the following state and federal agencies will be at the Thursday, October 22 "Women in Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair" on the upper level of the UAA Student Union. The Recruitment Fair runs from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• FBI
• U.S. Marshals Service
• Anchorage Airport Police & Fire
• Alaska State Troopers
• Alaska Department of Corrections
• Fairbank Police Department
• Kodiak Police Department
• North Slope Borough Police Department
• Sand Point Police Department
• Seward Police Department
• Sitka Police Department
• Valdez Police Department

This event is sponsored by the Women Police of Alaska with the support of the Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Association of Police Chiefs, and the UAA Justice Center. For more information, contact the Justice Center at 786-1810.

Justice Center research cited in Senate Judiciary Committee report on sexual assault

Justice Center research on sexual assault is cited extensively in the recently released Senate Judiciary Committee "Report and Recommendations: Reducing Sexual Assault in Alaska." The report looks at Alaska's high rate of sexual assault -- forcible rape is 12% of all reported violent crime in the state versus 6% of all reported violent crime nationally - and makes a number of recommendations. The Judiciary Committee also "particularly acknowledges the work done by the UAA Justice Center, which has provided vital leadership in its research regarding violence against women in Alaska."

KTUU Channel 2 News covered the release of the report and related stories.

Dr. Rosay quoted in ADN article on "safety hour" for bars

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, was quoted in the October 17, 2009 Anchorage Daily News article about the Anchorage Assembly's consideration of a "safety hour" for bars. The proposed ordinance would allow bars to keep their doors open one hour after official closing time to allow more time for people to get cabs and get home safely. Dr. Rosay noted that the Justice Center has not specifically researched whether its data supports the proposed ordinance, but statistics indicate a safety hour could help.

Summer 2009 issue of Alaska Justice Forum

The Summer 2009 issue of the Alaska Justice Forum focuses on patterns of drug use among male arrestees in Anchorage; homelessness in Alaska; and results of a needs survey being used to develop a state victim assistance academy.

The 12-page issue includes the following articles:

"Drug Use Trajectories of Anchorage Male Arrestees: 2000–2003" by Brad A. Myrstol

Using data collected in Anchorage as part of the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) program, this article reports the preliminary findings of a developmental study of the connection between the use of illicit drugs and criminal offending. Results show that for each of five illicit drugs (marijuana, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin), there were dramatic increases in (1) arrestees’ drug use levels, and (2) the number of arrestees who intensified their drug use, approximately 90 to 120 days prior to arrest. These findings suggest that analysis of drug use trajectories preceding crime events may be important for furthering our understanding of the drug use-crime connection.

"A Look at Homelessness in Alaska"

Homelessness, and its impact on individuals, families, and society, is an issue of growing concern both nationally and in Alaska. This article provides information on homelessness in Alaska and nationally. On a single night in January 2008, the U.S. homeless population was estimated at 664,000. In 2008, Alaska at 0.24 per cent ranked number 10 among states for estimates of homeless persons as a percent of a state’s total population; a single-night count in January 2009 placed Alaska's homeless count at 4,583.

"Victim Service Training Needs: State Victim Assistance Academy" by André B. Rosay

Victims for Justice, a community-based crime victim service organization located in Anchorage, began in 2008 to develop a plan for a State Victim Assistance Academy for Alaska. As a first step in developing the academy, Victims for Justice in partnership with the UAA Justice Center conducted a needs assessment survey, with results reported in this brief article.

Bryan Brandenburg, Dept. of Corrections, visits with Justice Center faculty

Bryan Brandenburg, Deputy Director for the Division of Institutions with the Alaska Department of Corrections, participated in the October 2009 Justice Center Research Meeting. Mr. Brandenburg discussed new initiatives with integrated case management and supervision models for successful re-entry of prisoners.

Dr. Chamard appointed to Anchorage Homeless Leadership Team

Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, was appointed by Mayor Dan Sullivan to Anchorage Homeless Leadership Team. As part of the Mayor’s strategic action plan to address the problems of chronic public inebriates and related issues of homelessness in Anchorage, the leadership team is tasked with helping to identify and implement strategies.

KTUU Channel 2 News had coverage of the Homeless Leadership Team's first meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2009.

Dr. Rosay appointed to Responsible Conduct of Research Committee

Dr. André Rosay was appointed to the Responsible Conduct of Research Committee, a federally mandated misconduct committee for institutions as set forth in 42 CRF Part 93. The committee reviews instances of misconduct, including fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other practices that deviate from ethical standards and practices commonly accepted within the academic and scientific community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research, scholarly work, or creative activity.

Prof. Periman to speak Oct. 23 on legal ethics to paralegals

Prof. Deborah Periman, Justice Center faculty, will speak on legal ethics for paralegals at a day-long litigation case management seminar on October 23, 2009. Her presentation entitled, "Ethical Questions - The Practical Do's and Don'ts," will include such issues as evaluating conflicts of interest and avoiding the unauthorized practice of law. This seminar has been approved by the National Association of Legal Assistants and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations for continuing legal education credit.

Justice Center faculty to present at American Society of Criminology in November

Several Justice Center faculty will be making presentations at the American Society of Criminology Annual Meeting in Philadelpha, November 4-7, 2009:

Dr. Sharon Chamard will present on "Chronic Public Inebriate Movement Patterns: Response to Disruptions in Preferred Environments" on Thursday, November 5, 2009.

Dr. Brad Myrstol will present on "The Drug Use Trajectories of Arrestees" on Friday, November 6, 2009.

Dr. Marny Rivera and Jennifer McMullen, Research Assistant, will make a presentation on "Effects of an Anti-Methamphetamine Program" on Saturday, November 7, 2009. Dr. Rivera is the principal investigator for the evaluation project of the Alaska Meth Education Project.

Dr. Chamard provides technical assistance for Spenard Community Survey

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, is providing technical assistance to the Spenard Community Council in the development of a Spenard Community Survey. Data from the survey will be used by the Anchorage Police Department's Community Action Policing (CAP) Team in determining what problems and issues need to be addressed in the area as part of their problem oriented policing efforts.

There are four components to the project. The first is a study of hotels and motels in Spenard; this will be done as a class project in Dr. Chamard’s JUST A490 course, “Business and Crime.” The other three components involve surveying residents, business owners, and employees about fear of crime, areas where they feel unsafe in the neighborhood, what types of crimes and social disorder they find especially troublesome, and the nature and quality of their interactions with employees of the Anchorage Police Department. Three Master's students from the UAA Engineering and Science Management Department will be assisting with data collection and analysis as part of their graduate level course in statistics.

Dr. Rosay meets with Attorney General Sullivan regarding violence against women in Alaska

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, will meet with Alaska Attorney General Dan Sullivan on September 28, 2009 to discuss violence against women in Alaska.

Justice exit exams for Fall 2009 graduation

Justice majors who plan on graduating in Fall 2009 under the 2004-2005 or later catalog must take the Justice Exit Exam.

Time/location: The Justice Exit Exam will be administered:

• In SSB 223 on Friday, November 20, 2009 from 10:30–12:00 PM
• In SSB 223 on Friday, December 4, 2009 from 2:00–3:30 PM
  

If you are required to take the Justice Exit Exam, please contact the Justice Center at 786-1810 to reserve a date. The exit exam should take approximately an hour and 30 minutes to complete.

Grading: Currently there is no minimum score on the test required for graduation, and the test is taken anonymously.

Proof of identity: Exit exams are taken anonymously, but you will be required to fill out a sign-in form so we know you have fulfilled the requirement for graduation under the new Justice BA requirements. You will need to show a picture ID before taking the exit exam. You may use your Wolfcard, driver’s license, or any state picture id card as proof of your identity.

Note: This notice only pertains to those students who are planning to graduate in the Fall 2009 semester under the 2004-2005 or later catalog. If you are graduating under a previous catalog, you do not need to take the Justice Exit Exam. The Justice Exit Exam is administered during the Spring and Fall semesters only. Those students graduating in the Summer will need to take the exit exam the previous Spring semester. Students who plan to graduate during the Summer semester, but do not take the exam in the Spring, technically will not be graduated until they take the exit exam the following Fall semester.

Dr. Rosay presents to State of Alaska Children's Justice Act Task Force

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, will make a presentation to the State of Alaska Children's Justice Act Task Force at their September 28, 2009 meeting in Anchorage. His topic will be sexual assault research in Alaska.

Dr. Rivera presents to Jackson County Oregon Treatment Courts annual retreat

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Center faculty, presents to the Jackson County Oregon Treatment Courts annual retreat via teleconference on Friday, September 25, 2009. Her focus will be recidivism and associated cost savings for the Community Family Court (a family drug treatment court) and the Adult Drug Court.

Women in Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair to be held October 22

The Justice Center is assisting with the Women in Law Enforcement Recruitment Fair to be held on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the UAA Student Union (Upper Level - Next to Wells Fargo Sports Complex). This event is open to everyone. Parking is free.

This recruitment fair is sponsored by the Women Police of Alaska with the support of the Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police, and the UAA Justice Center.

Call the Justice Center at 786-1810 for more information.

Spring 2010 Justice & Paralegal internship application deadline

The application deadline for Spring 2010 internships is Friday, October 16, 2009. For further information including future deadlines and application forms, see Justice Internships: Information and Required Forms or Paralegal Internships: Information and Required Forms.

Dr. Rivera authors evaluation of Oregon Adult Drug Court

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Center faculty, recently authored an evaluation of the Jackson County, Oregon Adult Drug Court titled, “ADC (Adult Drug Court) Recidivism: Definition by Dosage, Level and Conviction Status.” The report was prepared by Dr. Rivera as the evaluator for the Jackson County, Oregon Treatment Courts, with a focus on the impact of treatment dosage (length of time in treatment) on recidivism.

The report examined recidivism (misdemeanor and felony level charges and conviction status) for participants in the drug court after 90 days, 120 days, and 180 days (dosage), and one full year of treatment. An important finding was that a substantial amount of recidivism takes place within the first 90 days of the program, before drug treatment has had an effect on the bodies and behavior of participants. The implication is that it is important to take treatment dosage (length of time in treatment) into consideration when judging the impact of substance use treatment on behavior, such as criminal recidivism.

Dr. Barnes serves on Faculty Senate Academic Assessment Committee

Dr. Allan Barnes, Justice Center faculty, is serving on the UAA Faculty Senate Academic Assessment Committee. This committee is responsible for reviewing reports by academic units. The focus of the committee is to assist academic units in developing sound recommendations for program enhancements based on critical self review and performance evaluation.

Dr. Chamard speaks at recovery and treatment community event

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, spoke at an event to celebrate the good works of the recovery and treatment community. The event was part of “Rally for Recovery Month 2009,” and was held on Saturday, September 19 at the Fairview Community Recreation Center. It was sponsored by the Substance Abuse Directors Association of Alaska, the Association for Addiction Professionals, and the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification.

Justice Club minutes for September 15 meeting

from Kris Doughty
Justice Club secretary

UAA Justice Club
Minutes for meeting of Tuesday, September 15, 2009
ADM 143B

Meeting Info

• Meetings will be held every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in Admin Rm. 143b. The last Tuesday of the month is reserved for an officers meeting.

Justice Club Book Exchange

• This is a great opportunity to exchange your old class books for ones you need. The book exchange will be up around the end of October after spring classes have been announced. Please watch for flyers around campus for up dates.

Membership

• Please make sure you have paid your dues for the year. We will start sending out emails to all new members to make sure we have new member email addresses correct.

Alaska Workers Association

• AWA wants to give a talk to the Justice Club. We would like to have their organization speak with the club about internships that are available through their organization. The club would like to do this in the near future, but only if there is enough interest expressed. Please email the Justice Club at abjustice@uaa.alaska.edu with “AWA” in the subject line to let us know you are interested.

Applications for membership

• The Justice Club Treasurer Sarah has revamped our applications! Please thank her if you see her. The applications will be available on our website. Please get your applications to a Justice Club officer or as always, you may drop them off with Melissa in the Justice Center. [blog note: new applications will be online shortly]

Locker Rentals

• The Justice Club is looking into taking over the lockers in the SSB to rent out. This is a great opportunity for our club to make money.

Halloween Event

• We will again have our booth at the Annual Halloween event put on through club council. Please let us know your ideas for games and activities we can have at our booth.

Club Social

• We are looking into doing a club social and coordinating with other clubs that are popular minors among Justice majors. A possible venue discussed was the Cuddy Center.

Minutes respectfully submitted for approval by: Kristen Doughty, JC Secretary
Approved as to form and content by: Eva Gomez, President

For more information about the Justice Club, see the Justice Club home page.

Justice Club info for Fall 2009 semester

The Justice Club has established a regular meeting place and time for the Fall 2009 semester:

Day: Every Tuesday (The last Tuesday of every month will be reserved as an officer meeting.)
Time: 11:30 AM
Room: ADM 143B

Officers for the 2009/2010 academic year are:

President: Eva Gomez
Vice President: Michael Guzy
Secretary: Kristen Doughty
Treasurer: Sarah Peterson
Club Coucil Representative: Eryne Reilly
Events Coordinator: Kristin Machado

The Justice Club can be reached at its email address, abjustice@uaa.alaska.edu

For more information about the Justice Club, including the Justice Club application form, see the Justice Club home page.

Prof. Periman presents at federal paralegal workshop

Prof. Deborah Periman, Justice Center faculty, will be a faculty member for the upcoming Federal Paralegal Workshop scheduled for October 14 and 15, 2009. Prof. Periman will present on "Utilizing Universities: Establishing a Paralegal Intern Program in Your Office/Agency." She will also participate in the panel discussion entitled "Paralegal Leadership." The workshop is sponsored by the Alaska District Office of Counsel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Dr. Rosay presents to the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Kodiak

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, will make a presentation on sexual assault research to a meeting of the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault on September 17, 2009 in Kodiak.

Dr. Chamard represents Justice Center at Behavioral Health Alliance meeting

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, will attend the September 15, 2009 UA Behavioral Health Alliance meeting in Fairbanks. The Behavioral Health Alliance is a statewide Universityof Alaska inter-disciplinary task group formed to identify issues concerning behavioral health programs in the UA system and to work collaboratively to enhance communication, coordination and collaboration between and within academic disciplines.

Prof. Periman presents to the Alaska Association of Paralegals

Prof. Deborah Periman, Justice Center faculty, will speak to the Alaska Association of Paralegals (AAP) on September 10, 2009 at the AAP lunch seminar and meeting. Prof. Periman will present a "Paralegal Practice Update."

Justice Center data cited in media reports

Justice Center data was cited recently in media reports by KTUU Channel 2 News and the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Justice Center sexual assault research was cited by KTUU in their August 9, 2009 story concerning a suspected double rapist. Research on domestic violence incidents and the involvement of alcohol was cited on September 2, 2009 in Part 1 of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner series on the problem of chronic inebriates.

Prof. Periman facilitates LSAT review workshop for UAA students

Professor Deborah Periman, Justice Center faculty and UAA Prelaw Advisor, facilitated a two-day LSAT review workshop for UAA students on August 28 and 29. This video-based review and test practice program was provided free to UAA students planning on taking the LSAT during the 2009-2010 academic year. Topics included LSAT format and structure, reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning, writing samples, and tips for success.

Dr. Chamard authors monograph on homeless encampments for U.S. Department of Justice

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, has authored a monograph entitled, "Homeless Encampments," for the Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Problem-Specific Guides Series. The monograph will be released in fall 2009 as part of the series published by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice.

Fall 2009 academic information

	UAA/APU Consortium Library. Photo by Melissa S. Green

Academic information online for the Fall 2009 semester includes a complete list of Justice Center Fall 2009 course offerings and course syllabi.

See faculty office hours for faculty email addresses and phone numbers. If you don't know who your advisor is, call our main line 786-1810, and we'll provide you with that information. We cannot, however, set appointments for you: you must schedule directly with your advisor or instructor.

Don’t forget we have a computer lab for Justice Center students open Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed on holidays) located in our office suite, Library 213.

Remember that the deadline for applications for the Fall 2009 tuition waiver is August 31 at 5:00 PM. See our post on the tuition waiver further information, including the application form.

Dr. Rivera co-authors chapter for juvenile justice textbook

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Center faculty, has co-authored a chapter on juvenile drug and mental health courts with UAA School of Social Work Professor Kathi Trawver. The chapter is titled, "Innovative Justice for Youth with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: Juvenile Drug and Mental Health Courts" and will appear in the educational textbook, Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice: Policies, Programs, and Practice, to be published by Jones and Bartlett, Publishers, LLC in January 2010.

Fall 2009 tuition waiver

The University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center will be offering a limited number of Tuition Waivers for the 2009-2010 Academic Year. Currently, we are accepting Tuition Waiver applications for the Fall 2009 semester.

Justice Center tuition waivers are awarded to recognize the student(s) who best represents those qualities we would most like to encourage in our students. These qualities include academic excellence and a willingness and ability to contribute to the field of justice and the program at UAA. Consideration may also be given to student financial need and affirmative action goals.

Eligibility

The eligible student must be an official justice major or officially admitted to the paralegal certificate program with a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher and have completed a minimum of 12 credits in the justice major or paralegal program.

Applications

Justice Center tuition waiver applications can be picked up in the Justice Center office (LIB 213) or an application can be filled out and printed online.

Also attach a typewritten statement in which you explain why you feel you should be granted this tuition waiver. Your statement should include such things as quality classroom participation or presentations, research projects, internships, special projects, Justice Club and/or Alpha Phi Sigma activities, Student Showcase participation, and nature of your need if applicable. You may also present indicators of contributions to the Justice field and community and any other information about yourself which you feel supports your request for the tuition waiver.

Application deadline

All applications must be submitted to the Justice Center office no later than 5:00pm on Monday August 31, 2009. Students who have been selected to receive a Fall 2009 tuition waiver, will be contacted by September 3, 2009. Justice Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, unless otherwise posted.

Alan McKelvie, Alaska Justice SAC Director, heads the Alaska National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) project

Alan McKelvie, Director of the Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center (SAC), will head a project through the Multi-Agency Justice Integration Consortium (MAJIC) for the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM). The project team will compile a library of standardized information exchange packages and make this information available to criminal justice agencies through the SAC website. These standardized information exchange packages will include such data as incident reports, criminal intakes and dispositions, booking forms, criminal fingerprint cards, citation forms, and criminal complaints. Project team members include Maxine Andrews, National Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology Center/Northwest; Dean Barnes, Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) Redesign Project Manager; and Diane Schenker, Integrated Justice Project Manager, Alaska Court System. The Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center is housed at the UAA Justice Center.

Justice Center faculty honored for years of UAA service

Dr. Allan Barnes, Professor Pamela Kelley, and Professor Deborah Periman, Justice Center faculty, will be honored for their years of service to UAA on August 20 with fellow UAA Longevity Award Recipients. The awards will be presented at the 2009 Faculty and Staff Convocation. Dr. Barnes is the senior faculty member of the Justice Center and will receive an award for 25 years of service. Professors Kelley and Periman will receive awards for 10 years of service to UAA. Dr. Barnes and Professors Kelley and Periman have served on numerous University committees.

Professor Huskey, University of Texas School of Law, speaks about representing Guantanamo detainees

Professor Kristine Huskey, Clinical Professor and Co-Director of the National Security Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law, will speak about her recently published book, Justice at Guantanamo: One Woman's Odyssey and Her Crusade for Human Rights, on Friday, August 28, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon in the UAA Social Sciences Building, Room 118. Originally from Alaska, Professor Huskey will discuss her experiences visiting Guantanamo 15 times and defending the rights of 17 Guantanamo detainees in federal court. She has been a guest on CNN, C-Span, and ABC News to discuss Guantanamo and national security issues.

Dr. Rosay presents to Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice senior managers meeting

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, will present research on a recently completed statewide juvenile probation officer workload and caseload study to a meeting of senior managers of the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice in Wasilla on August 11.

Prof. Jim Wolfe to present on evidence collection at Canadian conference

Prof. Jim Wolfe, Justice Center adjunct faculty, has been invited to present, "From Powder Snow to Slush - Innovative Techniques for Collecting Snow Impression Evidence," at the 32nd Canadian Identification Society Annual Education Conference in Vancouver in September. Prof. Wolfe is a former forensic scientist with the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory, and is currently a forensic consultant and trainer.

Sen. Hollis French cites Justice Center sexual assault research

Senator Hollis French, chair of the Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee, cited Justice Center sexual assault research in his guest column, "Here's one way Alaska can crack down on our epidemic of sexual abuse," in the Anchorage Daily News on July 16, 2009. Senator French discussed the research and his intention to hold hearings this summer on this important issue.

Justice Center sexual assault research presented to Senate Judiciary Committee

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, presented Justice Center research on sexual assault in Alaska to the Senate Judiciary Committee of the Alaska State Legislature on Monday, August 3, 2009. This Senate Judiciary Committee meeting focused on reducing sexual assault in Alaska and included presentations by Tara Henry (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program), Lt. Michelle Bucher (Anchorage Police Department), Richard Crousie (Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association), Commissioner Joe Masters (Alaska Department of Public Safety), and Sue McLean (Alaska Department of Law).

Members of the committee are Senator Hollis French (D-Anchorage), Chair; Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage), Vice Chair; Senator Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage); Senator Gene Therriault (R-North Pole); and Senator Dennis Egan (D-Juneau).

Dr. Rosay's Powerpoint presentation to the committee can be viewed here.

For further information on sexual assault in Alaska, see the Justice Center bibliography on violence against women.

The committee hearing was covered by Anchorage television stations:

• "Alaska remains #1 with sexual assault" by Christina Grande, KTVA Channel 11 News, August 3, 2009.
  
• "Committee hears details of Alaska's sexual assault problem" by Rhonda McBride, KTUU Channel 2 News, August 3, 2009.

Both station's coverage can also be viewed on video. KTVA:



KTUU:

Dr. Chamard appointed to police chief search committee

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, has been appointed by Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan to the search committee for a new police chief. Dr. Chamard's background for this appointment also includes currently serving as president of the Fairview Community Council and as vice-chair of the Anchorage Public Safety Advisory Commission.

The search committee will identify and recommend candidates for the position of police chief. Members of the committee include experts in law enforcement, community development, and business administration. This group will meet shortly to develop a formal timeline.

Fall 2009: Welcome to new & returning Justice Center students!

	UAA/APU Consortium Library. Photo by Melissa S. Green

Welcome from the Justice Center to our new and returning Justice and Paralegal students.

Looking for information about class schedules or other academic information? From the Justice Center home page, select Academic from the menu bar across the top of the page for information on the Justice B.A. or Paralegal Certificate programs, class schedules, syllabi (as they become available), and other student information.

Don’t forget we have a computer lab for Justice Center students open Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed on holidays) located in our office suite, Library 213.

If you have any questions or need to talk to an advisor, faculty will be returning August 10. They will be available to set up appointments with students at that time.

If you do not know who your advisor is, call our main line 786-1810, and we'll provide you with that information.

If you must meet with an advisor prior to August 10, the College of Health and Social Welfare (CHSW) has an advisor on call to answer questions about the Justice Center programs. You can contact Russ Pressley, CHSW Academic Advising Coordinator, at 786-4405.

We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Spring 2009 issue of Alaska Justice Forum

The Spring 2009 issue of the Alaska Justice Forum focuses on therapeutic and problem-solving courts, an update on Alaska justice system operating expenditures, a report on the work of the Criminal Justice Working Group, and news about Justice Center appointments and forthcoming publications.

The 12-page issue includes the following articles:

"Anchorage Wellness Court: Challenges" by Ronald S. Everett

This article examines the Anchorage Wellness Court (AWC), which deals with misdemeanor alcohol offenders, including those who drive under the influence (DUI); discusses the concepts of therapeutic jurisprudence and problem-solving courts; and examines the challenges to the longstanding need and demonstrated potential for success of the AWC program. The author discusses societal views of DUI drivers and explores the broader issue of “impaired” drivers: those, for example, who drive while talking on cell phones. Four recommendations are given for the AWC: to reorient and/or clarify policy goals regarding drunk drivers; to develop alternative treatment programs and expand the number of available treatment providers; to establish a 5-year follow-up program with potential for expunging arrest and conviction records and other incentives; and to develop proactive, rather than reactive, polices of prevention to confront alcohol-impaired drivers and the underlying problem of alcohol abuse and addiction. A sidebar highlights sanctions for DUIs under Alaska Statute Section 28.35.030 and Anchorage Municipal Code 9.28.020.

"Justice System Operating Expenditures"

This article looks at changes in justice system operating expenditures for the period FY 2000–2010, and total operating expenditures for all state agencies for the same period. FY09 final budget for the State of Alaska includes $229 million in stimulus funds, a portion of which have been applied for by the Department of Public Safety, including the Alaska State Troopers. Total Alaska justice system operating expenditures grew by 68 percent from FY 2000–2010 while the total state operating budget for all agencies grew by 75 percent

"Criminal Justice Working Group Update" by Teresa White Carns

Coordinated and staffed by the Alaska Judicial Council, the Criminal Justice Working Group (CJWG) is made up of representatives from the executive branch justice agencies and other justice system agencies and organizations in Alaska. The CWCG has focused on two main aspects of the criminal justice system: crime prevention and reduction of recidivism; and efficiencies in the system. This article outlines the CJWG's recent work and accomplishments.

"Therapeutic Jurisprudence"

This article discusses therapeutic jurisprudence and describes therapeutic and problem-solving courts and their common elements. Therapeutic courts currently operating in the Alaska Court System — including addictions (drug and alcohol), mental health, and other therapeutic courts — are described, as well as other programs in Alaska that have been developed to address particular issues falling under the rubric of therapeutic jurisprudence, including community justice centers.

"Further Reading on Therapeutic Justice"

A bibliography or articles and studies on therapeutic courts and jurisprudence nationally and in Alaska. Most are available online.

"Justice Center Appointments"

Announcing the appointment of Dr. André Rosay as Director of the Justice Center; Dr. Brad Myrstol as Assistant Professor; and Khristy Parker and Jennifer McMullen as research assistants.

"Dr. Trostle Retires"

Announcing the retirement of Dr. Lawrence Trostle, an 18-year faculty member, from the Justice Center.

Dr. Chamard interviewed by Anchorage Press

Dr. Sharon Chamard, Justice Center faculty, was interviewed by the Anchorage Press in her capacity as President of the Fairview Community Council. The article in the July 23-29 issue concerns the impact of the highway-to-highway interconnect between the Seward Highway and the Glenn Highway on the Fairview neighborhood.

Dr. Rosay to present sexual assault research to Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, will present Justice Center research on sexual assault to the Senate Judiciary Committee of the Alaska State Legislature on Monday, August 3, 2009. This Senate Judiciary Committee meeting is focused on reducing sexual assault in Alaska and will also include presentations by Tara Henry (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program), Lt. Michelle Bucher (Anchorage Police Department), Richard Crousie (Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association), Commissioner Joe Masters (Alaska Department of Public Safety), and Sue McLean (Alaska Department of Law).

Members of the committee are Senator Hollis French (D-Anchorage), Chair; Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage), Vice Chair; Senator Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage); Senator Gene Therriault (R-North Pole); and Senator Dennis Egan (D-Juneau).

For further information on sexual assault in Alaska, see the Justice Center bibliography on violence against women.

Justice Center welcomes new writer and editor

Barbara Armstrong has joined the Justice Center as writer and editor. With 20 years of experience as Continuing Legal Education Director and Assistant Director of the Alaska Bar Association, she brings a broad knowledge of Alaska justice agencies and extensive experience in research and publication. Ms. Armstrong will provide editorial leadership for the Alaska Justice Forum and will coordinate all of the Justice Center’s public dissemination activities.

Justice Center grad assists in prisoner reentry program

Tabatha Harris, 2007 Justice graduate, is working as a case manager in the Denver County Jail Women's Mental Health Transition Unit as part of the Prisoner Reentry Program. Most of the women in this unit have a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse, and many have a history of trauma. Their offenses range from traffic charges, to prostitution, to murder. Tabatha assists these individuals in working through problems in a positive way, as well as finding resources for them upon release. Homelessness is the biggest issue. To date, this program has contributed to reducing recidivism, maintaining safety, and lowering expenses as women stay out of jail longer and use positive coping skills in place of medications. Tabatha finds her work challenging and rewarding, and enjoys her "daily adventures" at the County Jail. This program is through the Denver County Sheriff Department and funded by the Department of Justice.

Research Overview: Sex Offender Registries and Notification Programs

"Sex Offender Registries and Notification Programs," the fourth issue of the Justice Center Research Overview, presents a brief history of sex offender registries and notification programs nationally and in Alaska; describes provisions of Alaska's registry/notification laws; and discusses recent research findings about the effectiveness of such laws and their impact on offenders.

The research overview was prepared by Deborah Periman, who has previously written on Alaska's sex offender registry law for the Spring/Summer 2008 issue of the Alaska Justice Forum.

Dr. Everett joins criminal justice study tour in Germany

Dr. Ron Everett, Justice Center faculty, and UAA Justice Center students, join a criminal justice study tour in Germany from July 17 – August 2, 2009. The program is organized by Prof. Finn Esbensen, Dept. of Criminology and Criminal Justice at University of Missouri-St. Louis and administered through the Center for International Studies, University of Missouri-St. Louis. Prof. Elmar Weitekamp and Prof. Hans-Juergen Kerner from the Institute of Criminology at Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen will accompany the tour and participate in seminars on comparative criminology/criminal justice. For more information, contact the Justice Center at 907-786-1810 or ayjust@uaa.alaska.edu.

Justice Center concludes Group-Based Models Workshop

Dr. Daniel S. Nagin, Professor of Public Policy and Statistics at Carnegie Mellon Heinz College, concluded today his presentation of a 3-day workshop on group-based models for analyzing developmental trajectories. This invitation-only intensive program held July 7, 8, and 9 for social behavioral science researchers was hosted by the Justice Center and trained participants to use group-based models in a variety of health and social welfare disciplines. These models can describe, summarize, and analyze individual and environmental changes over time. Dr. Nagin is an internationally known expert in this field and has published extensively on group-based models.

Workshop participants are pictured here, back row, left to right: Dr. Adrienne Freng, Associate Professor, Dept. of Criminal Justice, University of Wyoming; Dr. Brad Myrstol, Assistant Professor, UAA Justice Center; Alan McKelvie, Director, Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center; Dr. Darryl Wood, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Political Science & Criminal Justice, Washington State University, Vancouver; Gregory Matt Snodgrass, Ph.D. Student, Carnegie Mellon Heinz College.

Front row, left to right: Dr. Daniel Nagin, workshop presenter, Teresa and John Heinz III University Professor of Public Policy and Statistics, Carnegie Mellon Heinz College; Dr. Marny Rivera, Assistant Professor, UAA Justice Center; Dr. David Driscoll, Director, UAA Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies. Not pictured, Dr. André Rosay, Director, UAA Justice Center.

Justice Center faculty and staff additions

Dr. Brad Myrstol has joined the faculty of the Justice Center. He was most recently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and also held an appointment as a Research Assistant Professor at the Community and Family Institute of the University of Arkansas. Dr. Myrstol received his Ph.D. from Indiana University, and his recent research has examined public perceptions of police and other legal actors, homelessness and criminal justice, and the relationship between substance abuse and crime. He is a former research faculty at the UAA Justice Center where he co-authored a number of studies and articles.

Khristy Parker, B.A., University of Alaska Anchorage and Jennifer McMullen, M.A., Simon Fraser University, have joined the staff as research assistants. Ms. Parker will be working with Dr. Sharon Chamard on aspects of the Anchorage Community Survey and other projects, and Ms. McMullen will be working with Dr. Marny Rivera on the evaluation of the Alaska Meth Education Project.

Prof. Periman teaches at Color of Justice 2009

Professor Deborah Periman, Justice faculty member, participated as a panelist and on the planning committee for the "Color of Justice 2009 - Encouraging Diversity in the Judiciary" program on Thursday-Friday, June 18-19, 2009 at the UAA campus and the Alaska Court. Over 75 high school students attended this program sponsored by the National Association of Women Judges with additional support from the University of Alaska Anchorage, the Alaska Court System, and other educational and community partners.

Left to right: Professor Periman and co-presenter Susan Lee, Director of Admissions for Gonzaga University School of Law highlighted the academic roadmap for planning for college, law school, and a career in justice.

Justice Center student receives Gates Public Interest Scholarship

Miranda Strong, 2008 UAA philosophy graduate and Justice Center student, is attending the University of Washington School of Law as a Gates Public Interest Scholar. Miranda is a legal intern at the Disability Law Center of Alaska for the summer of 2009.

Alaska Justice Forum cited by KTUU Channel 2 News

Justice Center data from the Fall 2008 Alaska Justice Forum concerning sexual assaults in Alaska was cited by KTUU Channel 2 News during their report on violence against women and Governor Palin's signing of House Bill 63 on June 24, 2009. House Bill 63 is effective July 1, 2009 and expands the make-up of the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault to include a public member from rural Alaska, and the Commissioner of Corrections or the Commissioner's designee.

Dr. Rosay appointed Justice Center Director

Dr. André B. Rosay has been appointed Director of the Justice Center. From 2007 to 2009, Dr. Rosay served as the Interim Director. He is an Associate Professor of Justice and received his doctorate in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland at College Park. He has published numerous articles and made many presentations on domestic violence and sexual assault issues and on juvenile justice issues. Dr. Rosay also serves on a variety of committees including the McLaughlin Youth Center Citizen Advisory Board and the Anchorage Police Department Strategic Planning Committee. He recently received an Ulu Award from the Alaska Native Justice Center in recognition of his dedication and support to justice research in Alaska.

Justice Center graduate makes UAA proud!

Shannon Calt, 2008 Justice Center graduate, has been selected for the editorial board of Lewis & Clark Law Review. This summer Shannon is volunteering as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Ancer L. Haggerty, Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, and will be starting his second year of law school at Lewis & Clark this fall.

Dr. Rivera invited to publish teaching strategy

Dr. Marny Rivera, Justice Center faculty, was invited to publish her teaching strategy, "Journaling for Justice: Weekly Student Journal Entries" in the May-June 2009 "The Criminologist Online," the official newsletter of the American Society of Criminology, for their regular feature, "Teaching Tips."

Justice Center cosponsors program about 1963 Birmingham Baptist Church Bombing

The Justice Center co-sponsored "Deferred Justice: The 1963 Birmingham Baptist Church Bombing" with the Alaska Bar Association, the Alaska chapter of the American Board of Trial Adocates (ABOTA), and the Alaska chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on June 17, 2009 in Anchorage. Over 60 lawyers and students attended the two-hour program presented by Doug Jones, former Alabama U.S. Attorney. While U.S. Attorney, Mr. Jones reopened the case in 2000 and ultimately won convictions in the trials of Ku Klux Klansmen Tommy Blanton and Bobby Frank Cherry, for the crime that was called, "the deadliest of the civil rights era."

Pictured left to right are Justice Center Professor Deborah Periman, Alaska Bar Executive Director Deborah O'Regan, former Alabama U.S. Attorney Doug Jones, ABOTA Alaska Chapter President Laura Farley, and ABOTA Alaska Chapter Immediate Past President Gary Zipkin.

Justice Center hosts Group-Based Models Workshop

Dr. Daniel S. Nagin, Professor of Public Policy and Statistics at Carnegie Mellon Heinz College, will present a 3-day workshop on group-based models for analyzing developmental trajectories on July 6, 7, and 8. This invitation-only intensive program for social behavioral science researchers is hosted by the Justice Center and will train participants to use group-based models in a variety of health and social welfare disciplines. These models can describe, summarize, and analyze individual and environmental changes over time. Dr. Nagin is an internationally known expert in this field and has published extensively on group-based models. For more information, please contact Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, 907-786-1821 or e-mail afabr@uaa.alaska.edu.