Why I Want to Obtain a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice

The most unforgettable moments of my life was earning my Bachelor's degree in Philosophy even though my early adulthood pointed in the wrong direction, beginning with leaving my father's house at five and the murder of my grandpa-the only man to have raised me as is child. This moment was soon cut short after I was denied admittance into the Nigeria Police Academy, the reason been that my philosophy degree doesn't fit in with the career I have cherished all my life. It was while going through some of my grandpa's old files that I discovered that his master's degree in criminology was instrumental to is acceptance into the Nigeria Police Force. Thus, it became crystal clear that considering the huge burden that the management of crime entails, a degree in philosophy will never be sufficient. Hence, the need for a Master's degree in Criminal Justice became inevitable.

The requirement for employment into the Nigerian police force clearly states that a prospective applicant must have a security-related degree. Thus, my joy knew no bound when I received a mail informing me of my admittance to Grand Valley State University to study MS Criminal Justice. While a Master's in criminal justice would equip me with critical thinking, writing and communication skills, specialized research, and technological tools, experience tells me that as a graduate assistant, there is a lot more to learn as an international student coming from a country where education has been reduced solely to classroom. While I stand to gain further expertise in this field; enhance my research skills such as statistics; acquire experience in leadership, interpersonal effectiveness, and performance evaluation; acquire academic administrative experience, and enjoy collegial collaborations with advisors that may result in joint publications and other professional activities. While this opportunity can help me finance graduate school, skills learned as a Graduate assistant prepare students not only for the academy, but also for corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations. While I understand that assistantships are highly competitive and landing a graduate assistantship is difficult, my understanding of and proficiency in SAS, SPSS and other data management programs such as Microsoft Access, PowerPoint, Excel in addition to my knowledge of quantitative methods and analysis, professionally orally and writing, including strong proofreading skills, ability to work independently on complex long-term tasks, multitasking and my strong organizational skills make me an ideal match for this position.

Working with the law enforcement agency requires specialized skills, knowledge and practical training that only an advanced degree like a Master's program can provide. While my bachelor degree in philosophy and few years of work experience with a private security firm has lay the foundation for my future career pathway, through this program, I am optimistic of learning advanced research techniques that are effective and applicable to the management of crime; develop a thorough understanding of how criminal justice policies are drafted and evaluated coupled with how science and scientifically based techniques can deliver immediate and sustainable reductions in crime. In addition to a proficient understanding of traditional and emerging criminological theories that enhance organizational decision-making skills, develops valuable skills that enhance the ability to analyze diverse problem, communicate and write criminal intelligence Research papers and develop sound and sustainable policies that are objectively and logically based—skills vital to effective criminal justice practices. In light of these, I am optimistic that by the end of this program, the qualities required to seek leadership roles across an array of areas, including law enforcement would be achieved.

The Nigeria's constitution of 1999; section 14(2)(b) states that 'The security and welfare of the people shall be a core objective of the government; hence, it is the responsibility of the government to protect the lives, property, and welfare of Nigerians against internal and external aggression.' It is quite unfortunate that since Nigeria became a republic in 1963 Crime has been on the increase and there appears to be no end in sight despite the existence of a Nigerian police force whose statutory function of crime detection and prevention has been repeatedly questioned for its abysmal performance. The gruesome murder of my grandpa on the 19th of February, 2013 and the failure of the law enforcement agencies to bring to justice the culprits, manage effectively the problem of crime in Nigeria in addition to a failed judicial system is a clear indication that the current state of security in Nigeria is not only pathetic, the fight against crime cannot be shouldered alone by the government. It is for these reasons and many others that I am convinced without any iota of doubt that the age-old system of managing crime in Nigeria has not only become obsolete but unproductive in the face of crime since it does not provide efficient and accurate information needed to prevent these crimes from occurring.

One of the foundations of criminological theory holds that three things are required for a crime to occur: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a location. Once the first two pieces of this crime triangle are in place, the opportunity is set for a criminal act to happen. Simply put, since crimes are human phenomena the distribution of crime across the landscape is geographically random thus, luring of potential targets and simple geographic convenience for an offender influence where and how a crime is committed. In essence, availability and quick access to timely and up-to-date spatial information about crime-prone areas to the law enforcement agencies will contribute to effective policing of the community and the entire state at large. Hence, it is my long-standing opinion that Geographic Information System (GIS) can perform an active role in the management of crime in Nigeria, but first, I have to understand the theoretical aspect of it. After reviewing the faculty profile Dr. Jaclyn M. Cwick who shares a similar research interest has agreed to be a part of my thesis committee for this project, or serve as a mentor.

In light of the above, as a Graduate student who holds assistantships, I stand to benefit both educationally and professionally. There have been occasions here in Nigeria when I tend to speak without thinking about what I'm saying. When dealing with other people, this can be seen as being too blunt and even a little mean which was never my intention. Ever since I realized the effect it was having among the people around me, it was a matter of thinking before I say something to someone especially when I'm giving people feedback. Since this flaw is counter-progressive, I am actively working on this shortcoming by making sure that my criticisms are constructive and that I'm leaving more people with solutions rather than just shutting them down. Also, I am looking forward to being assigned duties related to Teaching, Research, and/or Service. Simply put, duties assigned should convey some benefit and that is related to my desired program of study. I am optimistic that by the end of this program, both educational and professional qualities required to seek leadership roles across an array of areas, including law enforcement would be achieved.