Today@Sam Article

SHSU College Of Criminal Justice Receives Congressional Funding For Law Enforcement Training

Nov. 11, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd

From left: CICA Director William Wells, SHSU CJ Dean Phillip Lyons, University President Alisa White and Congressman Pete Sessions Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice’s Center for Intelligence and Crime Analysis (CICA) recently received a congressional boost thanks to the efforts of Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas’ 17th Congressional District. The funding will be used to fill critical training gaps for law enforcement and corrections agencies across the region and state.

“As the lead sponsor of the project in the House of Representatives, I am proud to have played a pivotal role in achieving funding for the training endeavors of Sam Houston State University,” Sessions said. “This project will impact not only SHSU, but also the surrounding community by enhancing officer and citizen safety through the improvement of law enforcement skills training.”

CICA was established in January 2023 with the mission of helping public safety agencies and critical infrastructure organizations increase their analytical capabilities through professional development, education and research. The congressional funding will support the delivery of numerous courses for criminal justice professionals and organizations. This includes the center’s crime analysis certificate, as well as courses on intelligence analysis, data visualization and using social media platforms to advance criminal investigations.

By growing the number and variety of crime analysis courses and certification programs offered through CICA, William Wells, the center’s director, looks forward to seeing the center expand its reach beyond the university’s campuses in Huntsville, Conroe and The Woodlands. 

“This funding will accelerate the growth of the center and significantly increase its reach, which is something I’ve been working on since the center was first established,” Wells said. “Most importantly, it will enhance the analytic capabilities of criminal justice system agencies across the region and state. Analysts in these agencies will have greater knowledge and the capacity to leverage data for a wide range of purposes that support public safety.”

- END -

This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:

Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti

Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White

Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837

Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638

Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu