Mission
The Justice & Safety Center is a team of faculty and staff at Eastern Kentucky University dedicated to the advancement of public safety and security. The Justice & Safety Center specializes in:
- Research and evaluation
- Prototype development and testing
- Training
- Technical assistance
- Application of emerging technologies
The Justice & Safety Center will achieve national and international recognition as the leading university-based center focused on public safety and security.
- Research & Evaluation
Research conducted by the JSC is critical to subsequent development of prototype technologies that are ultimately tested and evaluated for their efficiency for the end user. Continuous dialog is maintained with professionals in the field to identify current needs. Following assessments of needs and availability of existing technologies, research is undertaken to assess the "fit" of what is available and determine whether or not prototype development is necessary.
By examining the "best practices," conducting national assessments and surveys, and developing "lessons learned" databases, the JSV adds to the current body of knowledge on various public safety and security programs and technologies. Current technologies under development include, but are not limited to various surveillance technologies and distributed learning modules on CD's, Internet, and handheld computing systems.- Testing & Prototype Development
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The JSC conducts testing and evaluations of existing and emerging technologies. Testing and evaluation is imperative for determining the value of the technology prototypes and identifying areas for improvement. Continuous evaluation insures, at a minimum, that every effort is made to remain on the cutting edge with regard to product development and user-friendliness in today's challenging environment. In addition to product testing and evaluation, the JSC conducts program and system evaluation that employ technology for law enforcement and security.
- Training & Technical Assistance
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The Justice and Safety Center performs training development and delivery functions on behalf of Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) as an academic partner in the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC). The RDPC uses advances in course design to optimize information retention and provides job aids to assist in the application of course material. Training is tailored to meet the unique needs of rural communities, and focuses on tasks associated with preparing for and protecting against, responding to and recovering from all-hazard events.
To ensure that the training is accessible for rural communities, courses are offered in a number of locations and at varying times, and by distance learning technologies and teaching techniques consistent with blended learning principles. Whenever applicable, are made available in multi- media formats and on the RDPC website, www.ruraltraining.org. Courses are based on priorities identified by rural responders themselves, and include Event Security Planning for Law Enforcement Professionals; Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue: Awareness Level; Development of Emergency Operations Plans for Local Jurisdictions; and, Protection of Rural Emergency Responders and their Families during Disaster. Priorities are identified through the conducting of training needs assessments in the form of national surveys, user focus groups and other outreach activities.
