Professor Compton Discusses the Criminal Justice Major

Centenary University offers a variety of majors, including criminal justice. The major is very popular; however, not many people are aware of what it entails. 

I sat down with Dr. Douglas Compton, assistant professor of criminal justice–who also serves as dean of the School of Natural, Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences and coordinator of Criminal Justice Studies– to talk about the major. 

Q: How long have you been a professor here at Centenary University? 

A: This is my sixth year at Centenary. Before that, I was an adjunct professor at Warren County Community College, and then I came to Centenary as an adjunct. I retired from my previous law enforcement career and started working full-time in August 2020.    

Q: What made you want to teach at Centenary?

A: I like the idea of being able to help future students who want to go into Criminal Justice. So, even though I am not in the field anymore, I feel that I still am and that I’m preparing current students for the future. I feel like I’m helping to grow the profession. I also enjoy interacting with the younger generation. 

Q: What does your professional background look like? 

A: I spent 26 years at the Washington Township Police Department in Morris County. In 1994, I graduated from the police academy and became a patrol officer. Then I slowly moved up to the rank of sergeant and lieutenant. Once I made that, I retired on March 1, 2020. 

Q: How did your academic and professional background prepare you for teaching this subject? 

A: Not only my professional background, but also my educational background helps. I hold both a doctorate and a master's degree, so I understand what it is like to be a student, and that helps me grow the younger, newer students. 

Q: What can a student do with a major in Criminal Justice?

A: There’s a variety of things. Everybody believes that criminal justice is just law enforcement, but there are three components in the criminal justice system: law enforcement, corrections, and courts. So, with this degree, it opens up many different doors for you.

Q: What are some special attributes of this major?

A: You get to meet so many different people, and you get to help them. We protect, we serve, and we help; so criminal justice is all about solving problems. People don’t call police officers just to say hello; there is usually a crisis going on, or they’re in a situation that they can’t resolve on their own.

Q: How many students have this major? Is it growing?

A: I do not have the exact number; however, I believe there are around 55 students who major in criminal justice. The major is steady at Centenary; when people graduate, a new class comes.

Q: Are internships important in this major? Does the program help students get one?

A: We greatly encourage internships. It starts when you're a junior, because we make sure you have at least 30 credits first. With the internship, you will know what you’ll be faced with. So many people watch TV shows about the court of law and believe that the way it's depicted online is how it is in real life; however, that is not the case. No one can solve a homicide in 42 minutes. 

Q: How does the Criminal Justice Major assist someone who wants to be a Paralegal?

A: I believe that it helps you understand the background of criminal justice, whether it's someone’s rights, because an attorney is going to defend on the prosecution side or the defense side. You will also learn about search and seizure, Miranda Rights, and due process, and determine if these principles apply to a specific case.  

Q: Why is Criminal Justice an important topic?

A: There is always an issue in the world, so someone is always in need of help, and unfortunately, sometimes they are in crisis. 

Q: How do you address controversial or sensitive issues in class?

A: We have to face it head-on. I was in the classroom when the unfortunate killing of George Floyd occurred, and we discussed it head-on because it's important. It's good to discuss these topics because these students are the future. They're the change agents, and they will make the profession even better than what it is. 

Q: Do you have anything else you wish to add?

A: I still value the criminal justice job. I always tell people it's the best show because no day is a routine. Every day you go to work, something new happens. It could be an exciting experience or a traumatic one, but unfortunately, that's all a part of the job. Many individuals who majored in criminal justice have been able to transition into the real world, and we can place students who have majored in criminal justice in positions with Local, County, State, Federal, and at the attorney level.. 

If you are interested in the Criminal Justice Major at Centenary University, email Douglas Compton at douglas.compton@centenaryuniversity.edu. 

If you would like to hear more about Criminal Justice, read Professor Robert Verry’s Op-Ed, Is There Such a Thing as an Accident?