Prosecutors, Supreme Court Justice Visit Criminal Justice Classes

Students in Polk State College’s Criminal Justice program recently had the opportunity to learn about the field from a pair of prosecutors and a Florida Supreme Court Justice.

In early March, students in Professor Chasity Branham’s Criminal Law class heard from Hope Pattey and John Waters, both prosecutors with the State Attorney’s Office Homicide Division. Pattey and Waters discussed their jobs, the lessons they’ve learned in their careers, and the factors they consider when pursuing first-degree murder cases. Students also had the chance to ask Pattey and Waters questions.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for students to gain a unique perspective of current practitioners in the criminal justice arena,” Branham said. “We are so fortunate to have practitioners such as Hope Pattey and John Waters, who realize that our students are tomorrow’s leaders and take time out of their schedules to provide our students with inspiration and motivation to continue pursuing their academic and professional goals.”

Just days later, students in Branham’s Constitutional Law class were visited by Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady.

In addition to associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice, Polk State Public Safety includes degrees and training in Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science Technology, and the CALEA with Excellence-accredited Polk State Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety.