WARWICK, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will host its seventh annual Criminal Justice Day on Wednesday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Great Hall at the Knight Campus. The event provides a centralized space for students to explore diverse career paths across law enforcement, legal services, and social advocacy.

By connecting students directly with recruitment officers and industry experts, Criminal Justice Day serves as a vital link between the classroom and the workforce, helping students transition their academic potential into high-impact careers.

"This event represents a full-circle moment for our college," said CCRI President Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN. "By bringing state leaders, specialized investigators, and successful alumni back to campus, we are providing our students with more than just networking—we are providing a clear view of their future. We want to ensure every student has the access and the tools to become the next generation of leaders in Rhode Island’s workforce."

"Criminal Justice Day is an opportunity for both college and high school students to engage with professionals in the fields of law enforcement, law, victim advocacy, and, this year, forensic science, to learn of the many educational and career paths that are available in the field of criminal justice," said Mark England, CCRI Associate Professor, Criminal Justice. "The day offers guest speakers, displays and demonstrations, and the chance to speak directly with career professionals."

The event features a dynamic lineup of guest speakers, including:

• Ms. Tayla Anthony, a Paralegal at the Office of the Attorney General. Anthony began her academic journey at CCRI and will graduate from UMass Law this May. Her journey from CCRI to the state’s highest legal office highlights the dedication and perseverance of the college’s student body.
• Ms. Kerry Burke, a Medicolegal Death Investigator for the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office, who will provide a rare look into the forensic responsibilities of death investigations.
• Chief Jamie Calise, the current Chief of the Truro (Mass.) Police Department, as well as a CCRI Adjunct Professor and author, who will use body-cam footage to discuss the complexities of modern policing, focusing on the essential roles of discretion and de-escalation.

A hallmark of the event remains its hands-on demonstrations. The Rhode Island State Police will provide tours of their Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Van and a static drone display. Additionally, Officer Tim Lipka of the Warwick Police Department will conduct a live K-9 demonstration featuring Haki, a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix trained in both patrol and narcotics detection.

The event highlights the strong partnerships between CCRI and the state’s public safety sector, featuring representatives from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (DOC), State Sheriffs, municipal police agencies, and vital social service organizations such as Day One and Domestic Violence Advocacy.

Criminal Justice Day is free and open to all CCRI students and local high school students interested in criminal justice, paralegal/pre-law, and social services.

For more information, visit CCRI.edu/criminaljustice.