Students from Lee University’s Introduction to Criminal Justice class were hosted by Mayor Gary Davis’s office and other county officials during a field trip earlier this month. 
 
Bentley Thomas, executive assistant to the Bradley County mayor, guided the Lee students on a tour through the courthouse, allowing them to see and meet key personnel as well as learn about the various offices. The Bradley County Court Clerk, Donna Simpson, taught students about the different functions of the clerk’s office to include title applications, passports, and marriages. Gayla Miller, Bradley circuit court clerk, spent an extensive amount of time teaching students about the various courts and the network of human resources involved in managing cases. She also taught students about the history of the courthouse and showed them archives.
 
Introduction to Criminal Justice, taught by Dr. Angela Waltrip, overviews the criminal justice system’s functions and interrelatedness, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and correctional organizations. This course surveys the different notions of criminality, police operations, court functions, and other functions that deal with crime. It also explores emerging alternative models in policing and corrections.
 
“This trip was organized to have students engage with the community, meet community leaders and elected officials, and learn the comprehensive role of community courthouses and the courtroom processes,” said Waltrip. “In this class, part of my goal is to have students meet those who are involved in criminal justice. Our guests include personnel of the Cleveland Police Department, the Lee University Counseling Center (engaging in mental health), Tennessee State Probation and Parole, and Dr. Michael Reynolds, FBI chaplain and former police chaplain.”
 
According to Waltrip, Lee’s criminal justice students are learning how to bring a Christian perspective to a vocation intended to serve others, which is achieved by learning about community standards and implementing the law to benefit all the community.
 
“They are bright, measured, and ready to contribute back to their communities!” said Waltrip. 
 
For more information on the criminal justice program, contact Dr. Arlie Tagayuna at [email protected] or (423) 614-8014. 
 
For more information about the Bradley County Courthouse, visit bradleycountyclerk, email [email protected], or call (423) 728-7226.