December 2004

Law Enforcement Convocation

University Launches New Police Science Program

The new police science program celebrated its first class Nov. 8 with representatives from the DC Metropolitan Police, US Capitol Police, Metro Transit Police, US Park Police, US Secret Service, and local and university police departments. A year-long collaboration with area law enforcement experts, police specialists and the College of Professional Studies led to the undergraduate certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Students received a GW Walter Washington Scholarship for Police Professionals, named after DC’s first mayor, which provides 50 percent support for tuition. Mary Burke Washington, widow of the former mayor, attended the convocation.

The program serves law enforcement officials at all levels within DC, Maryland and Virginia. Students learn the fundamental standards supporting focused law enforcement.

“It’s a great thing for DC,” said retired MPD sergeant Hughey Payne at an announcement event in May. “This is a program for people on the front line. I envision people graduating from this program and writing new policies for emergency preparedness to make the city and our country safer.”

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu