By Al Dickenson
During the Fall 2025 semester, Criminal Justice and Criminology Associate Professor Kimberly Hassell began teaching a new course focused on connecting students to practicing professionals within the criminal justice system. In this course, Criminal Justice 592, Hassell piloted the Higher Education Law Enforcement/Police Education and Recruitment+ (HELPER+) Program, inviting a variety of professionals working in the criminal justice field to guest lecture and answer questions from students, community members and others.
One of these guest speakers was University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Police Department Chief Brian Switala. He highly praised the program as an example of providing students with unique perspectives and learning opportunities.
“As a police chief with over 30 years of policing experience and as a UWM graduate, it is a privilege to be a part of this program.”
“The UWM HELPER+ Program gives students a unique opportunity to learn directly from professionals across the criminal justice system while discovering the many ways they can serve their communities,” Switala said. “By connecting academic learning with real-world experience, the program prepares the next generation of thoughtful, skilled and service-driven public safety professionals.”
Wauwatosa Police Department Chief James MacGillis praised the course saying it’s a valuable partnership for public safety and an outstanding opportunity for students to gain insights and experiences that can guide them in their future careers. “As a police chief with over 30 years of policing experience and as a UWM graduate, it is a privilege to be a part of this program,” he said.
Thus far, student reaction has been very positive. One student pointed to his course and the connections made through it for helping her land an internship in 2026. Another student noted, “I think the best part of the HELPER+ program was actually what the entire program was based on, and that was giving students a chance to learn from everyday people who were currently working in the field.”
Program’s value recognized by local leadership, students
To highlight this program, Dr. Hassell was interviewed regarding the development, student reaction, and future of the HELPER+ Program. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Q. Could you provide a brief history of this course and how it came to be?
A. I piloted the HELPER+ Program in Fall 2025. After developing the initial concept and drafting the program framework, I contacted Milwaukee Police Department Assistant Chief Nicole Waldner, who has since retired, to seek her feedback and determine whether the Milwaukee Police Department would be interested in collaborating on the initiative. Assistant Chief Waldner immediately recognized the value of the program, expressed her support, and recommended several professionals with specialized subject matter expertise to serve as speakers. Her enthusiasm, guidance, and assistance were instrumental in bringing the program to life.
We are extremely fortunate to have the Milwaukee Police Department involved in this effort, and its participation has contributed significantly to the program’s success, credibility, and ability to connect students with experienced practitioners in the field.
Q. What was the impetus to begin teaching this course in its current form? Was there an identifiable need that the HELPER+ Program fulfilled?
A. I created this program for several reasons. First, I wanted to provide students with opportunities for professional development, career exploration, mentorship, and networking that will help prepare them for future success. Second, the program creates recruitment opportunities for local, state, and federal law enforcement/police and criminal justice agencies by connecting students with professionals currently serving in the field. Third, the program helps students understand the importance of strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
In an increasingly virtual world, many students have had fewer opportunities to develop face-to-face communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills that are critical in both professional and personal settings. Finally, the program fosters community engagement and civic responsibility by creating positive interactions between students and public service professionals while promoting leadership, ethical decision-making, and a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system.
“These professionals and executives are outstanding speakers, educators, practitioners, and public servants. We are fortunate that they are willing to share their knowledge, expertise, and experiences with our students.”
Q. How have students generally reacted to the course?
A. The program has received very positive feedback from students. Students consistently report that they value the opportunity to interact directly with experienced professionals, learn about a variety of career paths, and gain insights that extend beyond the classroom.
Q. Can other people (i.e., non-degree-seeking students) listen to lectures? Are these discussions recorded or posted online?
A. The program is open to everyone. Students may enroll for academic credit, complete the program voluntarily, or simply attend individual sessions that interest them. All students are welcome, as are members of the community and anyone interested in learning more about criminal justice, policing, law enforcement, and related professions. This is an in-person program. To encourage candid conversations and meaningful dialogue, lectures, presentations, and discussions are not recorded or posted online.
Presentations bridge gap between classroom learning and professional experience
Q. How do you recruit speakers to participate?
A. The professionals who participate in the program are recognized experts in their respective fields. They bring years of professional experience, specialized training, and a strong commitment to public service. Some are individuals with whom I have previously worked, others were recommended to me by trusted colleagues, and some are well-known professionals whom I contacted directly to invite their participation. Every speaker has been exceptional. They have been honest and forthcoming about their professional experiences and genuinely committed to helping students understand and explore careers in public service.
“By hearing from practitioners across different sectors, including policing, law enforcement, prosecution, defense, and other criminal justice organizations, students gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the field and the ways in which professional roles, organizational cultures, and community contexts shape criminal justice practice.”
Q. In past course iterations, have there been some prominent or unique speakers involved? Are there returning speakers year after year?
A. The program has been offered only once thus far, yet the response from students was overwhelmingly positive. Based on student feedback, I expanded the program beyond policing and law enforcement to include a broader range of criminal justice professions. Several speakers from the inaugural program have returned this year, and I intend to continue inviting past participants to contribute in future years.
I look forward to every presentation. These professionals and executives are outstanding speakers, educators, practitioners, and public servants. We are fortunate that they are willing to share their knowledge, expertise, and experiences with our students. Their willingness to engage with students has been one of the program’s greatest strengths, and I continue to learn alongside the students who attend.
Q. Why is it important for students to hear from practicing professionals? What do the students gain from this course structure?
A. Ultimately, we want our students to graduate as well-rounded professionals with both a strong academic foundation and an understanding of how criminal justice theory is applied in practice. Programs such as this one help bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional experience. By hearing from practitioners across different sectors, including policing, law enforcement, prosecution, defense, and other criminal justice organizations, students gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the field and the ways in which professional roles, organizational cultures, and community contexts shape criminal justice practice.
Visit the HELPER+ page for the full Fall 2026 schedule. Students and the community can register to attend any HELPER+ session.