The Criminal Justice Program at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is very young. It was started only four years ago. Since its inception, it has grown well and the staff has worked hard to get the students involved. Two of the first Criminal Justice students at UAM talked with the Criminal Justice professor about getting an organization started to spark the interest of others. This organization was begun in 1999 and was known as the Association of Criminal Sciences.
The Association of Criminal Sciences was a local organization that could never seem to get off the ground. When the newer Criminal Justice students learned of the American Criminal Justice Association, Lambda Alpha Epsilon, they were interested right away. A chapter starter packet was sent for and, after meeting all the requirements, the students applied for a charter at the end of the 2001 fall semester. In the beginning of the spring 2002 semester they recieved their charter and thus began the Lambda Psi Omega chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Lambda Alpha Epsilon.
Since obtaining their charter the Lambda Psi Omega charter has been very busy. In the spring semester of 2002 they have obtained around 25 members, held their first induction banquet and thier first firearms competition. So far two jobs and one internship have been profited from this organization with, hopefully, more to come. The Lambda Psi Omega chapter hopes to increase their membership and start getting involved in community activites next semester. It is time for the Lambda Psi Omega chapter to let their presence be known in their community and to help out however and whenever they can.
