Political Science students visit Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas to learn about future career opportunities

DAYTON — Twelve students enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at Central State University recently visited the General Division of the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court to learn about court and probation operations and a specialized court docket for young African American men aged 18-29. 

The students in local and state government and crime scene analysis courses took advantage of the opportunity with assistant professors Brittany Brake (Political Science) and Dr. Genevieve Ritchie-Ewing (Sociology). 

The visit was designed to give students a glimpse of what goes on inside the courtroom. The day began at the Reibold Building, where the students were greeted by senior probation officers Emily Rau and Jenica McGee. The officers provided a detailed overview of the Probation Services departments.  

Two probation clients were also invited to speak about their experiences in the criminal justice system and highlighted the support of their probation officers in avoiding recidivism and maintaining sobriety.  

The presentation further covered a probation officer’s day-to-day job responsibilities and work environment.  

The students, many of whom were interested in pursuing a career in the criminal justice field after graduation, learned about applying for internships or job shadowing with the court. After lunch, they walked two blocks to the Montgomery County Courts Building to sit in on Kushinda Court, which is a specialized docket for young African American men aged 18-29, headed by Judge Gerald Parker.  

Students were afforded the opportunity to ask Parker questions after the docket, which opened a dialogue about new approaches to decreasing criminal behavior.  

Barbara I. Thomas is a graduating senior double-majoring in Political Science and Psychology. The Lansing, Michigan, native said her favorite part of the visit was the Kushinda Court.  

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“It was interesting to see the courts take such a different approach to working with people rather than immediately sending them to jail, which does far more harm than good,” Thomas said. “I learned the job of a probation officer and how important their relationship with a client is to their journey through the program. They are far more involved than I ever considered.” 

The learning for these students continues. Over the summer, Thomas will work as a legal secretary for a law firm before attending law school and becoming an attorney.  

MacKenzie Reid, a student majoring in Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law from Cleveland, expressed that the visit had opened her eyes to different paths she could take before going to law school. She revealed that she plans to take a gap year before attending law school, during which she will use the time to network and work before pursuing her dream of becoming a corporate lawyer. 

“Being a probation officer is so much more than what I thought it was,” Reid said. “Also, during this visit, it made me very joyful to see Black men give other Black men changes in this society. This trip was definitely a great opportunity and perfect for my major.” 

The General Division welcomes the opportunity to open its doors to young people. For more information about internships with the court or college visits, contact the court’s Intern Program at interns@montcourt.oh.gov.