Criminal Justice Institute

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Little Rock, AR
Criminal Justice Institute

Bringing Advanced Education and Training to Arkansas Law Enforcement.

The Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) is a campus of the University of Arkansas System that serves a unique population of non-traditional students—certified law enforcement professionals who are actively employed within our State’s police departments and sheriff’s offices. The Institute is committed to making communities safer by supporting law enforcement professionals through training, education,

resources and collaborative partnerships. Utilizing both classroom-based instruction and practical, hands-on application, CJI provides an educational experience designed to enhance the performance and professionalism of law enforcement in progressive areas of criminal justice, including law enforcement leadership and management, crime scene investigation, computer applications, traffic safety, illicit drug investigations and school safety. The Criminal Justice Institute provides unparalleled support to the Arkansas law enforcement community by offering:

- Specialized Programs designed to enhance the job performance of law enforcement personnel

- Opportunities to complete Academic Certificates and Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Crime Scene Investigation and Law Enforcement Administration

- Online Programs that allow officers to complete courses at their own pace within their home, department, or community

In addition to serving Arkansas law enforcement, we provide law enforcement training programs to police officers and sheriff deputies outside of Arkansas for a small fee.

05/25/2026

Today, the staff of the Criminal Justice Institute remembers and honors those who gave their lives in service to our country.

We’re also thankful for our first responders who show up every day to protect and serve our communities.

Wishing everyone a safe and grateful Memorial Day.

05/19/2026

NEW POSITION: Associate Director of Operations

We’re looking for a dynamic leader to join our team!

The Associate Director of Operations will play a critical leadership role in executing the strategic vision of the Director and advancing the mission of CJI. This position is primarily responsible for leading people, overseeing operational ex*****on, and ensuring that Institute programs and initiatives are implemented efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with strategic priorities.

The Associate Director of Operations will serve as a senior leader within the Institute and works closely with program leadership and staff to translate strategy into action.

Visit us online to learn more about this opportunity: https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS/job/Little-Rock/Associate-Director-of-Operations_R0085725

This position closes June 3, 2026.

04/29/2026

Here’s an important update regarding Continuing Education hours for the Arkansas Safe Schools Conference.

If you are an SRO planning to attend, please take a moment to watch this video to ensure you have the latest information on your training requirements and what you can do to ensure you get all of your CE hours for this year’s conference.

04/24/2026

We were glad to welcome Chief Clint Bradberry of the Crossett Police Department to CJI as he stopped by to pick up surplus laptops and computer equipment for his agency. Supporting Arkansas law enforcement agencies with resources like this is part of our mission.

Other agencies interested in available surplus computer equipment are encouraged to apply.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.cji.edu/surpluscompequip/

04/21/2026

Meet Rachel Ganley, CJI’s Forensic Sciences and Computer Program Coordinator. She’s always behind the scenes keeping our forensic and computer courses running like clockwork. She makes sure every detail is covered so our law enforcement and crime scene investigators can focus on learning and sharpening their skills.

Read Rachel’s full Employee Spotlight here:
https://www.cji.edu/cji-employee-spotlight-rachel-ganley/

04/17/2026

CJI was at the Ozark Police Department last week for Fi****ms for Crime Scenes, a 3-day class filled with hands on training and great discussion. Officers learned how forensic fi****ms labs work, how to properly collect and document fi****ms evidence, and how those details impact real cases.

Students worked with fired cartridge cases and bullets to identify possible fi****ms involved in shootings and covered firearm safety and operability in complex investigations like officer involved, self defense, and self inflicted shooting cases.

Great instruction, great questions, and solid teamwork all week long. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped make this class such a success!

04/08/2026

NEW TRAINING FOR DISPATCHERS

Dispatchers are often the first voice in a crisis, and how they communicate can shape the entire outcome of a call.

We’re excited to introduce Communicating with People in Crisis for Dispatchers, a new, hands on training designed to:
- Strengthen active listening
- Improve de-escalation
- Build confidence during high stress calls

Two sessions of this 3.5 hour training will be available on APRIL 30 at the Criminal Justice Institute campus in Little Rock.

Learn more and register online: https://www.cji.edu/communicating-with-people-in-crisis-for-dispatchers/

04/03/2026

Officers spent time this week getting hands-on experience in our Basic Arson Scene Investigation course, learning what to look for, how to protect critical evidence, and the important role first responders play in fire investigations.

A big part of the training included a live burn, giving participants a real-world look at how fires behave and how scenes evolve—something you just can’t replicate in a classroom.

Huge THANK YOU to the Little Rock Fire Training Facility for allowing us to use their space and making this hands-on experience possible.

03/25/2026

Big congratulations to our latest graduates of the Advanced Crime Scene Technician Certificate Program!

This isn’t just any course—this program is reserved for those who have already completed our Crime Scene Technician Certificate, making this a major milestone. Over the past several weeks, these officers sharpened their skills in advanced photography, processing techniques, and crime scene reconstruction—taking their expertise to the next level.

Completing both programs is no small feat, and we’re proud of the dedication these officers continue to show to their agencies and the communities they serve.

Join us in celebrating this outstanding accomplishment!

03/12/2026

This week, officers successfully completed our Advanced Digital Photography course hosted by the Fayetteville Police Department.

This new, 3-day class is designed for crime scene investigators who want to take their forensic photography skills to the next level. Throughout the week, officers worked through a mix of classroom instruction, hands-on field exercises, and photo critiques to build an advanced working knowledge of digital photography in crime scene investigations.

Participants practiced techniques such as:
- Macro and close-up evidence photography
- Low-light and night scene photography
- Advanced lighting strategies
- UV/IR and fluorescence imaging
- Bioluminescent blood detection
- Impression and footwear documentation

These officers put their skills to the test and produced some impressive work along the way. Congratulations to everyone who successfully completed the course, and thank you to the Fayetteville Police Department for hosting!

03/10/2026

Officers are at the Fort Smith Police Department Training Center this week completing our intensive Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training, learning how to better recognize when someone may be impaired by drugs.

The class includes plenty of hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios that help officers practice identifying the signs and symptoms of drug impairment. It’s a challenging course, but the skills they gain are an important tool for keeping our communities and roadways safe.

Here are a few photos of the officers putting their training into action!

Address

26 Corporate Hill Drive
Little Rock, AR
72205

Telephone

+15015708000

Website

http://www.cji.edu/

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