Master of Justice Administration
December 2015
Engage. Enrich. Empower
‘Plan Ahead’ is the Best Advice
Offered by Special Agent
By: Lisa Long
Piscataway, NJ native Daniel Renz is no stranger to multi-tasking. Renz was working on his
MJA while also attending graduate school at American University’s Key Executive Leadership Program. With a BS in Political Science from Towson University, Renz began his MJA
journey in the fall of 2012. He was working as a Special Agent with the United States Office
of Personnel Management Federal Investigative Services at the time.
Not only does Renz conduct Counterintelligence and Insider Threat Investigations to ensure
that individuals are vetted prior to receiving access to classified, restricted and sensitive US
Government Information, he is also the OPM representative for the Fort Bragg Threat Fusion Center Working Group.
“One piece of advice I would
give current students in the
program would be to plan
ahead...seriously, PLAN
AHEAD!”
- Daniel Renz
“I am now a Senior Special Agent, specializing in CI (Counterintelligence) and Insider
Threat Investigations. [The working group] is a counterterrorism/anti-terrorism working
group established and organized by the FBI,” said Renz.
It’s clear that Renz’s MJA studies, namely
his capstone, enhanced his abilities to perform his job. Renz’s capstone project was
on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for
surveillance purposes by law enforcement
agencies throughout North Carolina.
“Fayetteville (NC) Police Chief Harold Medlock was kind enough to provide assistance
with distributing the secure surveys to law
enforcement executives throughout the
state,” Renz recalls.
Renz was interested in obtaining opinions
about UAV technology and thoughts about
the potential for successful use of the technology by law enforcement agencies in
North Carolina.
“I learned a great deal during the [capstone]
process about both my topic and the amount
of effort it takes to successfully complete
such a detailed project with many moving
parts.” said Renz.
(continued page 3)
Senior Special Agent, Daniel Renz, US Office of Personnel Management
In This Issue

OPM Special Agent
offers advice

Falcon wins Newsletter
Naming Contest

From the Director’s
Desk

MJA November Events
Cumberland County Sheriff’s
Office Deputy wins Newsletter
Naming Contest
By: Lisa Long
Methodist University Activities

December 3-12
Loreto
Congratulations to the winner of our MJA Newsletter Naming Contest, Sara Falcon.
Falcon is currently a Deputy Sheriff with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a School Resource Officer for five elementary schools. She graduated from the
MJA program in December 2010. Falcon has 10 years of law enforcement experience,
having previously worked for Duke University Campus Police, Methodist University
Campus Police and CFVHS Company Police. She now truly enjoys her job as an SRO.
She is also a single mother of her 15 year old daughter, Emma.
Oreckinto’s Senior
Art Exhibition

Yuletide Feaste
Hay Street United Methodist Church. Doors Open at
7pm. Tickets $35 per person

“I look forward to going to work each day because right now – being an SRO- is an
awesome position since I CAN make a difference in a young person’s life, even if it is
the littlest difference,” said Falcon.
Falcon’s suggestion,
“Infinite Justice” was
selected by a group
of about 30 faculty
and staff members of
the School of Public
Affairs at Methodist
University. There
were 30 different
names submitted in
the contest, by former
and current students.
We would like to
thank all of those that
participated and submitted suggestions.
December 4-5

December 12
Winter Commencement
Ceremony. 2pm in the March
F. Riddle Center

The function of education
is to teach one to think
intensively and to think
critically. Intelligence
plus character-that is the
goal of true education.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Sara Falcon, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy
Renz, continued
Planning ahead is the best piece of advice that Renz can offer to current and prospective students. Come up with an idea and
run it by some of the professors for their input, he suggests.
“[The professors] have a great deal of experience in academia and will be able to help you determine if your topic [or idea] is
appropriate for a capstone.” said Renz.
Not only has Renz’s research assisted in his current job, he feels that obtaining his MJA enhanced his ability to potentially transfer to other positions within the federal law enforcement community. Renz is currently in the Special Agent selection process
with the FBI.
“I am confident that my MJA played a factor in me being among the best qualified FBI Special Agent applicants,” states Renz.
Renz was also inducted into the Criminal Justice Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma while completing his MJA coursework. The
induction ceremony for the society was one of his fondest memories.
“It was a great experience and made the hard work I put into my studies worth it,” Renz said.
Another great memory was getting to know his classmates, professors and faculty members. Renz felt that the residency weekends that are held at the North Carolina Justice Academy are excellent networking tools and a valuable part of the MJA program.
“I believe I benefitted greatly from the blended model that the MJA Program utilizes. While strictly online learning can be incredibly convenient and is becoming increasingly popular, I still believe there is something irreplaceable about meeting in person for
classes and being able to exchange ideas and information face-to-face,” states Renz.
Earlier this year, Renz relocated to the Raleigh area. Currently, he is conducting investigations throughout the triangle area.
When not working, he enjoys spending time with his dog Geronimo, playing volleyball and going to previously “undiscovered
restaurants and breweries in the triangle.” Renz is also a drummer and loves music and old cars.
“I have a passion for older American sports cars. I
restored a 1969 Ford Mustang with my Dad just
over a decade ago when I lived in New Jersey,”
Renz recalls.
When asked to provide one last piece of advice for
new or prospective MJA students, Renz reiterates
his advice on planning, planning, planning.
“It may seem like a pain and it may seem unnecessary, but you won’t regret it,” Renz advises on planning ahead for a capstone project. “Determine your
topic, collect relevant and proper references for
your topic, and conduct research into your topic.”
Renz, along with many other MJA graduates and
students, feels as though if he grew as both a student and a person during his time in the program.
Having to find a balance between a professional
career and graduate studies is sometimes a daunting task, but the reward is well worth the sacrifice.
Renz with his dog, Geronimo
From the Desk of
The Director
We are ending another year with renewed momentum. We now have a name for the newsletter. Thank you Sara Falcon.
Also, I feel so fortunate to have a new coordinator, Lisa Long, who is so passionate about the program and has endless
ideas. She has expanded our recruiting area by reaching out to more police departments and correction’s organizations in
North Carolina. Our original vision was to have a graduate program with strong representation from the entire criminal
justice system. In the years ahead I see greater representation from adult corrections and probation and parole. Lisa is
working on building a strong relationship with the Department of Public Safety to where the MJA program becomes the
program of first choice. This past semester Lisa and I had the opportunity to meet with LTC John Curry, the Provost Marshal at Fort Bragg, in the hopes of recruiting some of his commissioned and non-commissioned officers. Our meeting resulted in a very productive discussion. We hope to see some young Military Police officers and Non-Commissioned officers
in the program in the near future.
What may be most notable this year is the collaboration between students in the MJA Program and the Fayetteville Police
Department, with the encouragement and support of the U.S. Department of Justice Diagnostic Center, in developing an
assessment tool to establish a base-line in communities where the FPD plans to implement programs. Since the summer a
number of students have been involved in conducting literature reviews and the development of the survey instrument
that will be used in the assessment. It is our intention to conduct the survey in the spring semester with analysis to follow.
The Fayetteville Police Department is gaining recognition as a department taking an approach to develop and maintain
strong police-community relations built on an enduring trust, respect, and collaboration between the police department
and the community.
With the tragic events in recent weeks in Paris and now San Bernardino, CA, law enforcement has to remain alert and prepared to respond to the unexpected. A key prerequisite to law enforcement’s ability to respond in a second’s notice and
respond effectively to any such threat will require effective leadership. One aspect of leadership that I will introduce in the
MJA6000 Foundations in Justice Administration and Future-oriented Leadership courses next year is Strategic Leadership.
Although the demands of present-day policing require response to the here and now leaving little time to scan and study
the future, we must make time to study the future.
To the graduates of the MJA Program and current students, you are the future. It will be through your visionary leadership
that we will create a brighter and safer future. It will not be easy, but you must commit yourself to that goal. In the coming year, look for opportunities to grow and learn to become a better leader. Strive for perfection in both your personal
and organizational lives even though it may appear impossible; however, remember the words of legendary football
coach Vince Lombardi in his challenge to his players when he arrived in Green Bay in 1959, “Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch
excellence.” To all MJA graduates, current students, and advisory board members, the MJA staff and faculty would like to
wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and Thank Your for all that you do. Always remember that you can
make a difference, even if for just one person.
Carpe Diem,
Darl H. Champion, Ed.D.
Director, Master of Justice Administration
Fayetteville Police Department enters Super Bowl Ad
Contest
A discussion to change the agency patch turned into a video submission for a national contest.
Recently, Fayetteville Police Department Officers were engaged in discussions about making
changes or updates to their agency patch. One officer mentioned that an officer from another
agency told him the FPD patch looked like a Dorito®. Discussions continued and an employee
suggested they turn this into a public relations opportunity. A video was produced and has been
entered in the Doritos® Crash The Super Bowl Contest. Check out the link below to view the video and cast your vote. Good luck Fayetteville Police Department.
https://crashthesuperbowl.doritos.com/video/2636
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the streets, No bullet too fast, no bad guy too strong,
I'm sent to make sure that your life will be long.
not a person was stirring, 'cept an officer on the beat.
As he quietly patrolled the town with great care,
children and parents slept peacefully there.
The officer was clad in his blues and his vest,
gun on his hip, always looking his best.
He'd just pulled aside for a quick bite to eat,
When all of a sudden, out on the street,
A bright light appeared from out of nowhere,
He shielded his eyes from the brilliant glare.
'Twas an angel of the Lord at the squad's rear,
He smiled and spoke, "Dear Officer, don't fear."
"I've been sent by God with a message for you
who faithfully serve while wearing the blue.
He wants you to know He loves you all,
He's pleased with the way you've answered His call.
So fear not the night, and fear not the day,
fear not the threats that might come your way.
I'm sent to accompany you on your beat,
There's not one moment you're alone on the street."
The officer sat stunned by the love of His God,
He bowed his head, with a tear gave a nod.
As the officer said thank you, the angel took flight,
"God's got your back, carry on, and goodnight."
-Anonymous
A Police Officer’s Christmas Poem
"To protect and serve others, so selfless you've been,
Your bravery and kindness have known no end.
Even in tragedy, when nights became long,
You've helped countless strangers by being strong.
"God sees your heart, the joy and the pain,
He knows the profession can often bring strain.
So he sent me here to let you know,
That as you patrol, He goes where you go.
"As you protect others, your Father protects you,
His angels go with you, His Spirit does, too.
Photo courtesy of www.latimes.com
November was a busy month for the MJA program students, faculty and staff. Below are some of the
highlights that occurred during the month.
November 6, 2015- MJA Advisory Board Meeting, held at Methodist University. Board Member, Mr. Gregg Jarvies received a certificate of
appreciation, as he is stepping down from the
Board upon his retirement as Executive Director of the North Carolina Police Executive Association. Dr. Darl Champion, MJA Director
and MU President Dr. Ben Hancock, Jr. were
on hand to congratulate Jarvies. Mr. Jim Buie
is also stepping down from the MJA Advisory
Board.
(L-R) Dr. Darl Champion, Mr. Gregg Jarvies, Dr. Ben Hancock
November 16, 2015 – North Carolina Department
of Public Safety Adult Corrections and Juvenile
Justice Leadership Development Course, held
at Carolina Beach, NC. MJA Director and Coordinator were invited to speak to these students about the MJA program. They were also
allowed to participate in training exercises that
occurred for the day.
NCDPSCLDP Students participate in leadership trust and training exercises. MJA Program Coordinator Lisa Long is pictured,
fourth from the right
.November 17, 2015 - Ft. Bragg Education Fair
recruiting event. Many soldiers and military
connected individuals visited the Methodist
University booth and inquired about Graduate
and Undergraduate programs.
.November 20, 2015 – Lt Brian Gainey, Fayetteville Police Department, spoke to current Research Methods students regarding an ongoing project that
Methodist University and the MJA program are collaborating on with the Fayetteville Police Department. This projects stems from recommendations
made from the DOJ Diagnostic Center.
November 20-21, 2015 – MJA Students presented Capstone projects during the final residency weekend of
the Fall 2015 semester.
(L-R) MU Ft. Bragg Coordinator, Mara Baker and MJA Coordinator, Lisa Long
Lt Brian Gainey, Fayetteville Police Department
Latisha Allen, MJA student, presenting her Capstone project
Methodist University
Master of Justice Administration
5400 Ramsey St.
Fayetteville, NC 28311
http://www.methodist.edu/mja-admissions
https://www.facebook.com/methodistmja.coordinator
Program Director
Program Coordinator
Dr. Darl H. Champion
Lisa G. Long, MJA
Phone: 910-630-7050
Phone: 910-630-7268
Email: champion@methodist.edu
Email: llong@methodist.edu