Inspire, Summer 2010

Every generation has its fascination with police stories. Many of us recognize the opening narration on Dragnet : “The story you are about to hear is true. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.” We’ve heard the Hawaii 5-0 catchphrase, “Book ’em, Danno.” After more than 20 years, millions of viewers still tune in for Fox’s Saturday night lineup of Cops and America’s Most Wanted . We’re drawn to the drama of good guys and bad guys, crime and punishment, Law & Order . Whether fact or fiction, many of our perceptions about police work are shaped by shows like these. We assume the first suspect they interview is hiding something and there’s going to be a car chase. A truer story can be told by thousands of men and women who actually wear the uniform. Law enforcement is the most visible arm of the local government with officers responding to citizens every hour of every day. Whether they are drawn by a sense of justice or a desire to help people, about 80 percent of Cedarville students enrolled in the criminal justice program choose to pursue a career in law enforcement. The program is intentionally designed to give students knowledge and practical skills for more than an exciting career: students are answering a call to serve. Patrick Oliver, director of the criminal justice program, believes this with his whole heart. After 27 years in law enforcement, he answered God’s call to teach at Cedarville. “It was so clear,” he said, “that for me to choose any other path would have been an act of disobedience. I am at Cedarville because this is where God wants me.” FIT FOR SERVICE Patrick brings a depth of experience to Cedarville’s criminal justice program. His career includes 11 years with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and 16 years as a chief of police. He stays active in the field as a consultant and trainer with several professional organizations, including the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, the International INTEGRITY THE BADGE OF by Carol Lee ’96 22 SUMMER 2010