Inspire, Summer 2010

Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. He was also a board member for the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Patrick specializes in the recruitment, selection, and retention of law enforcement officers. He has a keen understanding of the qualities and character traits that make an officer effective, which proves to be a tremendous advantage for his students. Knowing what will be expected of them and how they can stand out in the job market, he holds high expectations for their academic performance. Written communication is a key part of law enforcement, so Patrick incorporates a writing assignment into every class in the major. “Whether you’re a probation, corrections, police, or security officer, you present your findings and recommendations in a written report that many people will review or critique,” he said. “Some employers will ask for a writing sample as part of the application process. This is a skill you must bring to the job.” The criminal justice program is structured to give students as much practical experience as possible before they enter the field. One internship is required, and a second is ideal. In their freshman year, criminal justice students take a career-planning course that includes a career assessment and personality test. These tools help students understand their skill sets, personalities, interests, and values and how these qualities relate to choosing a career. Students also research a job they could reasonably apply for within 90 days of graduation, interview someone who holds the job, and formulate a plan to build their resumé over the next three years of college with a realistic goal in mind. “Every time I teach this class, somebody withdraws from the program,” Patrick said. “I think that’s good. Students should pursue the major that matches their personal profile. I tell them, ‘Your job should be compatible with how God made you and how He wants to use you.’” HELD TO A HIGHER LAW Beyond classroom knowledge and career preparation, Patrick emphasizes the high calling to which law enforcement officials are called. “An effective officer will demonstrate a service orientation, interpersonal skills, a team commitment, and a drive to succeed,” Patrick said. “But most essential is integrity.” These qualities make up the core values of Cedarville’s program, and they are taken seriously. Students undergo a criminal records check to ensure nothing in their history would disqualify them from entering the field. “The badge is a symbol of integrity,” Patrick said. “For example, if a traffic matter comes down to your word versus an officer’s word, the judge will side with the officer because the officer wears the badge. Without integrity, the badge is meaningless.” Law enforcement officers are trained to uphold the law and deliver justice with the utmost courtesy and professionalism. In a profession already laden with policies and procedures, Patrick believes a Christian who wears the uniform is held to an even higher standard. “God ordained three institutions: marriage, the church, and government,” he said. “As an officer of the government, you are God’s minister of justice in this world. This field is a calling — and the caller is God.” Students are taught Romans 13:1–7 to understand God’s purpose for government in criminal justice. The Gospel message begins with the reality of sin and its offense to a holy God. But there’s more to the story. Christians in this field understand — more than their peers — that beyond justice lies the hope of restoration. Criminal justice majors at Cedarville are learning from a faculty mentor who has done this job with Christ and without Christ, and Patrick affirms that a disciplined practice of a biblical worldview makes all the difference. “Your nearest mission field outside your home is your work,” he said. “If your faith doesn’t work at work, then it doesn’t work. If you don’t live it there, then you might as well have gone to another university. Our goal is to develop leaders who serve with integrity from a biblical worldview.” In 2009–2010, Patrick led an audit by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives to study the Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Department. The study was requested by the transit authority following the fatal shooting of an unarmed passenger by a transit officer. Patrick has directed the Cedarville University Criminal Justice program since 2005. You may contact him at poliver@cedarville.edu. Carol Lee ’96 is the senior communication specialist in marketing at Cedarville University. She is especially partial to the police drama CHiPs . You may contact her at carollee@cedarville.edu . “As an officer of the government, you are God’s minister of justice in this world. This field is a calling.” Patrick Oliver brings 27 years of law-enforcement experience to the classroom. Criminal justice students benefit from his expertise in recruiting and retaining outstanding officers. CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY 23