Get to Know Our Criminal Justice Department
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The criminal justice educational programs are some of the most popular offered at California Coast University - CCU. Before launching these programs, timing, planning, and considerable resources were invested with a dose of vision to guide the way. To start, it was paramount to understand if there was a need for CCU to offer programs that would be valuable to busy law enforcement professionals and be consistent with our mission to offer “…quality, flexible, affordable, educational programs.” If so, what degrees would we offer, and how would we design them? Once we decided to move forward, it was time to set up a new school at CCU – the School of Criminal Justice.
Under the direction of University leadership, and our accreditor’s (Distance Education and Accrediting Commission - DEAC) requirements, we started with qualified faculty who would design, develop, teach, and monitor the programs and courses to ensure we were keeping pace and evolving as the market and regulatory requirements would demand. Our faculty had to have a combination of professional experience in the field; and academic preparation in the areas they are teaching in. That included master’s or doctoral degrees in a criminal justice-related field. With faculty and programs in place, we launched our programs. Word spread and the popularity of our programs grew. As it did, our faculty have continued to evolve to include industry professionals with the training, knowledge, and support to help our students reach their educational goals. Our current roster of criminal justice faculty include:
Dr. Mohamad Khatibloo, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice, has a diverse background in both academics and the private sector with considerable experience in homeland security, and domestic security management. In addition, he has conducted research in the areas of gang activity, police training, homeland security, terrorism, and suicide bombing. He has published regarding terrorism/counter-terrorism, multicultural issues in law enforcement, and gangs. He has worked and trained with Veterans’ Affairs, the National Institute of Justice, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Finally, in the private sector, Dr. Khatibloo is involved with offender services, private investigation, loss prevention, polygraph examinations, and private security. To stay active in his field, he is an active member of several professional organizations. Dr. Khatibloo holds a doctoral degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, along with a master’s in criminal justice.
Professor Carl Rushmeyer has an extensive background in criminal justice as a public safety officer, lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief for a municipal police department. He served in several administrative leadership roles in his field, as well as being involved with community agencies that promote good community and agency relations. He has conducted departmental research, planned general activities to improve organizational effectiveness, and been involved in a variety of training capacities working with new recruits. Finally, he is active in his own professional development including certifications and trainings through Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST).
Dr. Lance Bohn has a doctoral degree in public policy and administration with a specialization in criminal justice policy, and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in the field of criminal justice. He has extensive experience in the corrections field with his specialization in the field of penology - the study of the punishment of crime and prison management. Throughout his career, Dr. Bohn has had professional positions as a mediator, a maritime law enforcement officer, and instructor for the United States Coast Guard Reserves. He has also been appointed as a Specialist to the prestigious Fulbright Organization’s Roster for criminal justice administration.
Dr. Hector Jusino holds a doctoral degree in criminal justice administration and has worked as a lieutenant, sergeant, and police officer for a major metropolitan police force. His responsibilities include training, development, and supervision of officers. He is a subject matter expert in the field of criminal justice and police administration, and he works with the police academy in developing new recruits. In addition, he has conducted research and developed training materials in the areas of law enforcement leadership and administration. Finally, he has made many professional presentations in his areas of expertise.
Professor Jimmy Neal brings over 20 years of experience in law enforcement to his position. He has considerable experience in field service, teaching, and training. He has worked as a human trafficking task force investigator, student resource officer, police advisor, crisis intervention officer, subject matter expert, and trainer. Through his staff and field training, he has developed and mentored new recruits while actively pursuing his own professional development through ongoing Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certifications and courses. His research interests are in the areas of criminal investigations, mental health, corrections, and community relations. Finally, he is active in a variety of professional organizations and volunteer activities.
In closing, the School of Criminal Justice has come a long way since its beginning. With degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level, and professional certificates at the undergraduate and graduate levels, our educational programs and faculty continue to offer students the educational training to assist them to reach their professional and personal goals as leaders and innovators in the criminal justice field – and to do so in “…quality, flexible, affordable, educational programs.”
