Every semester at Savannah Technical College brings new faces and students who are furthering their educational endeavors and hopefully their careers. It is an honor to be able to serve as an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice there and to interact with mostly non-traditional students who seek to learn more about our systems of justice.

This morning I submitted the final grades for students in my Ethics and Cultural Perspectives and Criminal Law courses for Spring Semester 2020. As most of you may know, the courses converted to an “online” curriculum delivery after Spring break and we had to quickly adjust our teaching techniques and modes of delivery.

I’m often asked by students about situations they or their acquaintances may have encountered in the criminal justice system such as, “Can a law enforcement officer do this or that?” and why law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and correctional personnel make certain decisions. As a career law enforcement officer, I have often been asked those kinds of questions at social events, at church, by my family, and in many other situations.

The best response I have learned to give is, “It depends.”

In a world of uncertainty, I suppose we all seek concrete answers; either for our own sanity or to plan for what may be next. Fortunately, in our system of justice the U.S. Supreme Court has granted broad discretion, in most situations, for law enforcement and prosecutors to conduct their legal and Constitutional obligations. Without this discretion our jails, courts, and prison systems could easily be filled beyond capacity and the cost to our taxpayers overwhelming.

The last class of a semester is always bittersweet. I will miss the students that I have had the opportunity to teach, coach, and mentor and I look forward to seeing them again, and possibly serving with them. They are the future of our criminal justice systems.

In this season of graduations and new beginnings, please join me in congratulating these students, our high school seniors, college graduates, and all the young adults who have and will accomplish so much. We will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike