Shows like CSI, Law & Order, and Criminal Minds draw people in to the point of where reruns are watched almost as much as new episodes. There is a demand for shows that fall within the genre of crime, but why? Could it possibly be because people are fascinated with the audacity of some crimes? Or maybe it is the representation of the field of forensic psychology in the shows.
Melissa Orechio, a Kean Ocean senior majoring in criminal justice with a minor in psychology and president of Kean Ocean Forensic Psychology Club (KOFPC), believes that “Whether it be from watching television shows such as CSI or Bones, there is usually a hidden fascination in crime scene or investigatory work.”
What is forensic psychology, though? Forensic psychology is the application of psychology to the law. Seems simple, right? Well, it is more involved than the simple definition above lets on. The scientific field of forensic psychology places emphasis on the understanding of the human mind and behavior in relation to the criminal justice system. After studying a particular case, a forensic psychologist will relay their findings to the individuals of the legal system, typically as an expert witness during court proceedings.
The blending of forensics and psychology appeals to a lot of individuals, and at Kean Ocean, students are given the opportunity to get a feel of forensic psychology and so much more. Back in spring of 2013, “Students showed a significant interest in learning more about scientific criminal cases and careers,” stated senior sociology and psychology major and Director of Public Relations of KOFPC MarthaJean “MJ” Rioux, and that is how KOFPC became a permanent fixture in the university’s community.
The club is still going strong today as it promotes community service, conferences, guest speakers, and field trips. Orechio commented, “I guess you may say we've successfully managed to become a permanent fixture to the Kean Ocean community by the events we host, the members we have recruited, and the amount of awareness of ourselves we have secured through recruitment and networking events.”
KOFPC hosts several events throughout any given semester in an effort to reach the various interests of students. The organization “has brought educational activities to the Kean Ocean community,” Orechio continued, “We've managed to plan and execute a motivational speaker event, a visit from [death-scene investigator] Tara Briley, Criminal Minds presentations, Forensic Science Day featuring Professor Thomas Lesniak, and we've hosted NAMI [presentations], the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses.” KOFPC is planning big things for the future. Keeping up with their community service, the organization is hosting a beach sweep in Point Pleasant on Saturday, April 25, 2015. They are also working on an outing to Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, which they are waiting for consent from Kean Ocean Office of Student Government.
It may seem like memberships of KOFPC consists of criminal justice and psychology majors, but it is comprised of students from an assortment of majors. “Regardless of [their] major, [KOFPC members] have an interest in forensics,” Orechio commented.
For those interested in joining the organization, it can be done so by signing up on Cougar Link. Orechio would like prospective members to know they “host tabling events for recruitment purposes at least once a semester. [Students] can also join by contacting our advisors, Professor Fernando Linhares and Dr. Richard Conti.”
Being involved in a club pertaining to a person’s potential career field, regardless of their major, offers a myriad of benefits and opportunities. Orechio said, “As a student-led organization it is important to realize the [benefits of]…Networking capabilities, educational programs, and the potential to meet future employers…networking capabilities that come from being a member, attending events, and meeting our guest speakers.” Clubs offer its members more than opportunities to establish a career. Orechio believes the most important aspect of KOFP is that it “is a family of students. We are constantly learning, growing, and relating to one another…Without the dedication, cooperation, and friends I've made within the organization, the Kean-Ocean Forensic Psychology Club would be nothing more than a page on Cougar Link.”
Stay up to date on future events, become a member, or find contact information by visiting the KOFPC’s Cougar Link page at https://kean.collegiatelink.net/organization/0820.
