Carrie Koepp is on a mission. The Criminal Justice department chair and instructor wants more women to pursue careers in criminal justice, and open their eyes to the variety of options in criminal justice beyond just law enforcement.

Carrie’s 18 years of experience in corrections and law enforcement with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department have prepared her well for her role. She strives to be a role model for all students, but she is truly focused on female students. She explains, “I want them to think, ‘I want to be like her someday. If she can do it, I can do it.’”

The efforts by Carrie and others in the FVTC Public Safety division are working. Since 2015, the female-to-male student ratio has increased by 11% in the Criminal Justice programs (Criminal Justice, Asset Protection and Forensic Science).

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Careers in Criminal Justice go beyond being a police officer:

• Corrections Officer
• DNR Warden
• Probation & Parole Officer
• Public Safety Dispatcher

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