Criminal Justice Month

Celia Piesik is off to a great start in her career. Not only is she finishing her Criminal Justice-Corrections & Community Advocacy coursework two months before graduation, she has also been hired full-time. Since January 2023, she has been working as a probation and parole agent at the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections Division of Community Corrections in Marshfield.

At 37 and technically a non-traditional student, Celia was nervous coming back to school. With the support and encouragement of her instructors, campus counselors, and academic advisor, Celia fit right into the program. “I have never felt not included,” she said. “I would not have made it without that support from Mid-State.” She was even able to get on-the-job experience during her program through an internship that her instructor helped her land. She also earned college credits for her internship experience.

Celia describes the Criminal Justice-Corrections & Community Advocacy program as a bridge between law enforcement and social work. She combined skills from her original social work career plan and works hand-in-hand with her clients to make them better people while also incorporating the black and white, right and wrong side of law enforcement.

Celia’s favorite memories of her time in the program include touring correctional facilities and sitting in with probation and parole officers. Her class was able to witness first-hand what their day-to-day careers would be like after graduation and familiarize themselves with the correctional system.

“I felt like I walked into the field prepared,” said Celia, citing her extremely knowledgeable instructors, who have worked for multiple departments as police officers and probation agents.

Celia also appreciates that instructors in the program encourage their students to meet with Mid-State counselors, especially given the challenges of working in correctional settings. Describing herself as anxiety-prone, Celia took advantage of the free services provided by the counselors. “If there is a day where I have a panic attack, I know counselors are on-campus and I can go to them for support.”

Celia’s insight to anyone considering this career path is, “Even if some days are frustrating, it is all worth it on the days when it seems to click.”

Celia Piesik working as a probation and parole agent at the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections Division of Community Corrections.

Nicole Tabbert came to Mid-State Technical College’s Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy with criminal justice experience. After taking some college classes and receiving promotions in her corrections career, she was interested in expanding her skillset outside of the jail setting.

She decided on Mid-State’s program after attending a presentation given by Kurt Heuer, Law Enforcement Academy director. “He really sold it about wanting students to be successful, not just in the Academy but as human beings.”

Nicole first went through the Academy in 2023 but missed her physical readiness run test by just three seconds. Her drive brought her back for a second year, determined to successfully complete the program.

Because of her experience in criminal justice and the Academy, her class elected her class president. This year, she faces a minor setback of a dislocated kneecap. But this hasn’t stopped her from excelling in her leadership role.

Nicole’s favorite part about working in criminal justice is protecting and serving the community. “It's trying to make the community safe and better for everybody, and making it a more ideal place to live,” she said.

According to Nicole, one of the unique features of Mid-State’s Academy is a focus on well-being and mental health. “They have shown us many outlets on how to be healthy, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I don’t think any other Academy is going to have that.” This includes bringing a Mid-State counselor into class to discuss free services that are available to students.

Another unique feature is the highly experienced instructors. Instructors in the Academy prepare their students for the workforce using real-life examples. “I think this is so beneficial, because they're not just reading it out of a book or off of a presentation,” said Nicole. “They share their experiences so we can learn from them.”

Nicole’s advice to others interested in the criminal justice field is to learn about what you're getting into. “It's going to be rewarding, but it's also going to be challenging,” she said. “And you're going to see a lot and you're going to learn a lot.”

Nicole Tabbert with fellow recruits in Mid-State’s Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy.

Bianca Patino’s interest in criminal justice started early in elementary school and has only grown since then. “I thought it was cool that they fought bad guys,” she said. “But as I got older, I realized they do more than that.” She took Start College Now classes in high school that helped her solidify her career choice before graduating high school.

Bianca plans to graduate from Mid-State Technical College’s Criminal Justice-Studies program this May. She will continue her education in Mid-State’s Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy in the fall.

Bianca was drawn to a career in criminal justice because of the variety within the work. “I don't want an office job,” she said. “I just need to keep moving, and I don't like sitting in one spot too long.” Her current role as a part-time reserve deputy with Wood County allows her the flexibility to choose her own schedule and be active in the community.

According to Bianca, one of the assets she brings to her work is being a people person. “You talk to different people from different backgrounds every day,” she said. “I think it's nice getting to know the community.”

As part of her program, she participated in an internship through the City of Wisconsin Rapids. This internship earned her college credits, valuable experience in the field, and helped her secure a job through Wood County. Wood County will sponsor her during the Academy, which means she will endure no costs related to the program and be employed throughout the program.

Bianca describes the instructors in the program as having a passion for teaching. “It motivates us to want to come to class,” she said, noting that her instructors share their real-life experiences and resources available to help them in the future.

Bianca’s advice to anyone interested in pursuing criminal justice at Mid-State is to take every opportunity, including interviewing for an internship, joining the volunteer Wisconsin Rapids Auxiliary Police Unit, and taking advantage of the resources provided by instructors.

Bianca Patino with her brother Drayden.

Malerie Gaylord knew the Criminal Justice-Studies program at Mid-State Technical College was right for her before she graduated high school. She took Start College Now classes and met with program instructors to confirm her decision and never looked back.

One of Malerie’s favorite parts of the program is that each class isn’t always on campus. “We took field trips off-campus for yoga, curling, and teamwork building activities,” she said. Her favorite memory from the program was active shooter training with airsoft guns at East Junior High School.

Malerie, who plans to graduate this May, interned at the City of Stevens Point Police Department during her program. When a full-time role became available, she applied, interviewed, and was given a conditional offer. Her offer is dependent on tests to ensure she is physically and mentally prepared as well as successful completion of the Law Enforcement 720 Academy.

The City of Stevens Point is sponsoring her Academy this summer through Fox Valley Technical College, which means she will endure no costs related to the program. Malerie will be sworn in as a full officer and take over her full-time role in October.

One of her favorite parts about working in criminal justice is how active the jobs are. “I definitely did not want to do a career that would make me sit in the office,” she said. She likes that there is something new every day and that it isn’t a typical five-day work week.

Another aspect Malerie likes about the criminal justice field is that there are many specialties to go into, including investigation, negotiation, firearms instruction, and more. Just like the field of criminal justice, according to Malerie, Mid-State’s program also has many opportunities to take advantage of.

A piece of advice she has for others interested in getting started is to interview for an internship. “Just go for it,” she said. “Try out the program. You might be debating it, but once you get in, you’ll realize how great of a program it is.”

Malerie Gaylord, third from left, with her Criminal Justice-Studies classmates.