WLU Police Officer Jim Kelso (left) has been working with student intern Nate Burkes on his criminal justice internship.

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 21, 2018 — West Liberty University Campus Police is providing more than safety to campus with the addition of student intern Nate Burkes, a senior criminal justice major.

“It’s great for students who are considering a career in police work or criminal justice, to have a chance to work in a small operation like ours. They see the inter-workings of administration. How police deal with taking calls and responding and other day-to-day duties of police,” said Chief Joseph Montemurro, who leads the campus police.

Campus police also respond to calls in the surrounding town of West Liberty, which has about 1,500 residents.

Burkes is earning class credit but no salary for his internship.

“I need the hands-on experience and it’s helpful for me as I get ready to graduate. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the West Liberty University police department,” Burkes said.

Burkes found inspiration for criminal justice profession at home. His mother Carla Burkes worked in corrections and Homeland Security. She continues to work in the field of security on his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

So far, Burkes has spent much of his time riding in the squad car with Officer Jim Kelso as he goes about his day.

Formerly a Resident Assistant for two years, Burkes also met the mayor and town officials and is looking forward to working some night shifts in the near future.

Also a football player, Burkes was a linebacker for the Hilltopper Athletics for three years. He transferred into WLU after spending his freshman year at another college in Ohio.

“I’m looking forward to May and graduation. I plan on going on for a master’s in criminal justice next, then working with inner city youth or maybe the FBI,” he added. Another area of interest for Burkes is the border patrol work.

The Campus Police is dedicated to providing excellence in service to the campus community and provides 24-hour-a-day patrol to the grounds, parking lots, residence halls, academic buildings and the faculty housing area. Located in Shaw Hall, the Campus Police includes six full-time officers and several part-time.

Criminal Justice is a program within the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in WLU’s College of Liberal Arts. For more information, please contact Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice programs, Dr. Keith Bell at keith.bell@westliberty.edu or 304.336.8376.

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