John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a senior college of the City University of New York located in New York City. Founded in 1964, it is a premier institution focused on criminal justice, forensic science, public safety, and liberal arts. The college is named for John Jay, a Founding Father and the first Chief Justice of the United States. It has grown from a small school for police officers into a comprehensive liberal arts college with a strong emphasis on justice in a global context.

History

The institution was established in 1964 as the College of Police Science of the City University of New York, primarily serving members of the New York City Police Department. In 1966, it was renamed in honor of John Jay and began expanding its academic scope beyond police science. A significant milestone occurred in 1973 when it moved to its current location in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. Under the leadership of presidents like Gerald W. Lynch, the college dramatically expanded its curriculum, faculty, and physical footprint, achieving senior college status within the City University of New York system. The 21st century has seen continued growth, marked by the 2011 opening of a new, state-of-the-art building designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), solidifying its presence in Midtown Manhattan.

Academics

The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees through its various academic departments. It is renowned for its programs in criminal justice, forensic science, forensic psychology, and public administration. The Macaulay Honors College program is also available for top scholars within the City University of New York. Key research institutes include the John Jay Research and Evaluation Center and the Center for International Human Rights. The faculty includes prominent scholars such as David M. Kennedy, architect of the Operation Ceasefire policing strategy. The college also houses the Lloyd Sealy Library, which holds one of the nation's premier criminal justice collections.

Campus

The main campus is situated in Midtown Manhattan, centered around a modern, 625,000-square-foot building known as the New Building, located at 524 West 59th Street near Columbus Circle. This facility, designed by the architectural firm SOM, features advanced laboratories for forensic science, a mock crime scene apartment, and the Gerald W. Lynch Theater. The campus is directly connected to the New York City Subway via the 59th Street–Columbus Circle station. It is in close proximity to major cultural and civic institutions like Lincoln Center and the Manhattan Detention Complex.

Student life

Student life is active with over 100 clubs and organizations, including chapters of national honor societies like Alpha Phi Sigma. The college's athletic teams, known as the Bloodhounds, compete in the CUNYAC in sports such as basketball, soccer, and swimming. Key student media include the newspaper *The John Jay Sentinel* and the literary magazine *The Anthology*. The Student Council governs student activity fees and represents the student body. Major annual events include Justice Week and the graduation ceremony often held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Notable people

The college's alumni and faculty include many distinguished figures in law, public service, and the arts. Notable alumni include Loretta E. Lynch, former United States Attorney General; Susan Herman, president of the American Civil Liberties Union; and Edwin G. Erickson, former Pennsylvania State Senator. Faculty have included influential criminologists like David M. Kennedy and former New York City Police Commissioner William J. Bratton. In the arts, alumnus Reggie Watts is a renowned comedian and musician, while S. Epatha Merkerson is an acclaimed actress known for her role on *Law & Order*.

Category:City University of New York Category:Universities and colleges in Manhattan Category:Educational institutions established in 1964 Category:1964 establishments in New York (state)