MATTHEW LECOCQ AWARDED $1000 FROM LEEP
Matthew Lecocq, a senior Administration of Justice major at Penn State New Kensington, was awarded a Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) scholarship for the 2012-13 academic year.
LEEP, headquartered in Troy, Michigan, is a non-profit organization dedicated to public safety research and education. The Plum Borough resident was one of 13 students nationwide, and the only Pennsylvania resident, to receive the $1,000 scholarship that encourages pursuit of law enforcement/public safety careers. Lecocq, who carries a 3.1 grade-point average, plans to join the police force after earning his bachelor’s degree.
“Matt works hard to develop his critical thinking and analytical writing,” said Kristine Artello, assistant professor of administration of justice at the campus. “He makes the most out of his time at Penn State. It is a delight working with such a committed student."
The campus’ administration of justice degree focuses on the interrelated components of the criminal justice system: public and private sector enforcement and investigation, legal systems, correctional treatment, and community services. Lecocq plans to graduate in May 2013 and enroll in the Municipal Police Officers’ Training Academy at Westmoreland County Community College.
“What I like about the AOJ (Administration of Justice) program at the campus is that the professors teach from a broad range of experiences, and it informs you of many different areas within the field,” said Lecocq, who works for Peak Security and Enterprise Rent a Car to help offset college costs. “Penn State New Kensington provides a well-rounded curriculum.”
Lecocq got an "inside the ropes" look at police work while taking an internship with the Plum police department in 2010. He experienced the different aspects of the department by working with various officers including a detective, juvenile officer, school resource officer, and K-9 officer, as well as with supervisors.
"I got to do ride-alongs with officers, sat in the dispatch center, and rode with the K-9 officer while the dog searched a car for drugs," said Lecocq, who aspires to start his own security firm.
Penn State and law enforcement connection run through Lococq’s family. His father is a Penn Stater and his cousin is a current student. His brother is a security forces specialist in the U.S. Air Force and a cousin is a detective in Florida. Lococq will experience the best of both worlds.
For more on the administration of justice program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/43065.htm online.