MSCJ at USC

09/30/2026

Miji John Vellakkatel brings more than two decades of experience with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office to the classroom.

Since joining the office in 2005, he has worked across victim services, family violence, juvenile cases and other areas of criminal law. He currently serves as Deputy-in-Charge of the Inglewood Adult Area Office, overseeing deputy district attorneys handling misdemeanor and felony cases.

Learn more about the experience he brings to USC Bovard College’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program: https://bovardcollege.usc.edu/cj/faculty/miji-john-vellakkatel/

09/28/2026

As technology becomes more integrated into law enforcement, questions about how data is collected, stored and shared are becoming increasingly important.

A recent CalMatters report examines California’s debate over automated license plate readers and proposed limits on data retention, access and sharing.

For criminal justice professionals, the issue raises an important question: How can agencies use emerging technology to support public safety while protecting the data they collect?

Read more:

They’re all over our roads and really good at helping police solve crimes, but do California’s automated license plate readers need limits?

09/24/2026

National Forensic Science Week recognizes the role forensic science plays in supporting investigations and the pursuit of justice.

From analyzing physical evidence to applying scientific methods in criminal investigations, forensic science continues to shape how cases are examined and understood.

For criminal justice professionals, understanding the intersection of science, evidence and the justice system is an important part of the field.

08/19/2026

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released the state’s 2025 criminal justice reports, offering a comprehensive look at crime, public safety, and the justice system across California. The reports cover topics including homicide, violent and property crime, use-of-force incidents, juvenile justice, and crime guns. State officials say the findings can help policymakers, law enforcement, researchers, and the public better understand public safety trends and support data-informed decisions.

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-releases-california-criminal-justice-statistical-3

Policy, policing, and community intervention have positively transformed California public safety OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the publication of the California Criminal Justice Statistical Reports for 2025, a suite of annual reports covering Homicide in Californ...

08/11/2026

California has released a new five-year strategic plan outlining evidence-based recommendations to further reduce gun violence through prevention, intervention and enforcement. For criminal justice professionals, the report offers insight into how data, policy and cross-sector collaboration can shape the future of public safety.

As the Trump Administration guts violence prevention funding, California is building an effective blueprint for public safety SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Bonta today announced the final release of a Strategic Plan to Sustain California’s Record Progress Against Gun Violence.

08/07/2026

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, California mobilized agencies across the state to support emergency management, transportation, cybersecurity and public safety operations. After 14 matches hosted across Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, there were no major security incidents with an estimated $1.5 billion in statewide economic growth.

State of California

07/28/2026

New state laws took effect at the start of July. Here's a look at some of the changes and what they mean for Californians.

Hundreds of new California laws will take effect in 2026. Here are a few worth noting.

07/20/2026

Applications are now open for Spring 2027. Apply today to begin your next chapter and start classes in January.

https://bovardcollege.usc.edu/cj/apply/

07/17/2026

Calvin Tang, a police lieutenant, hostage negotiator and graduate of the USC MS in Criminal Justice program shares his career win — how the MSCJ experience helped him reimagine school policing. Fight On!

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day to our CJ students and faculty!