The Questar III Criminal Justice program collaborated with a designer to have a logo and challenge coin created which represents the accomplishments of students graduating from the two-year program.
Challenge coins are small medallions or tokens that signify a person is a member of an organization or completed special training. They have been in existence since Ancient Rome. If a Roman soldier performed well in battle, they would receive their normal pay, plus an additional coin that was marked for their legion.
Criminal Justice teacher Shawn Barry stated that modern day use of coins became popular in the United States military, and that the coins are awarded for completion of special training or being part of a special unit. This meaning has carried over to law enforcement. The coins are easily carried and used to provide proof of the individual’s accomplishment.
“The adoption of a logo is synonymous with the industry,” said Barry. “Whether it be the U.S. Supreme Court or your local police department, each is identified with their own crest or cartouche.”
The Criminal Justice program encourages leadership while promoting the cornerstones of a career in the criminal justice field. These include strength, honor, respect, integrity, professionalism, commitment, discipline, honesty and pride.
Barry said to complete the program not only takes dedication, but a strong desire to succeed in the criminal justice field. Graduating students will have demonstrated they are capable of being tasked both mentally and physically, and are better prepared to tackle the next challenges in their lives.
“For these accomplishments, the presentation of a coin showcasing the program’s logo, but also its core beliefs is recognition that the student has successfully completed the program,” said Barry.
