U.S. Attorney's Office To Co-Host Panel On Diversifying The Criminal Justice Field At The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King will be joined by professionals in the criminal justice field for a panel discussion at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) on the topic of “Diversifying the Criminal Justice Landscape.”

The event is a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Black Law Society of UNC Charlotte, as part of ATF’s “Law Enforcement Leaders of America” (LELA) program, which aims to advance diversity in the criminal justice profession.

“The LELA program is focused on introducing college students to a multitude of career paths within the criminal justice field. The goal of the program is to promote diversity in all areas of criminal justice and foster an inclusive workplace that mirrors the communities we serve,” said U.S. Attorney King. “A diverse workforce, defined not only in terms of race and gender, but also religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, culture, ethnicity, disability, and socioeconomic background, brings a unique understanding and perspective that can help improve public safety and develop creative solutions in our crime reductions efforts. I am looking forward to engaging directly with undergraduate students and stimulating their interest in careers they may not have considered up to this point.”

“Through our LELA program, we’re reaching a number of young candidates early in their job search, highlighting the benefits of public service and encouraging them to consider a very worthwhile career,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “ATF and our partners have held panel discussions with students at colleges and universities across the Carolinas, detailing the many opportunities available in public safety. This field can be both rewarding and challenging, so we gather a diverse and experienced panel to detail the reason they decided to enter public service and the steps they took to overcome the challenges in their way.”

U.S. Attorney King will be joined in this panel discussion by criminal justice professionals representing federal, state and local government agencies, who will share valuable perspectives on career paths, job preparation, and overcoming challenges and roadblocks. College students attending the event will also receive practical information on a broad range of topics related to the hiring process, internship opportunities, and career advancement. Following the panel discussion, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and network with the panelists. 

U.S. Attorney King has participated in multiple LELA events held on college campuses throughout North Carolina, primarily at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Winston Salem State University, and North Carolina Central University, U.S. Attorney King’s alma mater.