“Theory to Practice: How Southwestern Educators Impact the Field of Criminal Justice” is the theme of the Southwestern Association of Criminal Justice Conference opening Oct. 7 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock.

UALR Associate Professor David Montague, president of the six-state consortium of criminal justice educators and practitioners, said the three-day meeting will touch on the top issues of the day, including policing, corrections, international issues, criminal justice education, multiculturalism, and immigration.

“As our organization represents a diverse section of the United States … this annual conference is a wonderful opportunity to present a paper or participate on a roundtable, network with criminal justice practitioners, or gain valuable experience as a student,” Montague said. “Since our conference represents a range of disciplines — criminal justice, psychology, sociology, political science, health sciences, law, and history — this is a great chance to network with people who are passionate about this work.”

Ron Angel, director of the Arkansas Division of Youth Services, will deliver the keynote speech. Angel is credited with implementing the state’s first mobile assessment team for juvenile justice, greatly reducing court treatment for committed youth.

Angel will speak at Friday’s luncheon, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8.

The meeting also will provide students an opportunity to present research and compete in an undergraduate “Quiz Bowl” on criminal justice topics.

For a full schedule of events, visit the SWACJ website or contact Montague at 501-683-7509.