Members from criminal justice fraternity Lambda Alpha Epsilon attended a conference during the weekend of Nov. 5.

The LAE Chapter conference was held in West Chester, Pennsylvania by West Chester University. The conference held for the Regional Competitions for LAE, which focuses on professionalism and furthering education for criminal justice professions.

Social chair of the Marshall University Chapter and senior double major in criminal justice and psychology Emily Canterbury was one of the chapter members who attended the conference. Canterbury attended alongside academic advisor and criminal justice professor Samuel Dameron and LAE chapter president, Rick Allen.

“I had a lot of fun,” Canterbury said. “I competed in the agility competition, the team crime scene investigation and took five knowledge tests for juvenile justice, LAE knowledge, police knowledge, criminal law and corrections.”

The theme for the conference was “Organized Crime in Philadelphia.”

“We had speakers that dealt directly with the famous Italian mobsters from the mid and late 20th century,” Canterbury said.

Conference keynoters consisted primarily of former law enforcement officials. Speakers included former Philadelphia Police Department captain Albert L. DiGiacomo, organized crime unit leader David R. Fritchey and George Anastasia, a journalist, author and expert on the Philly Mob and organized crime.

“They were very interesting to listen to, since they had firsthand experience with the La Cosa Nostra, also known as the Philly Mob,” Canterbury said.

The MU LAE chapter volunteered for the Huntington community on Halloween by making baskets for Branches, the local domestic violence shelter.

“The baskets were a huge hit,” Canterbury said. “We made 15 baskets for the kids and had enough donated candy left to give to the children in the pediatric wards at the local hospitals.”

Canterbury said LAE does not have anything else planned for the end of the semester, but the group does volunteer with the Red Cross Blood drives when members get the chance to.

Senior criminal justice major Zachary Gill said LAE members are looking forward to reviewing applications.

“It’s a great organization to be a part of,” Gill said. “LAE really helps with students and professionals in the field. You make great connections for now and the future.”

LAE currently has 38 members and accepts applications all year long. Only criminal justice majors, minors and professionals can apply.

Desmond Groves can be contacted at [email protected]