Daniel K. Maxwell, MPA
Lecturer
Maxwell spent 25 years as a police officer. His academic interests focus on all aspects in the field of law enforcement and police work as well as investigations and issues in the security field. We sat down with Daniel Maxwell and learned what he is doing inside and outside of the classroom.
What do you enjoy most about teaching here at the University of New Haven?
Interacting with the students and having conversations with them and connecting real life examples to the theories and principles we discuss in class.
How do you see the future of teaching?
Challenging, that is how I see the future of teaching.
What do you think are the most important attributes of a good instructor?
Caring about their students, being able to listen to their students and being able to adjust to the needs of their students.
What do you consider to be the newest areas of research within your field of study?
The different methods that law enforcement is using to investigate cases and to improve accuracy of their investigations.
Are faculty members encouraged to participate in committees and other services to the University?
Yes they are.
What are the strengths of your department?
The variety of experience and the background that everyone has.
If you were to take a course here at UNH which one would it be and why?
I would like to get into the Phd program in criminal justice that should be starting up in the fall, it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time and it’s finally here.
What recommendations would you give to incoming freshman?
Take morning classes and go to all of them 90% of anything is just showing up.
What kind of research are you currently working on or would like to be involved in?
I would like to get involved in research to see if there is a way for police academies to have alternative training programs for people with four year degrees in criminal justice. The purpose being to reduce time spent in the police academy learning things they already know and to focus on the practical aspects the job requires.
What teaching methods do you use?
I do lectures and PowerPoint’s. I do experiential learning because I bring my experience as a police officer for 25 years into the classroom.
What technology applications have you utilized in the classroom?
We use all Smart classroom technology. The class uses an interactive website as well as regular course work.
How do you balance theory and practice in your classes?
By connecting students with real life examples that I have had in my professional career.
Do you have a certain field of interest?
One of my fields of interest is police training, trying to improve the quality of officers before they hit the streets.
Which faculty/staff member(s) on campus do you admire most?
Lynn Monahan, Mario Gaboury, William Norton, Jim Cassidy, Marty O’Connor and David Maxwell to name a few, they’re all great at what they do.
What is your department’s reputation in your field?
One of the best.
What level of participation do you expect from your students?
I expect them to interact as we go through our discussions and they do because most of what we discuss is current and interests them.
What exciting tracks or sub-fields within the major do you think students should seriously consider as they plan their academic careers?
Investigative sub-tracks law enforcement administration sub-tracks these things will help them go out and get a job in the community.
What kind of college did you attend and how is it similar or different to the University of New Haven?
My undergraduate experience does not compare with the undergraduate experience here at UNH. The criminal justice courses I took in undergrad were taught by sociology professors with no experience in the field. Here at UNH those courses I took would most likely be taught by someone with experience in the field.
