Dordt criminal justice students meet Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, gain valuable insights into legal system

On Friday, April 14, 15 criminal justice majors and students went to Le Mars, Iowa to meet Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird as well as Plymouth County Attorney Darin Raymond.

“Attorney General Bird introduced herself to every student and wanted to learn about each of them,” says Jon Moeller, instructor of criminal justice at Dordt. “She thanked our students for being willing to serve in the criminal justice field.”

They also learned more about the Youth Emergency Services (YES) Center in Cherokee, Iowa, a secure facility that houses inmates, where there are career opportunities for those interested in criminal justice.

Moeller says it’s important for students to understand how the entire legal system works, not just the criminal justice side or about law and order. “They need to understand what the entire process of government looks like, and meeting government officials like the attorney general and the Plymouth County attorney helps to put it all into focus,” he says. “Students loved this opportunity, and I think they’re more invested in their education because of these types of opportunities.”

Brenna Bird was elected as Iowa Attorney General in November 2022, the first Republican to hold office since 1979. She previously served as a prosecutor for six years, first as Fremont County Attorney and then as Guthrie County Attorney. She received her J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.

Darin Raymond has served as Plymouth County Attorney in Iowa for more than 29 years. He earned his J.D. from Drake University Law School.

“There were two or three students at the event who are considering becoming attorneys, so it was great for them to learn more about what that entails,” says Moeller.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.