Hello Students,

My name is Joseph Byrd, and I will be your instructor for the upcoming semester.

A little about myself: I am a Master Trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and have been in law enforcement in some capacity since 1999.  I've had the unique experience of being an Infantryman and a Military Police Officer in the US Marine Corps, a city police officer with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and now as a State Trooper since 2006.  I am married with two sons and am heavily involved with many extra-curricular activities with my family.  I am also a current NC Driver's Education Instructor and formally a youth football and high school wrestling assistant coach.  I am also very active in my local church congregation. 

To put your mind at ease, this class is not hard, IF you follow all instructions and turn in all your assignments on time.  What gets students in trouble is basically either not doing the work at all, partially doing the work, or not following instructions in regard to minimum word counts, turn in dates, APA format, etc.  Please use the syllabus and refer to it often.  A detailed assignment instruction will be placed in the "Coursework" tab each week.  Please utilize this and pay careful attention to all instructions for each assignment.   

In closing, I have been in your shoes having obtained a good portion of my undergraduate and graduate education as both an in-person and online student.  I hold a BS and MS Degree in Criminal Justice from Liberty University and currently teach numerous subjects in Basic Law Enforcement Training, the NC State Highway Patrol Academy, and as an adjunct with the NC Conference of District Attorney’s.  You too, can do this!  Be diligent and you will accomplish your education goals.   

I am excited for the opportunity to work with you all and am looking forward to a great semester.  Please email me with any questions or concerns.  I'm very reasonable with students if they COMMUNICATE!

Let's get after it!  

-JMB