HUNTER J. ALDRIDGE EDUCATOR   /   PRACTITIONER SCHOLAR
Hunter J. AldridgeCRIMINAL JUSTICE · EDUCATION · RESEARCH
COURSES & TRAINING

Learning for the classroom.
Instruction for the profession.

Prior experience developing undergraduate criminal justice curricula, teaching college courses, and providing law enforcement instruction.

LOOKING AHEAD

Returning to the classroom

I stepped back from formal college teaching to focus on my doctoral studies and further develop my career in criminal justice. That time has deepened my investigative experience and strengthened the connection between my professional practice and academic work. As I continue working toward my PhD, I look forward to returning to teaching and bringing that experience into the classroom, helping students connect theory with practice and prepare for the responsibilities of the profession.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Previously developed college courses

The following ten web based courses were developed during my prior appointment at Martin Methodist College. They reflect my teaching and curriculum development experience.

  1. 01Introduction to Criminal Justice
  2. 02Law Enforcement
  3. 03Criminal Investigation
  4. 04Criminology
  5. 05Ethics and Professional Liability
  6. 06Juvenile Justice
  7. 07Drugs, Alcohol, and Organized Crime
  8. 08Report Writing
  9. 09Forensic Crime Scene Investigation
  10. 10Corrections

On campus teaching included Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Investigations, and Forensic Crime Scene Investigation.

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Areas of professional instruction

FINANCIAL CRIME

Financial Exploitation of the Elderly

Financial exploitation of an older adult can involve much more than the transaction that first brings it to an officer’s attention. An apparent theft, deceptive payment, or unauthorized use of a credit card may be one part of a broader pattern. I teach officers to look beyond the initial complaint and ask the follow up questions needed to understand the full circumstances.

Drawing on my investigative experience, I teach officers to slow down and examine each relevant avenue. Who provides care or assistance? Who has access to the person’s finances? Who are they interacting with inside the home and online? How do the people, transactions, and locations connect? These questions help investigators look beyond an isolated incident and develop a more complete account of what has occurred.

My goal is for students to leave prepared to recognize potential exploitation, pursue relevant evidence, and document the full scope of a case for prosecutorial review. I want these offenses to receive the investigative attention and recognition they deserve. Thorough investigation begins with taking the time to understand both the evidence and the older adult whose security may depend on our response.

IDENTITY CRIME

Trafficking in Stolen Identities

Trafficking in stolen identities is an offense officers may encounter without immediately recognizing its significance. A driver’s license belonging to someone else, banking information, or a notebook containing several people’s personal details may warrant closer examination. I teach officers to recognize potential evidence, understand the applicable legal elements, and ask the questions needed to determine whether a crime has occurred.

Drawing on my investigative experience, I emphasize looking beyond the first item discovered. What information is present? Whom does it identify? Is possession authorized, and what evidence explains how the information was obtained or intended to be used? I teach officers to work within lawful investigative and search authority while examining connections that may reveal additional victims, exchanges of stolen information, or involvement in a broader criminal operation. An apparently local encounter may connect to activity carried out online and across jurisdictions.

Behind each stolen identity is a person who may face compromised accounts, debts they never incurred, and the difficult work of reclaiming control over their financial life. My goal is to help officers recognize these cases, preserve relevant evidence, and pursue accountability supported by the facts. Identifying and lawfully recovering stolen personal information can help interrupt its misuse and reduce further opportunities to harm the people it belongs to.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Instruction in professional practice

Instructional experience includes Alabama law, arrest and search procedures, report writing, courtroom testimony, officer safety, field performance, arrest and control tactics, and incident response.

Discuss a training opportunity →