PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Nov. 4, 2026) – From answering rapid-fire questions about criminal law to processing a simulated crime scene, Prairie View A&M University students put their criminal justice knowledge to the test, earning two first-place finishes at the 2026 Southwestern Association of Criminal Justice (SWACJ) Regional Conference.
Students from PVAMU’s Department of Justice Studies earned top honors in both the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Quiz Bowl and the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) competition, demonstrating the knowledge, critical thinking and practical skills developed through their academic studies.
The first-place Quiz Bowl team faced competitors from Northeastern State University and the University of North Texas in six rounds of rapid-fire questions covering law enforcement, the courts, corrections, criminology and criminal law.
Teammates included Kendhal Lang, Kayleigh Irving and D Ana Warr, all juniors, and Sidney Jhonson, Jada Norman and Ramsey Austin, all seniors.
In the CSI competition, PVAMU students competed against teams from Texas Wesleyan University and the University of North Texas in a simulated crime scene investigation. They were tasked with securing and documenting the scene, identifying and collecting evidence, taking photographs, preparing crime scene sketches and following proper evidence-handling procedures.
Beyond identifying and collecting evidence, students had to demonstrate attention to detail, sound judgment and professionalism while maintaining accurate documentation and following investigative protocols.
The first-place CSI team included Kendhal Lang, Philicia Lackey and Ari Anderson, all juniors, and Jamal Joe Jr. and Sydney Dunham, both seniors.
“Earning first place in both the Quiz Bowl and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) competitions reflects the students’ exceptional preparation, dedication, teamwork, and ability to apply classroom knowledge in competitive settings,” said Dr. Serita Whiting, who coached the teams.
Whiting, along with Drs. Camille Gibson, Sarah Steele and Professor Gary Clayton mentored the students throughout their preparation.
The double victory highlights the Department of Justice Studies’ commitment to connecting academic instruction with practical experience. By competing in challenges that required both a strong understanding of criminal justice and the ability to apply investigative techniques, PVAMU students demonstrated their readiness to take their knowledge beyond the classroom.
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