Ta’nay Williams
A graduate of Flint Southwestern High School, Ta'nay recently graduate from SVSU, where she completed an internship with the investigations unit of the Saginaw Police Department.
“I chose to major in Criminal Justice because I like to help people, and because there are so many job opportunities given the heightened need for security,” Ta’nay explained. “And I like the thrills.”
Ta’nay is learning about investigating domestic violence complaints in her internship, which involves conducting background searches, obtaining warrants, and even observing how to actually make the arrest, when called for. In her internship, Ta’nay has ridden along with officers on patrol and responding to calls.
“My most thrilling call was when we were called to investigate an abandoned car. The car wasn’t abandoned when we got there, and when we questioned the occupant, he went for his gun and made a run for it. I got to see the K-9 unit in action – they chased the guy to his home, and he was arrested.”
“SVSU’s program is great because it emphasizes hands-on experience. You really get a feel for what’s going on in the real world, and there’s so much opportunity to learn from officers on the street.”
“Before I enrolled at SVSU I talked to the faculty, and I really liked the small class sizes and the fact that it is affordable. But once I started classes, I was surprised at how close-knit the community is here, and how it really keeps you busy with activities. There is always something new and challenging to do here.”
Ta’nay plans to apply to the F.B.I and the C.I.A. after she graduates for a position either as an investigator or a field agent.
“My faculty mentor was important in helping me to decide on a career path. He talked to me about my goals and what I would need to do to compete at the level of the F.B.I and C.I.A, and it really gave me a lot of confidence.”