Alumni Profile: Daniel Meinert, Criminal Justice Administration Graduate and Securities Investigator

Meet Daniel Meinert, C.F.E.

Job title: Securities Investigator
Employer: Pennsylvania Securities Commission, Division of Enforcement, Litigation, and Compliance
Degrees earned: Associate's degree in photography and multimedia production, Art Institute of Pittsburgh; associate's degree in administration and criminal justice, Community College of Allegheny County; bachelor's degree in professional studies with dual concentrations in accounting and information technology, Duquesne University; and Master of Science in criminal justice administration, Point Park University
Graduation years: 1980, 1992, 2006, and 2007
Hometown and current residence: O'Hara Township, Pa.
Memberships: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (earned designation of Certified Fraud Examiner), International Association of Financial Crime Investigators, gold member of Fraternal Order of Police

Why did you decide to pursue a master's degree in criminal justice administration from Point Park?

I felt having a master's degree would be very helpful in preparing me for promotion as a member of the Allegheny County Police Department. When I retired as lieutenant/district commander, I wanted to continue working and believed a master's degree would make me stand out from other applicants. I chose Point Park's accelerated criminal justice administration program because it was offered every Saturday and I could complete it in one year. Also, I knew graduates before me who really enjoyed the program.

What was one of your favorite experiences in the master's degree program?

Being part of a cohort atmosphere was great. I really got to know my classmates and felt everyone wanted to be there. We would take turns bringing in lunch and often our professors would eat with us. I still keep in touch with many of the individuals in my cohort including former colleague and classmate Assistant Chief of Pittsburgh Police Maurita Bryant.

What job opportunities are there for criminal justice graduates?

There are a variety of opportunities. Graduates can work for federal agencies such as the FBI, Postal Inspection Service, or as uniform patrol for the Secret Service or Supreme Court. Job opportunities are also available in local law enforcement and in the areas of private compliance, anti-money laundering, investigating unregistered securities and unlicensed security dealers, and financial crimes.

What does it take to excel in a criminal justice related career?

You have to be honest, detail-oriented, and willing to work your way up. I recommend not getting any visible tattoos and to be careful what you post on social media. Also, be prepared for background checks and polygraph tests.

What advice do you have for individuals considering a graduate degree in criminal justice?

If you want to position yourself for career advancement, I highly recommend a graduate degree in this field. Having a master's degree has opened many opportunities for me and given me the ability to be more selective when it came time to choose a new career.