Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology – Outstanding Senior 2020

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership, and Service

• WSU Police Cadet Program – Captain, the highest rank available for cadets

Internships and Employment

• WSU Police Corps Cadet captain: Responsible for leading the entire program of up to sixty cadets, recruitment, reference calls, selection and hiring, football game operations orders, and invoicing.
• Commercial fisherman, Bouffiou Fish Company: Fishing in Egegik, Alaska, every summer without electricity, running water, and other services to harvest fish, clean gear, and do crew chores.

Undergraduate Research

• Independent research with Professor Dale Willits, Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology: Researched use-of-force incidents that resulted in death and the connection to 1033 program, which provides military equipment to police agencies and departments. Hailey was accepted and scheduled to present her results at the 2020 WSU Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA), which was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Education Abroad

• Hailey had planned to participate in the Criminal Justice Study Abroad over spring break in the Netherlands, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Awards and Recognition

• 2020 College of Arts & Sciences Outstanding Senior in Criminal Justice and Criminology
• WSU 2019-20 Cadet of the Year
• Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper spray) Certification
• Outstanding Criminal Justice Undergraduate Award (2018/19 and 2019/20)
• WSU Police Department Cadet of the Month
• Geology Rock Star Award
• CPR Certification
• Dean’s List every semester since 2017, her freshman year

Faculty Comments

“Hailey Irene Bouffiou is an extraordinary student who embodies a spirit of excellence and involvement.  She is incredibly well-spoken, professional, and articulate. Though there are plenty of incredibly smart students at WSU, Hailey stands out for being among the most highly self-motivated and independent students with whom I have had the pleasure for working.”  –Dr. Dale Willits

“After joining the WSU Police Corps in September of 2018, Hailey immediately stood out as a leader. Within two months of joining the corps, she was promoted to senior cadet. Two months later, she was promoted to administrative lieutenant. In less than one year, she was promoted to the highest rank in the program—captain. Hailey has proven to all members from officer to administrator, her dedication, commitment and professionalism is nothing less than exceptional.” –Corporal Kelly Stewart, WSU Police Department

Personal Statement

Making the choice to attend Washington State University was one of the best decisions I have made for myself. I never could have imagined the opportunities that awaited me; however, if it was not for the Criminal Justice Department and the WSU Police Corps, I would not be standing here today. I would like to thank Corporal Kelly Stewart and Officer Marisa Rosas for mentoring me in the Police Corps. Stewart and Rosas have both taught me so much since I began the program as a sophomore, and I am extremely grateful for their leadership and helping me grow not only as a person but within the job field as well. I would also like to thank Professor Willits for giving me the opportunity to help him with a research project. The amount that I learned through the project was incredible and I can honestly say without it I wouldn’t be applying for grad school. Lastly, a big thank you to my family and friends for their constant love, support, and encouragement, because without them, none of this would have been possible. Go Cougs!

Honored Faculty and Mentors

• Dale Willits, assisant professor, Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology
• Kelly Stewart, WSU Police Corporal
• Marissa Rosas, WSU Police Officer

Future Plans

Hailey will graduate in December, at which time she plans to move out of Washington. After completing her master’s degree, she hopes to be hired by a Police Department where she would like to be a K9 officer and make her way up the ranks within the department.