For more than 50 years, Lethbridge Polytechnic has delivered quality public safety education through experiential learning. As one of the institutions most well-known program areas, the School of Justice Studies remains in the spotlight as societal shifts occur around the world of public safety.
Gord Ryall is an instructor in the Centre for Justice and Human Services and a researcher in the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE). While Ryall teaches organizational awareness covering speciality units, mission values, hiring standards and ethical considerations, he is also part of the burgeoning Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR) team, dedicated to evidence-based practice and policies in the Canadian field of justice.
Born and raised in Chilliwack, B.C., Ryall is a Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni, graduating with a diploma in Law Enforcement in 1990. He began his career with the B.C. Sheriff Service in the lower mainland, east Vancouver and eventually Prince George. In 2006, he transferred to Alberta Sheriffs and was posted in Grande Prairie for two years before returning to Lethbridge. In 2016, Ryall joined the polytechnic as a sessional instructor while pursuing his criminal justice degree from Athabasca University.
“I fondly recall my time as a student here, particularly the connection I had with my instructors,” says Ryall. “After my time in the field, I decided I wanted to give that kind of experience back to the next generation of students.”
Ryall’s work as a sessional instructor was balanced with his ongoing field work as an Alberta Sheriff – working days and teaching in the evenings.
“Working, teaching and taking classes was a challenge but it taught me the importance of pushing forward,” says Ryall. “And a big thank you to the [Alberta] Sheriffs, which were absolutely instrumental in allowing me to take time off to accommodate my teaching schedule.”
After earning his degree from Athabasca University, Ryall took a master’s program in criminal justice leadership and management at Sam Houston University in Huntsville, Texas, graduating in 2019. He joined Lethbridge Polytechnic as a full-time instructor in 2020.
Currently, Ryall is finishing his PhD in Criminal Justice from Nova Southeastern University, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Having completed his course work, he’s now working on his dissertation which covers procedural justice theory – an idea that asserts fairness of decision-making processes rather than the outcome.
“The idea is allowing offenders or accusers to give you some explanation, making it a two-way street that is just, respectful and fair,” explains Ryall. “In every law enforcement interaction, you’re dealing with a person – they deserve a neutral environment where they can voice their concerns, feel respected and trust the process.”
Outside of the classroom, Ryall is part of the research team developing virtual reality (VR) experiences for youth interested in public safety careers. While still in its early stages, the project aims to create opportunity for students to learn about criminal justice, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and leadership, alongside other topics that aren’t taught explicitly or inherently in schools but remain key aspects of public safety.
“I’ve been fortunate to contribute elements from my dissertation into the creation of these VR experiences, particularly around equity, fairness and transparency about the public safety process,” adds Ryall. “Overall, it’s been a great experience!”
Reflecting on his time in the field, Ryall believes public safety needs to be about empathy and compassion.
“In that kind of position, one with power, you don’t realize the impact you can have, or the impact someone can have on you by simply recognizing someone, or being recognized, as a person,” says Ryall. “The biggest thing I’m proud of and hope to pass on to my students and through my research is that I’m the same person in uniform as I am in the classroom as I am on the street.”
CPSAR and CARIE directly engage in applied research projects that tackle real-world challenges with immediate and practical impacts. In partnership with public safety, community organizations, researchers and students, CPSAR aims to deliver results that solve today’s problems and drive tomorrow’s innovation.
To learn more about applied research activities and projects at Lethbridge Polytechnic, visit: lethpolytech.ca/CPSAR.