UWO Senior's Shocking Internship with Cops: Uncover the Dark Truth About Local Drug Crisis!

Kira Meidam, a senior majoring in criminal justice and psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (UWO), embarked on a groundbreaking internship last summer, becoming the first student from her university to engage in a program that addresses the complexities of illegal drug supply, demand, and harm reduction. This unique opportunity opened her eyes to the intricate dynamics of substance use and its societal implications.

Meidam, who hails from Oshkosh, reflected on her transformative experience, stating, “Before, I was not that interested in the substance use area, but after my internship, it has really opened my eyes to the many possibilities and ideas about the factors leading some individuals to commit crimes and about those who are victims of drug-related crimes.”

The internship was developed in collaboration with various agencies, including the Wisconsin Division of Community Corrections, the Oshkosh Police Department Narcotics Unit, and the Winnebago County Public Department and Behavioral Health Services. Throughout her tenure, Meidam was deeply involved in various activities, such as ride-alongs with police, attending drug court, and engaging in home visits. This comprehensive approach provided her with firsthand exposure to the multifaceted strategies employed to combat drug-related issues in her community.

Statistics from the Winnebago County Overdose Fatality Review reported 47 overdose deaths in 2023, which saw a significant decrease of 49% to 24 in 2024. Among the latter, 11 were attributed to fentanyl overdoses, with 22 individuals having a known history of substance use and 15 having previous mental health diagnoses. These numbers underscore the pressing challenges facing communities like Oshkosh and the importance of initiatives aimed at harm reduction.

Meidam's internship experience was multifaceted. Under the guidance of her professor, D. Alper Camlibel, she learned about the critical dimensions of drug-related issues, enabling her to understand the intricate web of governmental and health services aimed at addressing substance use. “To my knowledge, this is the first internship program among the nation’s universities to focus on the three aspects of controlled drugs and collaborate with government agencies specializing in drug supply, demand, and harm reduction,” stated Camlibel.

The internship was designed to equip criminal justice students with practical knowledge. Camlibel emphasized that it focused on real-world applications, policy analysis, and community engagement. Among the highlights of Meidam's internship were interactions with the Oshkosh Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Winnebago County Public and Behavioral Health Department. She learned about prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies, including Narcan training and the workings of the Overdose Fatality Review Team.

“There are many resources and services provided by the Public Health Department, the Department of Community Corrections, and the Oshkosh Police,” Camlibel noted. “With their help, they have decreased overdose rates, increased graduation rates at drug court, helped keep drugs off the street, reduced drug trafficking, reduced drug-related offenses, and prevented the spread of infectious diseases.”

Meidam's journey into criminal justice is rooted in her family background. “I decided on criminal justice back in high school, as it caught my interest. I have personal experience from my family’s history, and I love helping people. Several of my family have a criminal background,” she shared. Her passion for assisting individuals, both victims and offenders, speaks to her understanding of the complexities within the system.

As Meidam looks forward to graduation in the spring, she aims to pursue a master's degree and eventually a doctorate. Her ambition is to become a behavioral analyst or forensic psychologist, focusing on helping those affected by crime and substance use. “I am really invested and interested in helping people—those who are victimized and those committing the crime, as they both need help in different ways,” she emphasized.

Meidam’s internship not only enriched her academic experience but also provided her with insight into potential career paths within the criminal justice system. With the support of her professor and key community partners, she is now better equipped to tackle the challenges of substance use and its implications for public health and safety.