An aerial photo from the mid-1970s showing the construction of the CJ Center and adjoining University Hotel.
A landscaped planter box south of the main entrance was dedicated in 1990, the 25th anniversary of Criminal Justice classes at SHSU. The sundial honors the CJ Center alumni serving in law enforcement and memorializes those who have given their life in this field.
 
 
buildingshsu
 
Beto Criminal Justice Center
 
The Criminal Justice Program's roots go back to the mid-1960s and a joint venture between the university and Texas Department of Corrections. Originally the Institute of Contemporary Corrections and Behavioral Sciences, courses were part of the Sociology Department and held in the Woods Building.

Construction began in the early 1970s on a new 197,000 square-foot complex - containing classrooms, offices, an auditorium, and courtroom - built entirely by inmate labor and thus severely reducing the cost of construction. A display in the foyer of the Criminal Justice Center honors the inmates who helped with construction, noting the irony of the convicted felons building a facility to prepare future generation for careers in law enforcement.

Today, the Criminal Justice Complex includes the George J. Beto Criminal Justice Center, University Hotel, and Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Institute of Texas.
 
 
816 17th Street
 
 
Namesake
George J. Beto
 
 
1971 - Construction began
1976 - Construction complete
February 25, 1977 - Dedication
February 8, 1992 - Renamed