Rebecca Graham

Rebecca Graham
Title

Part-Time Faculty, Lecturer

Telephone 207-350-0419
Address

UMA Augusta Campus

Expertise

Criminal justice and public safety reform and practice, democratic governance evaluation, transitional justice post conflict and the development of legal norms during democratic transition from authoritarian governance.

Directed advanced legal research on international surrogacy and citizenship law as part of an LL.M. dissertation, examining the legal status of children born through surrogacy arrangements within and outside the European Union. Produced a comparative analysis of domestic and EU legal frameworks, focusing on the gendered treatment of parental recognition, nationality rights, and family status, and evaluating the impact of differing legal approaches on the protection of children’s rights and freedom of movement.

Managed the Northern Ireland contribution to the multinational “Rights on the Move” project, which produced a legal handbook on free movement rights for LGBTQ families within the European Union. Conducted detailed legal review of United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland legislation and case law, assessing compliance with EU directives and human rights obligations. Coordinated closely with project partners in Italy, Slovakia, and Poland to integrate national analyses into a unified publication, ensuring consistency in legal interpretation and policy recommendations across jurisdictions.

Bio

Since 2024, I have served as an adjunct lecturer teaching Safe and Resilient Communities, drawing on my concurrent role as Director of Policy for the Maine State Police and the Department of Public Safety. My instruction integrates real-world policy development, public safety strategy, and interagency coordination to provide students with a practical understanding of community resilience. Through this dual perspective, I bridge theory and practice, equipping students to navigate complex safety challenges and policy environments.

Current, Director of Policy, FOAA & Legislative Affairs, for the Maine State Police and Maine Department of Public Safety.

Current short & long term volunteer democratic governance evaluator with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Former, Senior Legislative Advocate, Maine Municipal Association

Education

LLM, International Human Rights Law & Transitional Justice, University of Ulster, Belfast Northern Ireland, 2014

PG Cert, Venice School of Human Rights, European Inter-University Centre, Venice Italy, 2014

BA, Arts & Humanities, Global Studies/Archaeology, University of Southern Maine, 2013

Professional affiliations or certifications:

IACP, Legal Officers

Current Courses

JUS 395 – Resilient and Safe Communities Community Policing:Strategies, techniques, and the role of law enforcement in fostering safer neighborhoods. Restorative Justice: Approaches that focus on repairing harm and strengthening community bonds. Community Resilience: The ability of communities to withstand and recover from adversities.