Northern Arizona University partnered with the Arizona Department of Public safety to provide interested high school and college students a look inside a career in law enforcement.
At the DPS/NAU Public Safety Experience Monday in Phoenix, DPS and university officials gathered with NAU students in the justice studies and criminal justice programs and technical education students from two Phoenix-area high schools to talk about ways students can prepare for such careers.
The purpose of this outreach was to discuss ways to build a pipeline of well-trained law enforcement professionals, both civilian and sworn positions. The students experienced the Central Operations Communications Center, the DNA, Toxicology and Firearms sections of the state’s Central Crime Laboratory, DPS’ newly installed virtual firearms training simulator and observed SWAT demonstration.
NAU President Rita Cheng said she was glad to see so many students interested in law enforcement. The university has more than 1,300 students enrolled in the criminal justice and justice studies programs, including students online and throughout the state.
“We are living in a world that is complex and is changing daily with new knowledge, information and challenging issues,” she said. “The same challenges and complexity can be found in law enforcement, and NAU is committed to providing the preparation and rigorous education necessary to make that transition into a career successful. We look forward to increasing this workforce for the many communities we serve.”
Watch the Fox 10 coverage and the 3TV/ABC5 coverage of the event.