BTC TO OFFER LAW ENFORCEMENT/CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM

Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice will be BTC's newest program in the fall of 2007. BTC received a $10,000 planning grant and steps are already being taken to implement this program next year. We are fortunate to have an excellent Advisory Board to help us develop the best possible curriculum for our students. Members of the Board include Mark Aliquo, BTC Director; Jane Donahue-Holt, BTC Co-op Coordinator; Professor Bob Edwards, Champlain College Criminal Justice Department Chair; Detective Lt. Rich Long, Burlington Police Department; Sgt. Michael Macarilla; Judge Dean Pineles, retired; Cpl. Dave Scibek, Burlington Police Department; Professor Stan Shernock, Norwich University Justice Studies and Sociology Department Chair; Sandy Simonds, BTC Guidance Coordinator. BTC will be pursuing additional grant funding to implement this exciting program.

This Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Program will introduce students to careers in law enforcement through classroom instruction, pertinent labs, field trips and job shadows. Units of study will include the court system, ethics, understanding diversity, criminal law, criminal procedures, interview and interrogation, the history of law enforcement, criminal investigation, juvenile law and corrections.

Students will have the opportunity to earn valuable certifications, embedded academic credit and college credit. Credentials may include First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Incident Command, CPR, First Aid and Hazardous Materials Awareness. Through curriculum instruction and activities students will develop critical thinking skills, writing skills, articulation skills, problem solving skills and use of the scientific method. Students will also become proficient in the use of applicable computer software. BTC is also working with area colleges to provide transcripted college credit to students who complete this program.