to begin this fall at tech center

WATERVILLE – Beginning in the fall of 2015, Mid-Maine Technical Center will offer a new criminal justice program.

From left, are Mid-Maine Technical Center Director Peter Hallen, Fairfield Police Chief Thomas Gould, Oakland Police Chief Mike Tracy, Waterville Police Chief Joseph Massey, Winslow Police Chief Shawn O’Leary and MMTC Student Services Coordinator Beth Carlton. Contributed photo

The program will prepare students for a career in law enforcement. Students will learn skills through applied learning activities, such as patrol practices, investigation, crime prevention, forensics and interrogation techniques. In addition to classroom instruction, law enforcement professionals will mentor students in positive ways though off-site work experiences. Director Peter Hallen said, “We’ve been talking about a criminal justice program for the past few years because there is so much interest from students but always found a roadblock to putting it in place. This all changed thanks to the outpouring of support of our area police departments and college partners. As with any program, we depend on our partners in industry and education to be able to offer the most current and relevant coursework and training. This is going to be a great opportunity for students to get a head start on a career in criminal justice and it’s very exciting to be a part of it.”

The police chiefs agreed that the criminal justice program will provide a valuable service because today’s applicant pool for police officers is dwindling, and it will also be a great recruitment tool for law enforcement agencies. Chief Shawn O’Leary of the Winslow Police Department said, “The old days of a police officer not being called a professional are over. Today’s professional law enforcement officers are required to be well-educated and taking classes during high school makes sense. It will be a big advantage to those interested in the field, particularly if they plan to further their education at a community college or university.”

Mid-Maine Technical Center is a regional, technical school serving students of Lawrence, Messalonskee, Waterville and Winslow high schools. For more information call 873-0102, email hallen@mmtc.me or mmtc.me.