Students from Southwestern Community College's criminal justice program went on a work site visit to the Des Moines metro area.
First up, students visited the State of Iowa Supreme Court, where they were able to tour the court rooms including the Iowa Supreme Courtroom. A few students viewed a live hearing in the court appeals.
After the court visit, students went to the Ankeny Police Department Headquarters to meet with community service officers McVey, McGraw, and Lister. The tour included a visit to holding cells, administrative offices, defensive tactics room, firing range, and police garage. Students were able to ask questions about policies and learned the department is hiring officers.
Following the visit, McGraw said, "It was our pleasure to have you and your students come up for a tour. I wish part of my college experience would have included a PD tour and interaction with someone working in the field I was interested in prior to applying for the job."
The last stop of the trip had students meeting with Dr. Thompson, who is a deputy medical examiner with the Office of the State Medical Examiner. Students were able to answer questions on evidence, autopsies, the role of the office, and the job of medical examiner investigators.
According to Dio Ayala, SWCC criminal justice instructor, these trips help reinforce learning for students and give them a network of resources for future employment. Ayala said this is a huge pillar of the college's criminal justice program. He said in March, students will be spending the day with the Missouri State Highway Patrol as well.
