Students appreciate learning from Hazard Police

Hazard Police officers Doug Ashley (on left) and Randy Napier spoke to a Criminal Justice class offered through the UCM at EKU.

Students enrolled in the Criminal Justice program through University Center of the Mountains partner Eastern Kentucky University enjoyed hearing from Hazard Police officers during Beverly Patterson s class. Professor Patterson s class is one of several bachelor s degree classes that meet on the HCTC Hazard campus through the UCM partnership. Officers Randy Napier and Doug Ashley spoke to the class about police procedures.

It was interesting to hear from the Police Department on ways we can be safe, noted David Crawford, who is taking the class prior to his entrance into law school. We learned what to do when a lockdown occurs, and we learned about the quick response time of the officers, he said.

Dawn Rayburn said it was important to her to understand how police think about everyone s safety during a crisis. Their presentation made me think about how I would conduct myself if I was in the classroom and a threat occurred. Hearing from the officers provided a lot of knowledge. It also helps me to respect them more.

Students heard tips about what to do during a lockdown, such as not opening the door until a police officer says it is safe to do so. This type of presentation provides students with the opportunity to engage in a discussion with individuals in their field of study; it is a wonderful educational tool that ties the classroom to the real world of work, commented UCM Director, Dr. Deronda Mobelini. I applaud Professor Patterson for her efforts in making this connection with community law enforcement for the benefit of her students.