Hennepin Tech Hosts Criminal Justice Career Exploration Day
Brooklyn Park, September 27, 2024 – Hennepin Technical College, in partnership with the Hennepin West Consortium and the Brooklyn Park Police Department, hosted a Criminal Justice Career Exploration Day for 100 students from North Hennepin Community College and a number of high schools across the consortium.
The event gave students hands-on exposure to various career paths within the criminal justice system. Attendees explored five different fields, including roles with the Brooklyn Park City Attorney’s Office, Hennepin County Crime Scene Investigation, Hennepin Technical College Police Science and Public Safety, Hennepin County Dispatch, and the Brooklyn Park Police Department.
Cara Garrett, Academic Dean at Hennepin Tech, emphasized the impact of the experience, stating, “It’s all hands-on. Frequently, students hear from guests who lecture about experiences. This event is as close as you can get to the real thing without working in the field.”
Hennepin Tech sponsored the VirTra experience, a 360-degree scenario demonstrator meant to help students develop skills to respond to real-world events. The ViraTra simulator was recently upgraded from a 180-degree to a 300-degree experience with funds from a $1M Federal grant for the program. The simulator is used by police departments and training facilities nationwide. It provides the opportunity for students to practice appropriate use of verbal commands, use of force, de-escalation techniques, and social interactions during critical events.
The Career Exploration Day aimed to spark interest in criminal justice careers and provide students with a deeper understanding of the diverse roles available in the field. By partnering with local agencies, Hennepin Tech continues to demonstrate its commitment to preparing the next generation of public safety professionals.
About Hennepin Tech Peace Office and Public Safety
Since 2010, Hennepin Tech has been a leading provider of Skills Training for peace officers. Skills Training teaches hands-on skills such as conducting a traffic stop and making an arrest. In 2023, Hennepin Tech began offering a new Peace Officer and Public Safety associate degree. As a result, Hennepin Tech is now the only campus where future police and peace officers can receive all needed training (academic and skills) on one campus in the Twin Cities. Removing logistical barriers improves student success rates and provides more access to students in underserved communities.
About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Tech is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.