The 10th annual Rowan Law & Justice Day

The 10th annual Rowan Law & Justice Day

From K-9 Officers to a Car Crash, The 10th annual Rowan Law & Justice Day showcased the work of law enforcement officials from agencies throughout the area

In its 10th year, Law & Justice Day at Rowan University provided a glimpse into the more exciting activities of law enforcement departments from throughout the area. From the K-9 demonstration to the vehicular homicide crash and investigation simulation, students were able to see and experience the crime fighting and safety methods in the field of criminal justice.

 “Law & Justice Day gives us the opportunity to bring local law enforcement representatives to campus to demonstrate various areas of the career and talk about the field,” said Natalie Schell-Busey, associate professor, law & justice studies. “It also provides service to the community and fosters a connection between students and those officers.”

The day began with an opening ceremony during which there was a plaque dedication for Tazer, a West Deptford canine officer, who succumbed to a heart condition in February of this year. Tazer was a five year veteran of the force, trained in patrol and narcotics detection. During his career, he was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Agency for three years as a Task Force K-9 Officer.

Retired Glassboro Police Department Chief Frank Brown received the Rowan Distinguished Alumni Award and gave the keynote address. Throughout his career Chief Brown was responsible for many areas of the department, and actively involved in the community through PAL. Brown told those assembled that an educational foundation in law & justice gives students an advantage during training and is essential to move forward in their career.

Following the opening ceremony, a Gloucester County and Rowan Police K-9 demonstration displayed the skill involved and the work performed by the K-9 teams on a daily basis. The K-9 teams portrayed basic obedience, agility, article search, simulated criminal apprehension and mock narcotic searches. Later, students witnessed a vehicular crash simulation staged in the drive-way just off Bunce Green and learned about the accident investigation process. In addition, students were able to learn about and participate in health and fitness demonstrations and friendly competitions arranged by two former students now working in the field who created their own company, Police Academy Training Help (PATH).

Alexis Kriley, a junior law & justice major and her friend, freshman elementary education major, Grace Marshall said they learned a lot about law enforcement that they didn’t know previously, “ There’s a lot people don’t know about law enforcement,” said Kriley. “I didn’t know anything about SWAT and vehicular manslaughter until today.” Marshall added, “I learned a lot about the law enforcement teams that protect us. I like the community aspect of what they do.”

The afternoon was rounded out with table exhibits ranging from SWAT, a sketch artist, and a blood splatter and finger printing labs.

The annual Law & Justice Day is sponsored by Alpha Phi Sigma (Law & Justice Honors Society) and Rowan’s Department of Public Safety.