Enfield Police Dept. K-9 Unit Visits College

11.18.2009

LONGMEADOW, Mass.—The Enfield Police Department recently paid a visit to students at Bay Path College to educate students about K-9 units. The Department’s K-9 Unit informed criminal justice majors, and students involved in the CSI Bay Path Club, of the role police-trained canines play in investigations. The students attended a classroom presentation, which was followed by a live demonstration on the Longmeadow Campus.

K-9 Officer Christopher Moylan with K-9 Niko and K-9 Officer Brian Croteau with K-9 Promise demonstrated the dogs’ talents in tracking and apprehending people and narcotics detection. Niko, a German shepherd, is dual-trained, yet specializes in tracking and apprehending people, while Promise, a yellow Labrador retriever, is trained in narcotics detection. The officers discussed the selection of the dogs, the training of the officer and the dog, and the rigorous daily schedule that must be maintained. They also discussed the dogs’ work and tied in police procedures and applicable laws.

“It is this type of event that brings the curriculum to life. Students who have an interest in law enforcement and a love of dogs were able to see how these two passions can come together and make for a fulfilling career,” said Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Sheila Foley.

The event was sponsored by Bay Path’s Criminal Justice Department, CSI Bay Path Club, and Campus Public Safety.