Michael Garcia Participates in Police Training Exercise Through HSU

2012 Apr 16

Michael Garcia of Abilene, Texas, a student in the Department of Criminal Justice at Hardin-Simmons University, participated in training exercises with the Abilene Police Department.

Rappelling, hostage rescue, defensive tactics, and use of force are a few of the police tactics Hardin-Simmons University students studied during a visit to the Abilene Police Academy.

Dr. Karin Brown, associate professor and chair of the HSU Criminal Justice Department, says the all-day event at the Warren Dodson Training Complex gave students studying criminal justice an opportunity to learn from police officers and get a glimpse into the type of training they can expect if they pursue a career in law enforcement.

The 20 students tried out such equipment as protective gear and simunition rifles as they participated in the adventure leadership event. Brown says the criminal justice faculty members look for ways to enrich student learning. "Such events augment the traditional classroom setting by challenging students physically as well as mentally as they interact with one another and with law enforcement officers at the training facility," says Brown.

The outdoor classroom event on Friday, March 23, 2012, was conducted by training academy and patrol division personnel and included force-on-force training, as well as the use of defensive tactics. Students were encouraged to wear clothes they don't mind getting dirty or damaged since the event also includes an obstacle course.

Brown says, "Activities like this enhance students' self-discipline and teamwork skills. The opportunity to learn from police officers in this environment is a lot of fun while also providing students with useful, practical application."

Brown says the HSU criminal justice department and the Abilene Police Department have partnered for many years, "APD provides guest speakers, allows students to participate in an internship program, and sponsors activities to give students hands-on experience in law enforcement."

Over the years, many HSU students who have served as interns are now Abilene police officers who serve and protect our community.

About Hardin-Simmons University:

HSU has an enrollment of approximately 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students from 28 states and 20 countries. HSU sits on 220 acres and has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Eighty percent of HSU's faculty members hold the highest available degree in their fields.

Tuition rates for full-time students do not increase while they are enrolled in consecutive fall and spring semesters and make continuous, satisfactory progress toward a degree. (The tuition freeze does not apply to some programs.)

• Ranked in the Top Tier of U.S. News and World Report's Best Universities in the Western Region

• Cited by The Princeton Review as a Best in the West University

• Recognized by Colleges of Distinction for teaching, learning, and service

• Named to the 2011 Honor Roll by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a Great College to Work For

• Named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

Through seven schools and colleges, HSU offers seven undergraduate degree programs encompassing more than 70 major fields of study. Eighteen graduate programs are offered, including doctoral programs in physical therapy, ministry, functional manual therapy, and education.

Special programs include Honors, International Studies, and Leadership Studies.

Hardin-Simmons University, founded in 1891, is a private Christian institution, affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas (Texas Baptists) since 1941.