A helicopter visit, K-9 unit tracking demonstration, and tour of police and municipal buildings are providing the tools needed to those interested in the field
Criminal justice and forensic students at Middle Township High School (MTHS) and Middle School (MTMS) had a whirly good time with the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) during their recent visit to give an exciting, hands-on educational presentation featuring the aviation and K-9 units.
The NJSP’s aviation unit landed their helicopter at the high school, allowing students an up-close observation of the vehicle and its specialized equipment before the pilot proceeded to takeoff and fly over the school.
Students then learned about the skill and dedication of police dogs and their handlers through the NJSP’s K-9 units’ tracking demonstrations. Both engaging experiences gave students a look into law enforcement operations, sparking interest and appreciation for the important roles police have in public safety.
These interactive and real-world lessons for students are a highlight of the Middle Township Public Schools (MTPS) criminal justice program, which is now part of Stockton University’s dual-credit program. Sixty-four students are enrolled in the program and will earn college credits once they successfully complete the course. The elective course explores criminal justice in the United States, providing students with an understanding of the American criminal justice system including the police, courts, juries, and corrections.
“We are thrilled to offer our students the opportunity to earn college credits for the criminal justice program through our partnership with Stockton University,” said MTHS principal Sharon Rementer. “Those enrolled in the course will receive top-notch knowledge and hands-on experiences to gain insight into the American criminal justice system and the tools needed if they want to pursue a career in this field in the future.”
On a recent field trip to the Wildwood police and municipal court buildings, the MTPS criminal justice and forensics classes sat in the court room and received an introduction to the court system and the responsibilities of a local judge from the Honorable Judge Andrew Cafiero. The students also engaged in a question-and-answer session with the judge.
After spending time in the court room, the classes visited the Wildwood Police Department for a presentation led by Lieutenant Kevin Franchville to learn about the agency’s positions and responsibilities. Other police officers assisted with the assembly and provided information about the importance of the police academy’s physical fitness program and the K-9 units.
The students ended the trip with a tour of the police department, observing the quarterdeck and processing room. At the processing room, they discussed fingerprint and ID procedures.
“The connections with our local and state law enforcement help students feel safe, informed, and more engaged,” said MTPS Superintendent Dr. David Salvo. “Through these firsthand experiences, students aren’t just learning about law enforcement—they’re gaining the insight needed to make informed choices about a possible career in criminal justice or the dual credit opportunity MTHS now offers.”
Future courses to be added to the program include cybercrime and digital forensics, as well as justice and the courts. For more information MTHS’s dual credit program, visit https://highschool.middletownshippublicschools.org/guidance/early-college-and-dual-credit.
