NYSP Canines Puts Bite into Criminal Justice for BOCES Students

SCHOHARIE/COOPERSTOWN –  Students in the Capital Region BOCES Criminal Justice program gained knowledge in a ‘biting’ lesson this week at the New York State Police Canine Training Center in Cooperstown.

Approximately two-dozen aspiring law enforcers, lawyers and forensic scientists learned how state troopers and their four-legged partners are trained for a career apprehending criminals and protecting the public.

“The trip definitely motivated me to try my best to pursue my dream of becoming a canine officer. I learned that it is a competitive area to get into and that I have to work hard to get an opportunity to do it,” said Jillian Kennedy, a senior from Schoharie High School.

Several Criminal Justice students have expressed interest in careers as canine officers, including Duanesburg senior Laura Thomason.

“My brother is a canine officer in Texas and I really am into what he does and think it would be a great career,” she said.

There are approximately 100 students enrolled in the two-year program offered at the Albany and Schoharie Career and Technical Education Center campuses. They are preparing or careers in law enforcement, the military, law or security.

With the help of partners in law enforcement and higher education, Capital Region BOCES Criminal justice students learn about the history, theory, practices and recent developments in the field of criminal justice, as well as practice the skills necessary for those careers.