Central Community College hosts criminal justice career day

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Nearly 75 students from 10 Nebraska high schools attended Central Community College for their first annual Criminal Justice in Action Day on Wednesday.

Students who attended the event learned about what it takes to work in the law and justice systems. Students learned about a variety of topics, including a mock trial, SWAT and rescue, K-9 unit, and what it takes to be a Nebraska State Trooper.

CCC Associate Dean of the Criminal Justice program, Brian Hoffman, said the event was created to bring awareness to the criminal justice field for high schools in the area.

"The growth of our program has gone over 400 percent in five years and so it's a awesome area we have," said Hoffman. "The ability to get great students in the program and provide great employees in the future to the community is what's important."

In addition, Ryan Grief, K-9 handler and deputy of Hall County Sheriff Department, said he wanted to bring his K-9 (Zeus) to the career day so students can understand the ins and outs of law enforcement.

"We wanted to come out here to show the younger generation one our capabilities and how much law enforcement is progressing," said Graf. He also said with the different capabilities and technology that government agencies have, it's easier to connect with the younger generation is into now.