August 31, 2015

Medicine Hat College’s (MHC) police and security program has taken on a fresh identity this year and is now being referred to as criminal justice.

“We’ve built off the structure of the previous program, improved and modernized it, to ensure that it’s preparing our students for the future of law enforcement,” says Jim Groom, coordinator for criminal justice. “The silos are being taken down and it is no longer about the police doing their thing while parole and probation do another - the future is integration, and our students will be well-versed in all areas upon graduation.”

Over the last two years extensive consultations have occurred at MHC and with external reviewers including Dr. Curtis Clarke, current Deputy Minister of Justice for the Province of Alberta.  Their valuable recommendations have now been implemented.

Groom mentions that this is a symbolic year not only for the program but as well the institution.

“Here we are [as an institution] at 50 years, and we are accepting our first round of students in this newly formed program,” says Groom. “Police and security has been at MHC since 1977 so it’s nice to see that it has turned a corner and recognized the future of the industry at such a momentous time.”

The program will as well be welcoming three new instructors: Michelle Smith, a former staff sergeant with the RCMP in Ottawa; Ron Robinson, former fire chief and director of emergency management in Medicine Hat; and Constable Sean Wentzel from the Medicine Hat Police Service Forensic Unit.

 “We’re excited to have this calibre of instructors joining us. These three bring a great combination of experience and education,” says Groom.

According to Groom enrolment in the program has went up by 29 percent in comparison to last year.

For more information or gain insight into the program visit www.mhc.ab.ca.