RUTHERFORD, NJ – The Felician University School of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Lecture Series hosted an important event this March for Felician University criminal justice students and visiting high school students. Participating agencies in the law enforcement demonstrations and presentations included the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Lee Police Department, Lodi Police Department, and Rutherford Police Department.
The day began with prospective students learning about Safe Driving Techniques from Officer Thomas Lewis of the Rutherford Police Department. At a second station, current criminal justice students learned about Motor Vehicle Stops and participated in a mock traffic stop with Officers Anthony Mobilio and Keith Watts of the Lodi Police Department, in the Montross Parking Lot. A third station included Sergeant Nichelle Ponder, and Officers Litty Thomas and Ken Charlenea of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office who set up the Fire Arms Training System (FATS) demonstration.
At the FATS demonstration, students volunteered to participate in simulations of various scenarios like a domestic violence call and an active shooter situation, engaging in the split-second decision-making situations encountered by officers.
The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Lt. Kelly Krenn (BCPO), Captain Ed Young (FLPD), Sergeant Nichelle Ponder, and Officers Litty Thomas and Ken Charlenea (BCSO).
Dr. Gina Robertiello, professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, remarked, “Not only was this interactive day about examining and ensuring safety in the exchanges between law enforcement and the public, but it is also a timely, intersecting topic that relates to the role of the police, issues of social justice, and many of the Felician Franciscan core values that the university embraces.”
The School of Arts & Science Dean’s Lecture Series showcases high-impact topics in the Humanities and the Sciences. The series convenes scholars and thought leaders whose work provides innovative perspectives and explores current societal trends, social justice, and ethical issues. This series purpose is to further engage, understand, and highlight various ideas aimed at creating a more just, equitable, and compassionate society. The presentations are targeted to a broad audience that includes students, faculty, interested members of the university community, and the public.
Original source can be found here.
