Jackson State Hosts Criminal Justice Open House for Over 70 Local High School Students

JACKSON, TN.-Today the Jackson State Community College Criminal Justice Program hosted an open house for local high school students to showcase the college’s Criminal Justice facilities and allow students to get hands on experience.

Students from 6 local high schools were able tour the Jackson State Community College Criminal Justice facility.

39 News spoke with Assistant Professor Tommy Cepparulo about what students can expect from today's open house.

“So, we're having a criminal justice high school forum here at Jackson State Community College. We just want to show our area high school students. And we've got over 70 students here today to go through to see our program to understand local law enforcement," said Assistant Criminal Justice Professor Tommy Cepparulo.

Today’s tour was divided into 3 parts. One allowed students to talk with local law enforcement and learn about criminal justice careers, the second session let students practice using cuffs and pepper spray, and lastly the simulator.

(Note: Only water was used for today's pepper spray demonstration.)

"The third breakout session will be with our Marlow Simulator, which is an interactive program where students can actually interact with a DUI stop, an autistic individual, and hostage rescue.” explained Cepparulo

Jackson State is hoping events like these encourages students to join the criminal justice program.

"We want them to know that Jackson State is right here to help them, to welcome them into a great program. Professor Perrin, and I truly care about these students. We welcome students, and we prepare them for that transition from the two-year college to a four-year college," says the professor.

This is the first year that Jackson State has held an Open House Criminal Justice forum, and they look to host another one in the fall for the public.