Early College Students learn about Criminal Justice

Officer Mike Overton of the Henderson Police Department and his canine partner, Elvis, were special guests at Vance-Granville Community College’s main campus on Jan. 30. Students at Vance County Early College High School, which is located on the college campus, were learning about the Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement career field that day through special demonstrations organized by VGCC Criminal Justice instructors and students. Overton informed the high school students about the important work that Elvis does, particularly in the area of narcotics. Also, during the event students participated in a DWI simulation activity and discussed the consequences of drinking and driving. Students were also shown how to fingerprint suspects.

At the high school, which is a partnership between Vance County Schools and VGCC, students can graduate in five years with both a high school diploma and either a two-year college degree or two years of college-transfer credit. The high school’s proximity to the college also allows for special events such as this one, in which students learned about one of the college’s curriculum programs and about potential careers. For more information on VGCC’s Criminal Justice Technology program, contact program head Angela Gardner-Ragland at (252) 492-2061, ext. 3226.

Above: Officer Mike Overton (left) of the Henderson Police Department speaks to Vance County Early College High School students as, from left, VGCC Criminal Justice program head Angela Gardner-Ragland, instructor Tim Robinson and student Tyler Norwood listen. (VGCC photo)