For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

*PHOTO* Arlington and Bedford Police Chiefs Discuss Modern Policing with Middlesex Community College Criminal Justice Students

LOWELL — Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan and Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno met yesterday afternoon with a group of criminal justice students on the Lowell campus of Middlesex Community College (MCC).

The students, men and women with diverse backgrounds and a shared interest in public service, had the opportunity to hear from two leaders in municipal law enforcement about some of the key topics and programs in modern policing.

The chiefs discussed the Civil Service process and the hiring process for police officers, and offered test and interview preparation advice for the students.

“We seized an opportunity to recruit a diverse group of men and women to take the police entrance exam,” Chief Ryan said. “The face and practice of municipal law enforcement has changed greatly over the past generation, and it is very encouraging to hear from this group of young people who bring energy, enthusiasm and open-mindedness to the field of criminal justice.”

The chiefs also lectured on key topics that are changing the day-to-day life of a police officer, including the concepts of Police Legitimacy, fair and impartial policing, and procedural justice.

Chiefs Ryan and Bongiorno have championed a number of progressive law enforcement causes during their careers, including Restorative Justice, mental health, police-led responses to addiction and recovery, and domestic violence services.

“Police departments in 2017 are recruiting an educated workforce and a diverse range of interests and a willingness to adapt,” Chief Bongiorno said. “I appreciate the opportunity to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities in municipal law enforcement with the next generation.”

The presentation is part of a longstanding partnership between Middlesex Community College and area police departments. MCC also has a campus in Bedford.

“Middlesex Community College is always honored to collaborate with our partners in law enforcement, particularly the departments in our host communities as well as the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC),” said Patrick Cook, MCC’s Executive Director of Public Affairs. “The partnerships provide our students, staff and faculty with direct linkages to the experts in the field who are keeping our extended communities safe.”

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