Rising to the Occasion

Criminal justice students help the Fort Wayne Police Department for a win-win learning experience.

When the Fort Wayne Police Department needed assistance with its early-November hostage negotiation training exercise, it reached out to Indiana Tech’s criminal justice program first. The result was a win-win learning experience for participating police officers and nine CJ students.

“By volunteering their time to assist our negotiators and tactical teams in training, it adds a layer of realism that we could not get without them. This really improves our overall effectiveness and makes us better,” said FWPD Public Information Sergeant Jeremy Webb. “The students also benefit from the experience by getting a closeup view of some specialized training conducted by law enforcement, which will aid them in their criminal justice education and potential law enforcement career.”

The training was held in a vacant warehouse in two sessions. The morning session was run at a slower speed, with a focus on team movements and negotiations. The afternoon session was more dynamic with simunition firearms, training flash bangs, hostage scenarios and real-time team movement.

“When our students participate in experiential education opportunities like this, they gain a better understanding of the course material, a broader view of the criminal justice system and an appreciation of the community in which we live,” said Dominic Lombardo, program lead for Indiana Tech’s criminal justice program.

Student Perspective

Out-of-classroom experiences like this allow students to apply their knowledge and see what they are learning, in action, rather than in a notebook. These are rare opportunities to see your career work from a new angle, and something this informative should not be passed up.”

Matthew Frink
CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAJOR
CLASS OF 2024

I found it interesting all the technology they used to rescue us. I have been a part of this scenario more than once, and I have been able to see their technology has advanced over the years.

María Solís
CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAJOR
CLASS OF 2026

The officers were open to any and all questions we had for them, and they let us see their negotiation truck and other vehicles they bring in situations like these. They were very kind and open, which made this experience even better.

Brooklyn Babler
CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAJOR
CLASS OF 2025