On October 21, the first Criminal Justice Club meeting was held, and students experienced something out of the ordinary from normal club meetings.

For the first official meeting, Deputy Craig Thompson presented Deputy Chris Gibbons who taught the students about Maryland’s K-9 unit. Students were able to learn about the training process these dogs undergo, hear a few personal stories, and see a dog in action.

“Most students enjoy seeing the dogs and what they can do, I use it as my hook,” says Deputy Thompson. While getting to learn about the dogs capabilities, students got a chance to volunteer to be safely attacked by the dog. “It was interesting to get bit by the dog, but it didn’t hurt,” explained junior Breanna Byrd.

The students also got to learn a lot about the dog’s capabilities than they would have otherwise known. These special K-9 unit dogs are “trained with narcotics, and can track suspects and non-suspects too,” explained Thompson. The officers also “live with their dogs, it’s their duty to take care of them.”

Also that when the dogs do attack viewers can see their tails wagging since “they think it’s play,” says junior Emily Engelhaupt.

The criminal justice club has also teamed up with Mrs. Kristian Jones-Knoll’s forensics classes in order to showcase a realistic utilization of forensic techniques to her students.

“I think Deputy Thompson has a lot of resources and activities that can be helpful and related to this particular class,” said Mrs. Kristian Jones- Knoll.

But, the criminal justice club doesn’t just feature the K-9 unit.

“Students will learn different aspects and job opportunities, including dispatch, courthouse and court proceedings, in addition to law enforcement corrections,” claimed Thompson.

North Harford had a criminal justice club about 10 years ago when former school resource officer and Deputy Ian Loughran was stationed at NHHS. Deputy Thompson said that his inspiration to start up this club again was also derived from the criminal justice club that has been organized at C. Milton Wright.

Unlike many other clubs, members do not have to pay to be a part of it. Students will not have to pay for this club or field trips involved with it since Thompson received a special grant, and there is a drug and alcohol instructive component that accompanies the club’s endeavors.

Members of this club can expect to have many more fun meetings and field trips. Members can attend a field trip to the District Court, Evidence Collection Unit and the HCSO Training Academy. The next meeting will be held on November 18 and will feature traffic safety and enforcement.