The Fairfield University Department of Public Safety is conducting its first annual Campus Security Officer Training Academy this week. The Academy is designed to provide the skills necessary to meet the challenge of keeping today's colleges and universities safe.

The first class includes campus security officers from Wesleyan University, Sacred Heart University, Gateway Community College, St. John's University and De Sales University, as well as Fairfield University. The week-long program began on Saturday and continues through Friday at noon.

For media who would like to visit this program, please contact Nancy Habetz, nhabetz@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000, ext. 2647, to arrange a time. Hands on training will take place on Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. in the upstairs gym of the Walsh Athletic Center.

The curriculum and instructors include:

Law for Public Safety : Allison Bloom, J.D., and Fairfield University alumna

Hazmat/Fire Safety : Lt. Schuyler Sherwood, Fairfield Fire Department

Narcotic Identification and Recognition and Gang Activity : Officer Scott Duva, Trumbull Police

Gun Safety/Weapons Handling and Defensive Driving : Asst. Dir. John Ritchie, Fairfield University Public Safety

Cultural and Bias Crimes : Asst. Dean Will Johnson, Fairfield University Student Diversity

Handling Sexual Assault Victims : Lt. Anthony D'Onofrio (Ret.), WestConn Police Department

Report Writing/Community Relations and Basic Handcuffing : Fairfield University Assoc. Dir. Frank Ficko

Interviewing Suspect/Victim and Scene Preservation : Officer Felipe Rodriguez, Fairfield University Public Safety.

Managing Aggressive Behavior : Officer Dave Salthouse, Veterans' Police Dept.

L.O.C.K.U.P Self-Defense : Officers Pat Cleary and Charles Goodwin, Fairfield University Public Safety

Patrol Techniques : Lt. Mike Kaselouskas, University of Hartford Public Safety

Critical Incident Management and Bomb Detection : Trooper Arthur Derderian

Posted On: 07-14-2009 10:07 AM

Volume: 42 Number: 5