Students in Professor Michael S. McCutcheon's Criminal Investigation course got to try their hands at fingerprint collecting. After leaving their own fingerprints on various surface types, the students dusted, and lifted the prints using situation/surface specific methodologies. The course enables the student to understand the fundamentals of the criminal investigation process. They will explore investigative techniques in crime scene search, collection and use of evidence and information. This semester students are using Dr. McCutcheon's recently published Crime Scene Workbook. Learn more about our Criminal Justice Program here. 

The five members of the 9th Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) at Fitchburg State were sworn in as police officers on Wednesday September 9, 2026 before an audience of family, friends, elected leaders and public safety professionals. All of the graduates of our groundbreaking program have already been hired by police departments across the state. As President Donna Hodge told the assembled graduates and audience, “Today, I am most proud of you, the members of the 9th ROC,” said Hodge. “Your discipline and perseverance have led you here, to this stage, where you are being cheered on by family, friends and loved ones, who have believed in you, and, I imagine, been inspired by you. The members of the 10th ROC are in the audience today, looking to follow in your remarkable footsteps. You have set the example, and in this moment I want you to imagine the possibilities that lie before you. Think of the examples you will set in your daily careers, in your personal lives. Imagine the lives your work and your actions will affect.”  Read the full article here.

The day before the Fitchburg State University Police Program 9th ROC gave back to the underclassmen in the 4+1 Police Program by holding an informal boot polishing training session. Boot polishing in any police academy serves as a foundational tool for instilling discipline, attention to detail, and a shared standard of professional appearance.

This morning, our Fitchburg State Police Academy Recruit Officer Course (ROC) had the profound privilege of hearing from Caitlyn Tarentino, sister of fallen Auburn Ma Police  Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr.

Officer Tarentino made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on May 22, 2016, following a traffic stop. Caitlyn shared intimate stories of her brother’s life, his unwavering dedication to public service, and what it truly means to wear the badge with honor.

Moments like this remind our recruits of the sacred duty they are stepping into—and the legacy of bravery they are bound to uphold. Thank you, Caitlyn, for sharing Officer Tarentino’s story with our future law enforcement leaders.

Honoring service, sacrifice, and the badge.

Yesterday afternoon, recruits in our Fitchburg State University Police Program/Police Academy  Recruit Officer Course (ROC) took their crash investigation training to the next level.

Under the guidance of (Ret.) Det. Steve Foley of the Walpole Police Department, cadets tackled real-time crash scenarios. To make the training as authentic as possible, two current Criminal Justice students and three program graduates (who are now working police officers) stepped in to roleplay.

After navigating each scenario on the fly, recruits received detailed, constructive feedback from Det. Foley to refine their technique. 

Recruits in Fitchburg State University Police Program/Police Academy  Recruit Officer Course (ROC) began their specialized module in Crash Investigation, led by Detective Steve Foley (Ret.) of the Walpole Police Department.

By learning directly from veteran practitioners like Det. Foley, our ROC recruits gain practical, evidence-based insights into scene documentation, vehicle dynamics, and investigative reporting—preparing them to serve their future communities with the highest level of professionalism.

 Chief Peter J. Buck of the Petersham Police Department is heading up the motor vehicle law module for the 9th Fitchburg State University Police Program/Police Academy Recruit Officer Course (ROC). 

Sgt. Salis of the Natick Police Department culminated the Fitchburg State University Police Program/Police Academy Recruit Officer's three day speed radar course with some practical application. He brought the recruits out of the classroom to test their speed measurement skills against radar and lidar tracking outside of the Wallace Civic Center. 

Sgt. Salis of the Natick Police Department continued the Fitchburg State University Police Program/Police Academy Recruit Officer Course (ROC) Speed Measurement course with LIDAR and equipment familiarization. 

Building the skills to keep our communities safe. Recruits in the Fitchburg State University Police Program/Police Academy Recruit Officer Course (ROC) kicked off a comprehensive, three-day Speed Measurement course led by Sgt. Salis of the Natick Police Department. To add to the hands-on training, Academy Instructor Sgt. Jeffrey Giles of the Townsend Police Dept also stepped in to share invaluable field experiences and real-world insights on effectively enforcing speeding laws.