Fitchburg State University Police Program  Police Academy Director Alexandra Wysocki welcomed representatives from over a dozen law enforcement agencies to the Hammond Main Lounge yesterday afternoon for the  Career Services and Advising Center's Law Enforcement Reverse Career Fair. A reverse career fair flips the table, students stationed at tables get a chance to pitch themselves to employers, who in turn get quality one-on-one time with job seekers.

The 13 members of the 8th Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) at Fitchburg State were sworn in as police officers on Friday September 12, 2025 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, “This academy is more than a program, It is a promise. A promise that public higher education and public safety can work hand in hand. A promise that innovation and integrity can meet in the same training ground. A promise that Massachusetts can lead the nation in preparing those who serve and protect." Read the full article here.

This morning President Hodge, Fitchburg State University Police Chief Michael Cloutier, members of the University Police, Military and Veteran Services Director Nolan Buck, university faculty and staff, local dignitaries, and more joined with Fitchburg Fire Department (FFD) at their North Street Headquarters, adjacent to the university, to commemorate lives lost during the attacks on 9/11/2001. The ceremony was held at the 9/11 memorial outside Fire Department headquarters - a piece of a steel beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center anchors the memorial.

the 8th Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) was joined by Massachusetts District Attorney Association, Director of Training Jessica Stone, ADA David Yasinovsky along with interns Justin Xu, and Keiran Clark for mock trial sessions This exercise gives the students a feel for how they will be examined in a court proceeding.

Spencer Police Sergeant Patrick Waugh took the 8th Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) outside of the McKay Campus School to review proper motor vehicle stop procedure. Later on, the Student Officers will be given various scenarios to work through in teams.

In addition to all of their coursework, physical training, defensive tactics, hands-on training, etc., the Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) staff have stressed the importance of public speaking. Student Officers are expected to be able to speak extemporaneously on a variety of topics daily. This reinforces the students ability to think on their feet and express themselves clearly and concisely. Yet another "soft" skill that will help them succeed as law officers.

Students in the 8th Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) began their motor vehicle stops coursework this morning with Spencer Police Sergeant Patrick Waugh.

This afternoon, students in our Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) worked on crash scene investigation with Det. Steve Foley of the Walpole Police Department. Cadets were given various crash incident scenarios, and worked their way through them in real time. Afterward, they received feedback on their performances. Two Criminal Justice students acted as the crash victims.

Students in the 8th Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) recently began their crash scene investigation coursework this morning.

Students in the 8th Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) recently began their field sobriety coursework.