Des Moines Area Community College Unveils Criminal Justice Training Center

(Ankeny, IA) -- Des Moines Area Community College has opened a new criminal justice training center. Students and professionals are using the home to practice their evidence collecting skills. The three bedroom home also features classroom space in the basement. DMACC students were involved in the design, building, and landscaping of the project.

DMACC Criminal Justice Chair Jessica Cole says enrollment in the program remains very strong, with 820 students this fall majoring in a variety of degree programs within the department. She also says the new facility is in high demand from the professional sector as well, and can be used for investigators to practice their skills. It's also used for first responder training.

DMACC Criminal Justice Professor Danielle Galien says rooms in the house are staged, so students and professionals can practice collecting fragile evidence. She says that could also include determining the trajectory of bullets and details about how and when a crime occurred. She notes students interested in pursing a career in crime scene investigation should have certain qualities including being organized, detail orientated, and patience.

For details about the DMACC Criminal Justice program click HERE.