Students Explored Law Enforcement Careers in Partnership with Local and State Law Enforcement
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA – Thursday, March 5
SOWELA Technical Community College hosted its second annual Criminal Justice Day event earlier this week in partnership with Louisiana State Police, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lake Charles Police Department. The event provided 300-plus Southwest Louisiana middle and high school students with the chance to explore a variety of law enforcement careers through interactive exhibits, such as a K9 unit demonstration, landing of the state police helicopter and technology like a robotic dog.
“Criminal Justice Day gives students a hands-on look at what a career in law enforcement really looks like,” said SOWELA Criminal Justice Program Coordinator Dr. Lisa Quibodeaux. “Seeing the technology, meeting professionals in the field, and experiencing demonstrations helps students envision themselves in these roles and understand the many career paths available with a Criminal Justice degree.”
High schoolers met professionals who work as death investigators/forensics, corrections officers, drone and IT professionals, marine officers, K-9 officers and more. Students visited exhibits for each specialty area, showcasing the tools and technology they might employ in this career field, with the goal of connecting job opportunities available with a Criminal Justice degree.
Agencies from around the state participated in the event, including the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Iowa Police Department, Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office, Oakdale Federal Correctional Institution, Allen Correctional Facility, Lake Charles Police Department, Louisiana State Highway Patrol and Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Across the country, law enforcement agencies struggle to fill vacant positions. Locally, Southwest Louisiana is no exception, making events like this essential to recruiting future law enforcement professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and probation offers have a job growth of about 4%.
SOWELA’s Criminal Justice degree provides practical experience to prepare students for employment or promotional opportunities in criminal justice agency positions in crime prevention, public safety, corrections or other related fields. It emphasizes safe and efficient work practices, basic occupational skills and the application of federal, state and local laws as they apply in emergency and routine situations.
The program offers a concentration in Death Investigation and is available in-person and online. SOWELA also provides credit for three Criminal Justice classes to POST-certified individuals.
To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit www.sowela.edu/apply or contact onestop@sowela.edu. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify. Registration opens for Summer and Fall 2026 on March 30.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.