April 25th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Allegany College of Maryland will observe Law Day on Friday, April 27, with visits by law enforcement and corrections personnel, displays and demonstrations of the equipment they use and discussion of career opportunities.  This public event, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., recognizes the significance of this national observance as it serves to interest students in criminal justice, political science and related college majors. Law Day, which celebrates the rule of law and its contributions to the freedoms Americans enjoy under the U.S. Constitution, was established by joint resolution of Congress in 1961 in “rededication to the ideals of equality and justice under laws.”

 

Law enforcement agencies such as the Cumberland Police Department, Maryland State Police and the Federal Correctional Institution at Mexico Farms have committed personnel, vehicles and other equipment to the ACM observance. 

 

It begins with the arrival of Trooper 5, the medevac helicopter operated by state police. The aircraft will land on a lower-campus ball field at about 10 a.m., weather permitting.

 

FCI personnel will demonstrate tactical team equipment and procedures, starting at 10:30 a.m., and Cumberland city police will bring a K9 unit to demonstrate the value of trained dogs in law enforcement, beginning at 1 p.m.

 

Both of these demonstrations will take place in a parking area near the Physical Education Building. They are subject to weather or other priorities should they arise.

 

Law Day will also address the opioid addiction crisis that is confronting society on numerous levels.

 

James R. Pyles, who retired in 2015 as commander of the state police force’s Northern Command, Criminal Enforcement Division, will be joined by other local criminal justice professionals in a discussion of these challenges.

 

Their forum, in the College Center’s Zimmer Theatre, begins at 11:15 a.m.

 

Elsewhere in the center, displays of information relating to law enforcement, corrections and the criminal justice system will be available for viewing, starting at 8 a.m.

 

As some of tactical methods to be demonstrated by FCI employ distractive devices that involve smoke and loud noise, the college community will be alerted so as not to be alarmed.

 

For more information about Law Day contact Brandon Hoover, ACM assistant professor of political science and director of criminal justice and paralegal studies. He can be reached at 301-784-5300 or bhoover5265@allegany.edu.