Contributed by Professor Melissa Sippel
Students in CRJ 222: Criminal Investigation and the Elements of Criminal Law were treated to a unique and engaging presentation on Monday, November 10, 2025, as members of local police K9 units visited campus to demonstrate the specialized skills of their canine partners.
Officer Matt Frydryk and K9 Marvin of the Amherst Police Department, along with Sergeant Amanda VanBuskirk and K9 Reuben of the Longmeadow Police Department, led the session. The officers began with a PowerPoint presentation explaining the rigorous training that police K9s undergo and the various disciplines in which they are certified—from drug detection to tracking and apprehension.
Following the presentation, the officers brought their dogs to Mills Theater for a series of live demonstrations. Students observed firsthand how K9s perform drug searches, demonstrate obedience, and respond in defense scenarios. The demonstrations provided valuable insight into how K9 units operate in the field and the critical role they play in law enforcement investigations.
The class is taught by Adjunct Professor Melissa Sippel, who also serves as the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Professor Sippel noted that opportunities like this help bridge classroom learning with real-world application.
“This experience allows students to see investigative concepts in action,” Sippel said. “It’s one thing to talk about police procedure and evidence collection, but seeing these dogs work alongside their handlers brings those lessons to life.”
Students gained a deeper understanding of the teamwork, discipline, and trust that define successful K9 partnerships in law enforcement.
