If you see SWAT trucks, K-9 units, and over 40 uniformed police officers on the path between the Stevenson Union and Taylor Hall on the Southern Oregon University campus, don’t panic – it’s perfectly normal.
Tomorrow is the 13th annual “Lock In” event, put on by SOU’s Criminology Club. Participants team up with law enforcement officers and learn how things are done in the field.
Officers from the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Ashland Police Department, Oregon State Police, Central Point Police Department, and Grants Pass Police Department will be participating, according to a press release from the SOU Criminology Club.
There are 11 scenarios throughout the day, teaching participants everything from computer forensics to street and ground fighting. The Oregon Physical Agility Test will go from 9:30 a.m. to around noon in the SU Arena.
Unfortunately students cannot drop in to the classes, as registration closed Friday, Feb. 15. Medford Police Department Explorers will be posted by the SWAT vehicles to answer questions and reassure passerby, according to an email sent out by Lee Ayers, coordinator of the Lock In.
Over the years the event has grown considerably. It began in 2000 with approximately 50 SOU students, and has since grown to well over 100 participants from SOU and Rogue Community College, according to an SOU Criminology Club press release.
