The Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Career and Technical Education teacher prides herself on maintaining a professional partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure students receive the most up-to-date training.

“We have been fortunate to have established a close partnership with numerous agencies. These agencies provide specialized training opportunities, such as defensive tactics; ethics and professionalism; taser training; Stop The Bleed; CPR/First-Aid; room clearing; fire/arson investigations; DNA collection; field sobriety tests; death investigations; Narcan training; land navigation; and defensive driving,” Crist said. “We bring in outside perspectives to give students a well-rounded background of the field before completion of the course.”

Recently, juniors and seniors enrolled in the program could train with Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputy Josh Schauman. For the past six years, Schauman has been a defensive tactics instructor and assists with tactical EMS for law enforcement at the police academy.

“I’m working with criminal justice students and teaching them the basics of handcuffing, proper positioning and utilizing the same kind of education that we’re using at the academy level, just to ensure consistency from this step on,” Schauman said. “And if they decide to move their way up into, hopefully, someday, a career in criminal justice, everything will be consistent and ease the transition process for them.”

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Josh Schauman is pictured working with Jenna Hendrickson of Falconer and McKenna Cuifolo of Jamestown, students enrolled in the E2CCB Criminal Justice program at the Hewes Educational Center in Ashville.

Students enrolled in the E2CCB Criminal Justice program often find future employment in a related field. The work Schauman witnessed during his time with the students affirmed their preparedness for the field.

“What I’m seeing, it’s impressive. It’s nice to see high school students taking an interest in programs like this,” he said. “The program is top-notch, which is impressive to see. The professor here has been doing a really good job. The students are well disciplined, and all are well receptive to many of these concepts.”

For high school students looking to enter into a career in criminal justice, Schauman recommends students continue their education in a criminal justice college-level program before enrolling in the police academy at the age of 21.

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Josh Schauman is pictured working with Hunter Paulisick of Falconer.