Peace officers, forensics employees and correctional officers came to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus Tuesday to take part in the 42nd Annual Criminal Justice Career Day, one of the largest criminal justice career fairs in the upper Midwest region.

Since 1972, the number of agencies represented has grown to nearly 60 as the Criminal Justice Department and the Criminal Justice Association have teamed up to enable students, community and prospective employees an opportunity to meet, gather information and form networks with representatives from professional law enforcement agencies.

“Our goal for this career fair is to provide the student and community exposure to prospective employers in the criminal justice field. Also our educational event highlights outstanding speakers from the criminal justice and related fields,” Aleesha Gillingham, senior, criminal justice major and UW-Platteville Criminal Justice Association President said.

Law enforcement agencies from around Wisconsin including the Appleton, Green Bay and Madison police departments as well as the Milwaukee County House of Corrections. There were also out of states agencies like the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police.

“I’m really excited to be at this event and looking forward to be speaking with some key agencies here. I have my eye on Dane County Sheriff Office and Wisconsin State Patrol,” Tim Farrell senior criminal justice major said.

Between noon and 1 p.m. the Criminal Justice Department’s guest speakers made presentations in the Harry and Laura Nohr Gallery. Officer Emily Wyman of the Milwaukee County House of Correction and her canine partner, K-9 Officer Conner, demonstrated tactical abilities to the audience. Wyman also shared her personal insight into caring for Conner, introduced the audience to Conner’s favorite toy, and a rolled up towel which he destroyed immediately after showing his bite down force.

Clayton Ottman, sophomore criminal justice major, was this year’s criminal justice career day coordinator.

“We had a total of 56 agencies here today, which I believe is a new record,” Ottman said. “We did, however, send out over 400 invites to agencies. This event was a complete success to the department.”