PENDLETON --- Tri-County Technical College's April 15 Criminal Justice Career Fair is open to the public and will have a special emphasis this year on helping veterans find jobs in law enforcement.

"When area agencies are looking to fill positions, they always ask us if we have veterans in our program because the crossover from military life to the criminal justice world is a natural progression," said Dr. Chris McFarlin, program coordinator for Tri-County's Criminal Justice program.  "A lot of the military skills transfer over to law enforcement, making for a smooth transition," added Dr. McFarlin. 

The annual career fair will be held from 9 a.m. - noon in the Café on the College's Pendleton Campus. The event is open to the community.

Local, state and federal agencies will be represented.  Among those will be: Rock Hill Police Department, Spartanburg City Police, Defender Services, SC Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, SC Department of Corrections, Clemson City Police Department, Aiken County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety, Pickens County Advocacy Center, Clemson University Police Department, Anderson University, Pickens County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Army, Clemson University, Simpsonville Police Department, Greenville Police Department, Fountain Inn Police Department, SLED, SCDJJ, Anderson County Unified Emergency Communications Center, Anderson County Sheriff's Office, Chester Police Department, Oconee County Sheriff's Office, Southern Wesleyan University, Greenville County Sheriff's Office, SC Highway Patrol, MARTA Police Department , Clarendon County Sheriff's Office, Anderson County Detention Center and the Mauldin Police Department. 

Also, four agencies will conduct preliminary screenings -- they are Spartanburg City Public Safety, Pickens County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Army Reserves and the S.C. Highway Patrol.  Interested persons should contact Dr. McFarlin at 646-1327 or cmcfarli@tctc.edu.

"It's an opportunity to find out how to position yourself to be competitive and to help you get the job with specific agencies. 

"The jobs are out there, ranging from full- and part-time positions, to internship and volunteer opportunities, said Dr. McFarlin.  "This event will benefit our students, our military veterans and the community while helping law enforcement agencies fill positions.  There is a huge job demand and employers are looking for good people to fill these positions."

            There will be Tri-County admissions representatives, as well as Criminal Justice faculty, on hand to talk to folks about the Criminal Justice program and the opportunities that a degree holds for graduates. 

In addition to law enforcement, Tri-County grads are prepared for entry-level jobs in security, protective services, corrections and court administration. The degree doesn't mean they will all work in the government sector. They also can work in the private sector as private investigators, security officers, loss prevention and other related professions.

"Tri-County offers the entire criminal justice curriculum online, which can be a lifesaver for many officers who work 12-hour shifts and battle time constraints and schedule conflicts that can often hinder completing their degree through the traditional classroom route," said Dr. McFarlin.

Additionally, current law enforcement and corrections officers who are certified should check out the College's portfolio program whereby students can receive up to 15 credit hours based on training and experience in the field, said Dr. McFarlin.

            "This career fair is our signature event.  We've had this event for several years and it's always been good.  We've grown it every year.  This is a win-win for everyone involved -- the students, our military veterans, the general public and area employers."  

            For more information, contact Chris McFarlin at 646-1327 or cmcfarli@tctc.edu.