UNK to host Nebraska State Patrol Experience Day March 25, increased presence planned

KEARNEY, Neb — Students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney will get a close-up look at state law enforcement work during a Nebraska State Patrol Experience Day planned for Wednesday, March 25.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney Department of Criminal Justice will host the educational event on campus, which will bring an increased Nebraska State Patrol presence beginning that morning and lasting throughout the day. The activity is planned and coordinated with the university, and there is no emergency.

Inside the Ockinga Conference Center, students will participate in a crime scene investigation walkthrough and a “day in the life” station highlighting the role and responsibilities of a state trooper.

Outdoor demonstrations are scheduled in the parking lots between the College of Education and West Center. Those demonstrations will include displays from the Nebraska State Patrol SWAT team, bomb squad, canine unit and drone operations, along with multiple patrol vehicles. Troopers will also provide ride-along demonstrations as part of the experience.

A Nebraska State Patrol helicopter is also scheduled to land on the practice field just east of the parking lots.

Community members may notice law enforcement vehicles, specialized equipment and aircraft activity during the event, but all activities are part of the planned Experience Day programming.