Journalism and Broadcasting students got the inside scoop on issues impacting Niagara – straight from Niagara’s chief of police.
Niagara Regional Police Service chief Bryan MacCulloch visited the Welland Campus on December 15 where he met with second-year Journalism students and first-year Broadcasting students.
The event wasn’t just a visit, it was an exercise in delivering the news, noted professor Susan Pedler. While Journalism students had an opportunity to meet and interview this key Niagara leader and cover the event with articles and photographs for the Niagara News; Broadcasting students reported from the event for a radio assignment. Many students also live tweeted from the event.
Pedler said that having a key Niagara newsmaker visit the College was a great experience for students and provided an opportunity for them to produce meaningful coverage.
@BryanMacCulloch came to @niagaracollege to speak with broadcasting and journalism students. We thank you for your time! It was a wonderful interaction and learning opportunity. Thank you for your long-term and outstanding service. #NRP #chiefofpolice – Downtown Brown pic.twitter.com/BridIofM8z
— Lisa Brown (@1LisaBrown5) December 15, 2017
“Journalists cover crime and justice issues all the time. But it’s not often they have direct access to the chief…especially for an hour,” she said. “I asked my students to come with well-researched questions. They delivered.”
What did students ask the chief? Questions ranged from the recent seizure of a local reporter’s computer at a Niagara Regional Council meeting, to the 2018 police budget, to the upcoming marijuana legalization and the issues it raises for the local police force. They asked about the NRP’s stand on mental health courts, police body cameras, and diversity within the force.
In addition to responding to questions, MacCulloch offered students words of wisdom.
“He gave them advice: make good choices; the choices you make now will affect the rest of your life,” said Pedler. “He stayed afterwards for more questions and to take selfies with the students.”
MacCulloch was named the new NRP chief in September after former chief Jeff McGuire retired in July.
Thanks NRP Chief @BryanMacCulloch for visiting our journalism class #myncstory. The students enjoyed the chance to ask about policing and related issues in our community. Loved that so many wanted selfies with you…the ultimate compliment! pic.twitter.com/HYBUgpkrQF
— Susan Pedler (@SusanPedler) December 16, 2017
With @NiagRegPolice Chief @BryanMacCulloch, speaking with @niagaracollege Journalism and Broadcast students pic.twitter.com/IqFeyXqOLu
— Stephanie Sabourin (@SSabourinNRP) December 15, 2017
