Groundbreaking for GWC’s new 39,000 square foot regional training facility took place this week. Demolition of the old Community Education building has been ongoing to make room for the new much-larger Criminal Justice Center. Noteworthy enhancements will include a large multi-purpose meeting room, additional classrooms, and a 5,600 sq. ft. scenario laboratory with a vehicle pullover street. GWC’s new training facility will not only further strengthen the college’s longstanding partnership with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, but also meaningfully enrich the police academy programs, semester courses and continuing professional training for working peace officers. Currently, over 200 officers are trained each year at the GWC Criminal Justice Training Center Police Academy and Special Investigators Academy.
In attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony from the District were Chancellor Dr. John Weispfenning; Vice Chancellor Andrea Serban; Vice Chancellor Andrew Dunn; and Board of Trustees David Grant, Mary Hornbuckle, and Jim Moreno. Trustee President Grant spoke about the new building not being just another structure on the campus. “This will be the home to countless new police officers, bravely serving our local communities,” said Grant. “This new facility will serve to encourage those who take on this challenge in life.”
