Indiana Tech hosts Youth Civil Air Patrol students
June 25, 2026Indiana Tech’s criminal justice department and the Fort Wayne Police Department’s Crime Scene Management Unit hosted members of the Youth Civil Air Patrol on campus for crime scene demonstrations in early June.
The Youth Civil Air Patrol program is a branch of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary open to individuals ages 12-18. It offers training in leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness and character development.
Around 30 students were on hand for presentations from an FWPD crime scene technician outlining the procedures for conducting a crime scene investigation in the context of a homicide. They also participated in a hands-on fingerprinting exercise.
Dominic Lombardo, Indiana Tech’s criminal justice program lead professor, says the exposure from the sessions helps reinforce respect for authority and rule of law, understand community safety systems and a sense of duty to serve and protect others.
“Introduction to Indiana Tech’s criminal justice department helps these young people understand real-world community issues, build positive relationships with law enforcement and promote trust between youth and justice institutions,” Lombardo said. “Many of the cadets are interested in military, law enforcement, or public service careers, and exposure to our criminal justice program introduces them to career paths such as policing, corrections and the legal field.
Lombardo says participation in sessions like these help them become more responsible citizens, better leaders and decision-makers, more informed about public safety systems and better prepared for careers in service and justice.