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God Behind Bars: Centered Conversation Series Explores Religion in the U.S. Prison System

The New Hampshire Institute of Politics and the Center for the Study of Religion and Public Life hosted a centered conversation regarding incarcerated persons and religious renewal.

Students and faculty gathered for the "God Behind Bars" event in the NHIOP Political Library

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Manchester Police SWAT Run Simulation on the Hilltop

Tactical Training with Manchester Police

This fall, Saint Anselm students participated in training exercises with the Manchester Police Department. The opportunity helped the undergraduate and graduate students experience exercises while building relationships with local law enforcement officers.

The crews spent a recent morning honing their skills as they responded to a mock active shooter situation around campus. Criminal Justice (CJ) majors, as well as student-athletes, played various roles during the simulation.

“It enhanced our relationship with the students and the training caliber we were able to expose our officers to,” said Captain Brandon Murphy ‘00, of the Special Enforcement Division.“ This also gave students in the CJ program an inside look into some of the specialties that are unique to the Manchester Police Department.”

Politics and criminal justice major Erin Motherway ‘25 was the first student on the scene to greet the officers at 5:30 a.m., and said the exposure to a real-world scenario like this was worth waking up extra early.

“It was just amazing to have a view of what my career could look like both up front and behind the scenes,” shared Motherway. “That was incredible and so helpful and informative.”

Earlier in the semester, Director of Campus Safety and Security Scott Dunn approached CJ Professor Kaitlyn Clarke ‘09 about this opportunity. Dunn explained that the hands on experience is a strong enhancement to the students’ education, beyond what can be studied and researched in the classroom.

“To actually go out there and see what it takes to be one of these officers — this was SWAT tryouts so these men were being pushed very hard — you really can’t put a value on how important that is,” said Dunn.

Clarke said several students told her that they enjoyed participating in the training, but what they valued the most was talking with the officers after the event.

“An advantage of being a part of the Hilltop community is how faculty and staff provide the means to connect our students with community members in the field,” Clarke said. “Students can network, see, and participate in firsthand experiential learning.”

The smoothness of the operation, the cooperation from the students and dedication from his officers made this training exercise one of the most fruitful ones he’s conducted in his career, Murphy shared, and he would love to continue the partnership.

“It was truly a gift to be back here and work with the Criminal Justice students, which I found refreshing,” Murphy said. “I’m looking forward to paving a relationship with the students and the school moving forward.”