CANTON — Police officials showed SUNY Canton students what their career could become Wednesday at the college’s third annual Law Enforcement Day.

From policing urban areas to fighting smuggling along Arizona’s southern border, students made contacts with future coworkers.

“It is a great way to link professionals and students,” said Donald C. Milos, president of the college’s American Criminal Justice Association that sponsored the event.

Mr. Milos, a senior studying criminal investigations, said more students attended the event than expected.

Among the presenters was a K9 presentation from four Border Patrol agents from St. Lawrence County stations. More than 70 students watched K9s walk around a stage searching for drugs and then immediately stopping and sitting when they found what they were searching for. Students show amazement when they learned the dogs could smell through cans and coolers.

Grant M. Wachob, a Massena border patrol agent, walked his dog “Edo” around the college’s loading dock, where he hid drugs near a dumpster. Mr. Wachob had to walk the dog past twice because of the high winds.

“It’s a team effort,” he said. “The dog doesn’t understand the winds.”

He told the students it can take years of service to get a dog after their career begins.

One SUNY Canton senior attended the session because he wants to one day become an agent.

Aaron Follman, a senior studying criminal justice, wants to leave northern New York to become a Border Patrol agent, He said local law enforcement agencies did not give him the opportunity to see the country.

“I’d like to travel,” Mr. Follman said. “I’d like to work for a federal agency.”

Mr. Follman said professors were understanding of students missing class to attend the day’s seminars.

Another popular event was a seminar by Rochester Police Chief James Sheppard, who spoke on urban policing.

“This was well attended by the students,” Mr. Milos said.

Other presenters included individuals from SUNY Potsdam and Akwesasne.

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