Police reform had been a front lines topic for several years now, with training and recruiting being two strong headliners. In past years, local and state law enforcement agencies spent countless hours sorting through the hundreds, or even thousands, of police applications but a sudden halt has come about. Now, law enforcement agencies are being forced to constantly mount aggressive recruiting programs and advertising campaigns to lure recruits. Sign-on bonuses and other incentives are being offered to fill their personnel needs, but many still can’t.
In past times, primarily individuals having a university criminal justice degree or prior law enforcement experience were seriously considered by law enforcement agencies, but now almost any field of education or profession is being accepted. Also, mixed into the police reform discussion is the topic of education and training. This forces policing agencies to become more creative and proficient with their recruiting and training methods; a new day has dawned in the law enforcement profession. The time has come for this industry to evaluate past practices, and focus on new ones.
A recent evolution of law enforcement training has now made it’s entrance into our nation’s high schools. Law enforcement programs are springing up in high school across America, allowing students to participate in education and training programs that can range up to four years, somewhat similar to high school ROTC programs.
Last week I had the opportunity to be a guest speaker in two San Antonio highs schools that have a four year law program. Starting in 9th grade, students can begin studying the law profession, which includes police training. In just these two schools, over 600 students are enrolled in the Law program, a very impressive number. Their criminal justice curriculum is extensive, ranging from crime scene investigations and writing search warrant affidavits, to responding to natural and man-made disasters. Most students enrolled in these vocation programs are seeking future careers in firefighting, criminal justice, EMS and law.
Over the past year, I have been collecting surveys from law enforcement officers, seeking responses to the industries educational needs. A majority of responders advised they did not feel that their college/university properly prepared them for a police officer career. Also, some reflected that not every police academy did this either, concluding that a better and more in depth blend might be the answer. So, are high school law enforcement programs one of the answer? Possibly so!
What an absolutely great idea.
Much like a jr deputy program but for older kids that are maturing more with a focus that can help them understand a possible path in life, where most kids at the high school age, still don’t know what they want to do after graduation.
I think this is a great idea that should catch on across the nation, just maybe young people will better understand what LE do and earn a better respect for why peace officers are needed.
What message are you trying to send? Your last two are coming thru as gibberish.