Session 29

In this session, teens will focus on what it takes to be a police officer. With guidance from a police officer, they will examine the skills and training that are required. They will also role-play some situations that police officers routinely face. The goal is to help teens learn to empathize with police officers.

 Tips to Enhance Session 29:

• Share information about police and detectives (PDF) with your students during Step B. The document will help teach students about the nature of police work, the variety of activities officers engage in, and the training necessary to become a police officer.

 Community Resource People:

This session must be cofacilitated with a police officer. Having an officer present in the classroom will allow teens to associate positive feelings towards police.

Keep in mind that you should give your CRPs session materials at least one week before they participate in your class.

 Service-Learning Project Ideas:

• Short Project:  Students can create a fact sheet about the positive work police officers do to prevent and stop crime and keep citizens safe. They should distribute the fact sheet to all of the students at school.
  
• Medium-Length Project:  Students can hold a school-wide forum to encourage positive dialogue with local law enforcement. Students can share some of the challenges and discuss how young people and law enforcement officers can respect and support each other.
  
• Long Project: Students can organize a "Police Appreciation Day." The event should honor police officers and be publicized to the general community and local police stations.