The Randall County Sherriff’s Department is teaching teenagers what it is like to be a law enforcement officer. The department is offering a 15 week course designed specifically for teens. The Career Education Academy selects a handful of high school students who get to participate in the program. class is every Tuesday evening for two hours where students learn different aspects and techniques of law enforcement.

[I joined this program because] “I want to major in Forensics when I graduate,” senior Marrissa Hanggee said.

This class is designed for people like Hanggee who wish to pursue this in the future. “The Career Education Academy introduces selected high school youth to law enforcement methods, procedures, and career opportunities,” the Student Academy website said.

During the second week in the class Crime Prevention Division Sergeant Mike Mezger spoke to the studnts about specific procedures officers use while on patrol. Mezger covered everything from the purpose of patrolling to how to read someone’s body language when investigating a call. At the end of the class, Mezger passed around equipment he uses while on duty such as the bullet proof vest he wears and the AR-10 he carries into hostage situations.

In the upcoming weeks students will learn about jail procedures, crime scene investigation, narcotics enforcement, 911 dispatches and many other areas of law enforcement. Those interested in taking a future class can contact Mike Mezger by phone at 468-5880 or visit the Randall County Sheriff website for additional information.