Unit 1: Introduction to the Junior Police Academy

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2 Unit 1: Introduction to the Junior Police Academy OBJECTIVE: Cadets will gain better appreciation for the role both law enforcement and citizens play in public safety in the united states. 2

3 INSTRUCTOR S (genius) NOTES Just the Facts: Quickly master today s lesson The Fist 3 Minutes: captive your cadets from the get-go. Cadet Handouts Print. Pass-out. Discuss. Picture gallery quick look at cadets from past Junior Police academy. SLIDESHOW Projections for the classroom. 3

4 INSTRUCTOR S (genius) NOTES Just the Facts: Quickly master today s lesson Day One is vital to setting the stage for the rest of the program. Your cadets will not only be sizing you up, but they will be forming opinions about law enforcement in general. For this reason we have provided you with an abundance of materials for launching your Academy. First: THE FIRST 10 MINUTES: Strategies for Introducing Youth People to Law Enforcement in the United States. 4

5 The Fist 3 Minutes: Seize cadet attention. Print out. Text is written INSTRUCTOR: in the voice of the instructor: Welcome to the Junior Police Academy. My name is Officer. In this Academy you will learn about my profession - law enforcement. Graduation from an actual law enforcement academy, like the one I attended, the Smithville County Law Enforcement Academy, was required before I could be placed on active duty. Graduation from the Junior Police Academy will not make you eligible for active duty with the Smithville Police Department. It does, however, confer on you a certain rank and distinction that we hope will follow you into adulthood. 5 You will graduate from the academy with a special insight into policing that few citizens possess. Continue using: The First 10 Minutes: Strategies for Introducing Youth People to Law Enforcement in the United States.

6 Continue by: Distributing Cadet Handout: We have provided three different handouts. Choose the one most appropriate to your cadets. Junior Police Academy: The Cadet Code Notes on Junior Police Academy: The Cadet Code Handout: You will want to establish strict, unwavering rules among your cadets. The Junior Police Academy draws upon, at least in spirit, the experience of attending an actual police academy. As with an actual academy, you will need to articulate and enforce rules governing cadet conduct. Every officer will have their own personal take on setting the rules. While deference should be given to the school's existing rules, don't hesitate to institute a code of conduct that goes well beyond what is expected of the general student population. Setting a higher standard of ethics and integrity for cadets can itself become a learning experience. Just as a higher standard is required of police officers, so too will it be required of cadets. Best advice: Be consistent with your enforcement of the rules. 6

7 Statistics for Face to Face Contacts with Police Information to help overcome some of the misconceptions young people have about the relationship between the police and the public. Skills Critical to a Good Police Officer NOTES on Skills Critical to a Good Police Officer Handout: This handout is primer for cadets, outlining the skills critical to the profession. Each skills set offers the instructor an opportunity to share his own experience on the job. experiences into the learning process. Tell the story of policing as only you can the profound joy, sadness, courage, despair and hope! Stories have the power to reveal truth in a way that raw facts cannot. Choose the one most appropriate to your cadets. DAY ONE CADET HANDOUTS: BASED ON A TRUE STORY: YOU! While you are not a professional teacher, you are professionally engaged in what you are about to teach. So don t be afraid to pay your ace card: your experience! We encourage our law enforcement instructors to invest their own professional 7

8 INSTRUCTOR S (genius) NOTES Just the Facts: Quickly master today s lesson MISSION STATEMENT Empowering young people to be outstanding citizens through law enforcement education. Junior Police Academy inspires young people to be outstanding citizens by introducing them to the vital role law enforcement plays in America. A Brief History of Cops & Kids The value of police departments working with young people was recognized early on. Junior or boy police programs started appearing during the first two decades of the 20th century, sponsored by local police departments or schools in places like Berkeley, California; Council Bluffs, Iowa; Cincinnati, Ohio; and New York City. With the adoption of community policing in recent decades, programs embracing the original spirit of these efforts started to reemerge. Founded in 1992, the Junior Police Academy was among the first and has steadily established its leadership over the past 20 years. The Junior Police Academy continues to enrich the lives of everyone involved, stated co-founder Phillip LeConte. While programs for cops & kids have a long history, the Junior Police Academy has the distinction of elevating police/youth programming from recreational activities to being an accredited part of middle school curriculum. In doing so, JPA continues to help reshape education and the role of law enforcement in America. IN A REAL POLICE ACADEMY The responsibility to serve and protect the public can be demanding. The rigors of the job can be both physically and emotionally challenging so new recruits are carefully screened to determine if 8

9 they can cope with the police academy training lifestyle. The expectations of a new recruit will be one of strict discipline and order, similar to that of a military boot camp, and he or she will be pushed to the limits of their capabilities of which they will be expected to give one hundred and ten percent effort. In State and large local police departments, recruits get training in their agency's police academy, often for 12 to 14 weeks. In small agencies, recruits often attend a regional or State academy. Training includes classroom instruction in constitutional law and civil rights, State laws and local ordinances, and accident investigation. Recruits also receive training and supervised experience in patrol, traffic control, use of firearms, self-defense, first aid, and emergency response. Police departments in some large cities hire high school graduates who are still in their teens as police cadets or trainees. They do clerical work and attend classes, usually for 1 to 2 years, until they reach the minimum age requirement and can be appointed to the regular force. Large city police departments have their own academies; generally, only officers from that department attend, although sometimes smaller or special jurisdiction agencies may be invited to send officers to this academy. If not, these agencies' officers are eligible to attend regional academies generally administered by a state's police training council. If you are a newly hired state trooper or highway patrol officer, your academy experience will be less like high school and more like a boarding school or military training. You will very likely be expected to live at the training facility. Some departments will allow you to go home each weekend, others may limit your visits home similar to basic military training. The Spirit of America JPA does not simply teach young people to respect authority or the badge the program also emphases that police authority in the United States is derived from the people and its expectation that public safety officers act as a noble extension of our national identity. QUESTIONS: Discuss the ideals we aspire to as citizens of the United States of America. Which principles do you think most reflect our national character? TO GIVE REALITY TO HISTORIC TRADITION* In teaching cadets about the role of police, we also inspire young people to assume their own role as champions of justice. In this regard, the Junior Police 9

10 Academy often marks the start of a young person actively assuming their lifelong role as informed citizens extending the program s true impact far into the future! Police, at all times, should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence. Sir Robert Peel The Cadet Experience By participating in JPA, you have partnered with your police department to create a safer learning environment for students and teachers, and to open lines of communication between your peers and police. Be an ambassador to other students and adults in your community by freely sharing what get out of participating in the program. You are learning why officers do what they do by seeing it through their eyes, so you can help others understand it, too. Through JPA, officers and students learn the mutual respect required to make a team successful, whether in school, sports, business or life. You learn the give and take of negotiation and debate, and how to critically evaluate opinions based on their merit, without demeaning or invalidating the person who offers them. This knowledge puts you ahead of the game, because these are skills essential to successful adults. If you can embrace and learn these things, you will have earned the right to be a leader and our nation s future will be in very good hands. What does a Junior Police Academy education mean? What distinguishes a JPA Cadet from other students? Consider for a moment our definition of a graduating cadet: A graduating cadet is not ready to patrol the street but they do appreciate the commitment and dedication a law enforcer needs to face the streets each day. Proficiency with firearms is not part of a cadet s training but they do understand the absolute necessity of a police officer wearing a weapon. Cadets cannot cite case law with the skill of a lawyer but they do recognize the value of a precise penal code, applied justly and fairly to all. Cadets have not known stress and uncertainty of stopping a speeding motorist on a lonely highway at two o clock in the morning but they do 10

11 understand why no-nonsense, by-thebook traffic stops are not mere theatrics, but a lawman s protocol for staying alive. A Junior Police Academy graduate is not licensed law enforcement officer, but a leader among their peers with genuine insight into the public safety profession and they exemplify the kind of citizens who make for better, safer communities. These distinctions are at the core of this educational program -- not to simply teach young people law enforcement law and procedure -- but to reveal the reasoning behind each law and procedure. 11

12 Cadet Handout Welcome to JPA MISSION STATEMENT Empowering young people to be outstanding citizens through law enforcement education. Junior Police Academy inspires young people to be outstanding citizens by introducing them to the vital role law enforcement plays in America. The Spirit of America JPA does not simply teach young people to respect authority or the badge the program also emphases that police authority in the United States is derived from the people and its expectation that public safety officers act as a noble extension of our national identity. QUESTIONS: Discuss the ideals we aspire to as citizens of the United States of America. Which principles do you think most reflect our national character? The Cadet Experience By participating in JPA, you have partnered with your police department to create a safer learning environment for students and teachers, and to open lines of communication between your peers and police. Be an ambassador to other students and adults in your community by freely sharing what get out of participating in the program. You are learning why officers do what they do by seeing it through their eyes, so you can help others understand it, too. Through JPA, officers and students learn the mutual respect required to make a team successful, whether in school, sports, business or life. You learn the give and take of negotiation and debate, and how to critically evaluate opinions based on their merit, without demeaning or invalidating the person who offers them. 12 Print out.

13 Cadet Handout Welcome to JPA This knowledge puts you ahead of the game, because these are skills essential to successful adults. If you can embrace and learn these things, you will have earned the right to be a leader and our nation s future will be in very good hands. What does a Junior Police Academy education mean? What distinguishes a JPA Cadet from other students? Consider for a moment our definition of a graduating cadet: A graduating cadet is not ready to patrol the street but they do appreciate the commitment and dedication a law enforcer needs to face the streets each day. Proficiency with firearms is not part of a cadet s training but they do understand the absolute necessity of a police officer wearing a weapon. Cadets cannot cite case law with the skill of a lawyer but they do recognize the value of a precise penal code, applied justly and fairly to all. Cadets have not known stress and uncertainty of stopping a speeding motorist on a lonely highway at two o clock in the morning but they do understand why no-nonsense, by-the-book traffic stops are not mere theatrics, but a lawman s protocol for staying alive. A Junior Police Academy graduate is not licensed law enforcement officer, but a leader among their peers with genuine insight into the public safety profession and they exemplify the kind of citizens who make for better, safer communities. These distinctions are at the core of this educational program -- not to simply teach young people law enforcement law and procedure -- but to reveal the reasoning behind each law and procedure. Print out. 13

14 Cadet Handout STATISTICS FOR FACE TO FACE CONTACTS WITH POLICE FACE TO FACE An estimated 40 million U.S. residents age 16 or older, or about 17 percent of the population, had a face-to-face contact with a police officer in 2008 [According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics] This is a continuing decrease in contact between police and the public, down from 19 percent of residents who had contact with the police in 2005 and 21 percent who had contact in These findings are based on the Police-Public Contact Survey (PPCS), conducted every three years since The PPCS, a supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), consists of a nationally representative sample of U.S. residents age 16 or older. Nearly 60,000 people participated in the most recent PPCS, which was conducted during the last six months of About five million fewer residents had face-toface contact with the police in 2008, compared to the 45 million residents who had police contact in # Reason: traffic stop During this period, the most common situation in which people came into contact with the police was as a driver in a traffic stop. 1# Reason: Report a Crime The second most common reason for contact with police continued to be reporting a crime or problem, although the number of contacts that occurred for this reason decreased. Nearly 12 million residents said their most recent contact in 2002 was to report a crime or problem to police, compared to about 8 million residents in % Approval Rating Among people who had face-to-face contact in 2008, about nine out of 10 residents felt the police were respectful or acted properly during their most recent contact that year. About half of drivers who were pulled over by police said that they were stopped for speeding. 85% Stop Legitimate Most drivers (85 percent) who were pulled over by police during 2008 believed they were stopped for a legitimate reason. STATISTICS FOR FACE TO FACE CONTACTS WITH POLICE An estimated 40 million U.S. residents age 16 or older, or about 17 percent of the population, had a face-to-face contact with a police officer in 2008 This is a continuing decrease in contact between police and the public, down from 19 percent of residents who had contact with the police in 2005 and 21 percent who had contact in About five million fewer residents had face-toface contact with the police in 2008, compared to the 45 million residents who had police contact in Print out.

15 Cadet Handout STATISTICS FOR FACE TO FACE CONTACTS WITH POLICE 1# Reason: traffic stop During this period, the most common situation in which people came into contact with the police was as a driver in a traffic stop. 1# Reason: Report a Crime The second most common reason for contact with police continued to be reporting a crime or problem, although the number of contacts that occurred for this reason decreased. Nearly 12 million residents said their most recent contact in 2002 was to report a crime or problem to police, compared to about 8 million residents in out of 10 residents felt the police were respectful or acted properly during their most recent contact that year. About half of drivers who were pulled over by police said that they were stopped for speeding. 85% Stop Legit Most drivers (85 percent) who were pulled over by police during 2008 believed they were stopped for a legitimate reason. 90% Approval Rating Among people who had face-toface contact in 2008, about nine 15 Print out.

16 Cadet Handout Skills Critical to a Good Police Officer Review & Discuss Skills Critical to a Good Police Officer CRITICAL THINKING Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. "SOMETHING'S WRONG HERE" The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. STRAIGHT TALKER The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. LISTEN UP Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. REACTION TIME OR QUICK AND THE DEAD The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears. FRAME THE FACTS Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. PROBLEM SOLVED Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. PEOPLE SKILLS Ability to dealing directly with the public. CONFLICT RESOLUTION Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences. WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Actively looking for ways to help people. 16 Print out.

17 Cadet Handout The Moral Standards FAIR ACCESS The Moral Standards Police officers must demonstrate impartiality and neutrality in decision making Police officers are a shared social resource. They must provide fair access to their services while avoiding favoritism and neglect. All citizens have a right to the services of the police based upon relative need. PUBLIC TRUST Police officers must demonstrate absolute honesty; work in full transparency and accountability; and never abuse their power or authority. Through a social contract with the government citizens surrender some of their own power and freedom to authorize and empower police to act on their behalf. Citizens trust their police to use this awesome power with restraint and for the public good. UNDERSTAND ROLE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Police officers are part of a system that includes legislators, prosecutors, judges and other law enforcement agencies. In a system that makes laws, interprets law, enforces laws, decides guilt and exacts punishment the police are called upon for enforcement only. Police officers must understand their role and therefore cooperate, coordinate and communicate within this system to ensure justice. OBJECTIVITY Police Officer's must put personal feelings aside when serving the public and avoid the polar extremes of cynicism or over-involvement. Police are often called upon to serve as society's referee and therefore must maintain a nonpartisan attitude. Print out. 17

18 SLIDESHOW Project the following images. The following pages are slides to amplify various ideas in this unit. 18

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