Merrill High School students are being given an opportunity to learn about the job responsibilities of police officers and career opportunities within the criminal justice system.
The Merrill Student Police Academy was created by the Merrill Police Department and is brought to the Merrill High School students through a series of sessions held throughout the school year. Students will learn about law enforcement through lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities led by Merrill Police officers. The majority of lessons will be held during the school day at Merrill High School, and at the Merrill Police Department, with one weekend session taking place at Northcentral Technical College’s Public Safety Center of Excellence in Merrill.
Topics presented to students include Crime Prevention, Traffic Stops/Patrol, Investigations, Drug Enforcement, OWI/Drug Recognition, Defense and Arrest Tactics, Firearms and Use of Force, and Emergency Vehicle Operation.
The Student Police Academy began on Oct. 30, 2013 and will conclude on March 26, 2014.
The next session, Criminal Investigations, will be held at the Merrill Police Department on Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 9-11:30 a.m. In this session students will get a chance to learn about investigations and will get to try their hand at lifting fingerprints and casting shoe impressions, as well as other interesting investigative techniques.
Remaining sessions include: Operating While Intoxicated/Drug Recognition Expert, Feb. 3; Defense and Arrest Tactics/TASER/Use of Force I, Feb. 18; Firearms/Use of Force II, March 8; Emergency Vehicle Operation, March 8; and School Resource Officer/Culmination, March 26.