Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to ArkLaTex. Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
TEXARKANA, Texas -- The Police Department's newest recruits are still a bit young for the job. However, they are learning things about the department that might help them choose a career in the future.
About three months ago, the Texarkana Texas Police Department started a criminal justice club at Texas Middle School as part of the ACE After School Program, and the response from the students was overwhelmingly positive.
Officer Karey Parker and Public Information Officer Shawn Vaughn are the regular instructors, but they have brought in others from both inside and outside TTPD to introduce the kids to a different topic each week.
"We had been wanting to do something with Texas Middle School students, and this fit in nicely with their program," Vaughn said.
The focus of ACE is to provide expanded learning opportunities for children and offer hands-on activities that reinforce the students' academic programs.
Other clubs have included fine arts, culinary and STEM.
Kids in the criminal justice club did fun activities while learning about patrol, crime scene, FBI, investigations, SWAT, corrections, CPR, K-9 and emergency communications -- all from the people who actually do the jobs every day, Vaughn said. Mayor Bob Bruggeman visited with the kids on the last day.
"It worked out great. We tried to make it as interesting as we could for the kids. We were told it was one of the most popular clubs and a lot of kids were wanting to join," Vaughn said.
Besides the club being fun for the kids, Vaughn said another important aspect of it is helping them be around law enforcement in a comfortable and familiar environment.
"We want them to have exposure to police officers outside of a stressful situation," he said.
Vaughn said the officers had such a good time with the students that TTPD is already planning to go back in the spring with another group of kids. They hope to have two different sections of the club next time.
Vaughn and Parker also hope some of the kids develop an interest in law enforcement and work toward careers in the field.