Police: High School Students Wanted

The West Hartford Police Department is looking for high school students – but not because they are causing problems in town.

"We'd like to get some interest going with the high school kids – get them in early and talk to them about law enforcement careers, various paths," said Lt. Frank Fallon of the Community Relations Division.

Fallon believes that there are a lot of misconceptions about the day-to-day job of a police officer, and part of what "Behind the Badge" is intended to do is provide a realistic view of law enforcement. The brochure states: "Hollywood and the media portray a law enforcement career as one of C.S.I., high speed chases and bad guys confessing within an hour or two of an arrest. The objective of the Behind the Badge program is to address the misconceptions and show the students what police officers really do."

"It's ultimately just as important for students to learn that law enforcement is not what they thought it was, and not a career path, as it is to encourage those who will ultimately choose it for a career," Fallon said. In the past 10 years, Fallon said, there have been way too many who have gotten far into the process and then decided to walk away.

"Behind the Badge" will also educate high school students about the "bad choices" they may make during the next few years which could make them ineligible for police officer jobs in the future.

Although the West Hartford Police have run college academy classes in the past, this is the first session of its type for high schoolers. Since the college academy began in 2007, Fallon said that 250 have participated and have all earned college internship credits. Approximately 30 to 40 of them have been successfully hired into law enforcement positions.

"Behind the Badge" will take place from April 15-19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Hartford Police Department, 103 Raymond Rd. Applications, which are available online, are due by Thursday, March 28. The cost is $40, and can be paid in cash or a check payable to the West Hartford  Police Department. The course may meet American Government community service requirements.

According to the brochure, "The West Hartford Police Department's long history of integrity, respect, commitment, fairness and courage is conveyed throughout the program."

The program will specifically address: "fundamental duties, obligations and philosophies inherent with the acceptance of a position as a police officer." It will also explain the department's organization, chain of command, and rules/regulations.

Time-permitting, an optional "ride along" with an officer will be available. A physical fitness component will also help students understand what is required to meet the fitness standards.

According to the West Hartford Police, the program is open to "any interested high school students who have no prior felony convictions and "eligibility will be based on school disciplinary history and a background investigation."

For more information, contact the Community Relations Division at 860-523-2013, Officer Robert Riccobon at 860-523-2055, Officer Courtney Grant at 860-523-2053, or Officer Leigh Cogle at 860-523-2052.