On May 25th the students in Mrs. Wollenberg and Ms. Benson's classes participated in a Jr. Police Academy Day. Officer R. Reisen, an 18- year veteran of the Hanover Police department and parent of one of our students, conducted this character-building program. The program is designed to help prepare students for the challenge of becoming a teenager and adult. The day began with a mock inspection followed by a rigorous PT (physical training) session. Upon returning to the classroom Officer Reisen gave the students a chance to relax while informing them that the previous inspection and PT was merely a small taste of life at the Police Academy. He elaborated on the requirements, responsibilities and discipline needed to become a successful police officer.

        Throughout the day Officer Reisen gave lectures, showed video clips and engaged the students in lively question and answer sessions on; internet safety, drug and alcohol abuse, the appropriate use of 911 and firearm safety, to name a few. During one of the hands-on activities the students were instructed in the uses of handcuffs and nightsticks. Students were surprised at how difficult it was to wield a nightstick accurately when given the opportunity to hit a pad held by Officer Reisen. The students especially enjoyed experimenting with the different types of handcuffs to restrain a “criminal”, their teachers and assistant principal!

       Time passed too quickly and even though the students had many more questions and Officer Reisen had much more to teach them, the day had to be brought to a close. As the students write their thank you letters we notice many requests to hold this day every year. Perhaps this will have been the “First Annual Jr. Police Academy Day” for the Byram students.