High school students train for law enforcement careers

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Searching for more police offers–it’s something that just about every law enforcement agency is doing now. And they’re recruiting earlier and earlier.

This Thursday, they put area high schoolers through some training–and made them compete head-to-head, both physically and mentally.

Eaton County law enforcement students were competing against Clinton County’s law enforcement students at the Lansing Community College fitness center, transformed into a training ground.

Michigan police agencies deal with officer shortage

“We just do different scenarios that we are supposed to be trained on, and see who’s better, who comes out on top,” said Nicholas Best, a senior at Eaton Rapids High School.

Best and Jared Brown are high-school seniors who are part of Eaton County’s “Regional Education Service Agency“– or “RESA”–law enforcement program.

“We did the competition last year, and this year we have even more knowledge,” said Brown, a senior at Charlotte Public Schools. “It just helps you if you want to go into a career in law enforcement, just helps you know that stuff early on, before you go into the academy.”

Physical agility, strength, endurance, even conducting a traffic stop–all things that officials test the students on, in an effort to fill some uniforms.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for agencies to really took a look at what the future of law enforcement is, and encourage these youngsters that are interested in it…gives these young high schoolers kind of a taste of what law enforcement is,” said Lt. Adrian Ojerio of East Lansing Police Department.

“Every single agency in the mid-Michigan area is looking for quality applicants,” Ojerio said.

While some students are just testing the waters, seniors Best and Brown have already made up their minds.

“I think it’s very important for more people to join the force,” said Best. “It definitely helps a lot that there is demand for law enforcement, so it’s a lot easier to get a job at the moment.”

Brown spoke to the need for more hands-on-deck in a police force. “Police officers are constantly stressed; like, you can’t respond to stuff as quickly; you’re going to need officers,” he said.

It’s not yet certain where any of these students will end up in the criminal justice system. Officials tell 6 News, meanwhile, the important thing is that they’re interested in joining an industry that doesn’t have the workforce it used to.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.