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Before heading downstate for her first year of college, Chloe Pryor wanted to squeeze in some education of another sort.
“I wanted to do law enforcement since I was a little girl and it’s something that I've considered for my career for a long time,” said Pryor, 18, who plans to attend Illinois State University.
“I thought before I go to college would be a great time to figure out if it’s something I’d like to do.”
So a program offered for the past five years by the Orland Park Police Department was a perfect fit. The village’s free youth police academy offers young adults, between the ages of 14 and 20, a glimpse into what it takes to wear a police badge.
“We noticed that there was an interest in law enforcement by a lot of teenagers or young adults that were missing out on the program for adults,” said Sgt. Wayne Lee, a detective with the department.
After a grueling school year, most students would prefer to sleep in, however, those participating in the two-day program were ready to go before 8 a.m.
The program offered participants first-hand experience in what an officer is required to do under certain circumstances. Interactive activities included DUI and traffic stops. Each group had at least two designated officers that would explain and guide the students.
It was evident through each activity that the program was not only a fun learning experience but also a way for the younger generation to connect and put aside preconceived notions of police officers.
“I think it just gets them a good insight into what it’s like to be a police officer and have a better understanding of the different things that officers have to do,” Wayne said.
In the past few years, public attention on police has increased and most of it is due to social media. Officer Bill Sanchez said during a traffic stop it’s important to handle things with “courtesy and respect.”
“Everything we do, although it seems relaxed, we do it with purpose,” Sanchez said. “ We are constantly scanning, it’s a lot of multitasking and with experience, it becomes second nature.”
It’s important for the police department to build the necessary connections with the community, and the youth program offers that gateway. The program allows the students to ask questions and converse with police officers while striping away the feeling of an authoritative figure.
“I think it just breaks down some of the barriers or maybe some of the fears or concerns that they could have about being with police officers and just kind of puts us on a one to one basis,” Wayne said. “We hope to build a better relationship with our community.”
Leah Baker, 15, a sophomore at Carl Sandburg High School, believes the program helps people understand police officers’ reactions to certain situations.
“I feel like a lot of people have a negative perspective on police officers, but I feel that you should always look at their side to do a just assessment,” Baker said. “The [program] is very informative and they incorporate actual simulations, it’s all very real life.”
Seeing such positive feedback, the police department hopes to expand the program, including becoming involved with students at Moraine Valley College who are currently taking law enforcement classes.