“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:3-4
What an awesome field trip, with Zoe, to the Police Training Academy last week!
In 30 years of living in Charlotte, I never noticed the hornets nest symbol on the Police badge. Don’t laugh.
Hornets Nest Sculpture
This Hornet’s Nest Sculpture was located in the atrium near the entrance. The art work inside the metal ‘nest’ consisted of clay sculpted gear and newspaper articles. It was well done.
When we entered into the Police Training Academy, we noticed that the walls are lined with photos of fallen officers. Some were dating back to the 1930’s. These men were fathers, brothers, and sons.
Fallen officer Jeff Shelton. Killed by gunfire in 2007.
Jeff Shelton was only 35 years old. There is a park near my home that is named in honor of him and his partner.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.~John 15:13
Training rookies about fear, traffic stops, and patrolling.
Did you know that there are 26 steps to a traffic stop? These include calling in the stop, placing fingerprints on the trunk and securing the trunk lid (in the case of an ambush). Officer Helton gave us some examples of topics he uses in classroom training and reasons for including these. It was a great learning experience.
Below is the weight/workout room. It was interesting that Officer Helton mentioned the benefits to officers working out isn’t just for strength. It is for running faster, lifting in real life, and staying healthy. This translates into less insurance claims and less injuries.
Police Academy weight room.
“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
“Get down on the ground.”
We were allowed to observe a training class in session.
Resisting arrest.
I imagine a knock on the door might startle.
One of the best parts of the tour was observing Police Driver Training. (Being escorted across the street to the driving range by a handsome officer was an added bonus 🙂 )
Police Driving Training
Police Driver Training Spectators
You cannot tell by these pictures but they were flying! The black car even looks like a ‘bad guy’. There is a lot that goes into police chases; calling out street names, clearing intersections, and much more. It gave us a greater respect for police officers on the road. It isn’t just about going fast.
Chasing the bad guy.
Something Officer Helton mentioned really stuck with me…
“The goal for police officers is to come home safe every night.”
“I will be strong and courageous. I will not be terrified, or discouraged; for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go.” Joshua 1:9
Seeing all of these training aspects of the police department was a great way to see if students are interested in this kind of work.
Thank you, Officer Helton, for an exceptional tour. We are grateful for your time and service.
“I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.”―Mae West
Very good Christina. I don’t know how you remember all the details. You’ve certainly given me the words to caption my pictures.