District News

As students learned about different roles and responsibilities in law enforcement at the Lancaster High School Junior Police Academy, they also received valuable lessons about working together and building skills as a team.

“There are no individuals in this job,” said School Resource Officer John Zimmerman, looking out on the group of about 20 students.

“We have to work as a team,” said fellow School Resource Officer Stacy Maute.

The two-week program, organized in collaboration between the high school and Lancaster Police Department, allows students to work with law enforcement personnel in multiple roles in regional departments, including the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police Department and the FBI. In addition to hands-on lessons ranging from crime scene processing, room entry, tactical bicycle riding and traffic stops, students also had the chance this year to complete a ride along with local law enforcement.

“You see different aspects of the police work so you can narrow your future decision,” said Aiden Payton, a rising LHS sophomore who said he wanted to be a police officer. “You get a snapshot of their day-to-day life.”

Beyond the job demonstrations and lessons, students also built bonds through physical training through the two-week course, with students encouraged to support their fellow academy members.

“Even though you’re an individual, it’s making sure they’re doing their best while keeping yourself to a high standard,” said Aiden McMahon, a rising Lancaster High School sophomore. “You can back them up, and they can back you up.”

Many of the students shared an interest in pursuing law enforcement based on a desire to help others, and knowing others who have pursued a career in law enforcement. Savannah Marlock, a recent Lancaster High School graduate, said she plans to study criminal justice at Erie Community College this fall.

“Seeing everything that goes on, I want to help out and make sure the world is safe, and people get as much help as they can,” Morlock said.