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National Police Week 2004 Pictures
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Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to become a police officer. When I was about five years old, I started watching police shows on TV and I haven't stopped since. Some of my fondest memories from elementary school are of police officers coming to visit my school. I knew that police officers would help me if I was ever in danger, and that gave me a lot of respect for them. Back then I wanted to be a police officer, but I didn't think I could do the job because I thought that I wasn't brave like the officers I saw on TV. Over the years, I would fantasize about what it was like to be an officer. Finally, when I was a sophomore in high school, I was assigned to give a speech to my English class about any job that I was interested in having. I decided to give a speech about what it was like to be a police officer. This led me to go on a ride-along with an officer, and take a tour of a local police precinct. My speech went great, because I was fascinated by the things that I learned on my ride-along. It was this speech that led me to pursue a career as a police officer. I learned about the police explorer program while I was searching for police information, having no idea about what an incredible experience it would turn out to be. The program is for young people, between the ages of 14-21 years old, who are interested in law enforcement. Police explorers attend meetings twice a month, where they learn about all aspects of police work. Police officers teach them how they perform their daily duties by giving instruction on traffic stops, domestic disputes, traffic direction, officer safety, police procedures, and many other topics. After being an explorer for three months, explorers are given a uniform and those who pass a ride-along test allowed to go on ride-alongs with police officers. The explorers are allowed to assist officers while on ride-alongs, and also help the police department by donating their time to help at community events. Police explorers are observers in these activities, and are not involved in assisting police in life-threatening situations. I was a police explorer for five years, and it gave me some of the greatest experiences that I have had in my life. Along with some members of my explorer post, I was able to graduate from the National Capital Area Law Enforcement Explorer Academy (which is not required for membership). I have been given the pleasure of being McGruff The Crime Dog, and providing security for public events. Most recently, I have graduated from a local police department's citizen's police academy. There have been many officers who have introduced me to the many different aspects of law enforcement, and I am grateful for the lessons they have taught me.
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