The Norwich Police Department is working with students at Norwich Free Academy in a hands-on law enforcement program for kids who want to pursue a career in criminal justice, law enforcement, and even forensic biology.
Activities from the mock agility test, crime scene investigation, to taking them to the Connecticut Police Academy to show them where it all begins gives students the opportunity to get an inside scoop of what it’s like to be a police officer. Every couple weeks students get to explore a new activity hosted by Sergeant Avery Marsh. Marsh is a key figure in the Norwich community and has participated in NFA programs, events, and career explorations, since 2012.
Marsh said that this program is a great way to build connections with the community and students in it. “Really the most important thing from this is it actually builds a relationship with our community and the kids that are here at NFA”. This program is exposing students early to the expectations and reality of being a police officer.
Recently, students got to explore the crime scene investigation van and learn how to collect DNA and finger prints. Student A’Charee Sampson emphasized the importance this activity had on her choice of wanting to study forensics in college. “I really want to get into forensic biology so this one was really good because I like crime scene investigation so learning about finger prints and DNA analysis was really good,” says Sampson.
It’s not just the police skills themselves they are trying to teach, it’s what it means to be a good police officer. Being a good police officer, Marsh said means being “empathetic to people, understanding them, being down at their level and knowing that you’re not better than them, that you’re truly there to help them and trying to get them through the toughest time in their life.”
Marsh said that he often tells new recruits that if “you are professional, you are respectful, and you always do the right thing… the community will love you for it. ”
With the NPD numbers low on police officers this program is a great way to build a foundation for students that could eventually be with their department. Right now the department is down 15 officers, and they have the ability to hire 85. They currently have 70 officers at the Academy and in field training. The significant decrease is due to retirements and officers that have transferred to other departments. This is a huge strain on officers who now have to work up to 80 hours a week to cover the shifts that would normally be covered by other officers. This program will help recruit kids early that will possibly help join the department and reduce the shortage.