The University of Alabama Police Department gave a group of Alabama high school seniors an inside look at a career in law enforcement as part the annual American Legion Alabama Boys State convention held this month on The University of Alabama campus.
The two-day law enforcement experience began June 2 when UAPD opened its doors to the students for a tour, a presentation and demonstrations of K-9 apprehension and explosives detection.
The following day, UAPD participated in a larger demonstration at the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office hangar located at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport. Other participants included TCSO, the Tuscaloosa Police Department and NorthFlight, a rotor-wing, air-medical ambulance provider licensed by the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma.
The students toured displays of law enforcement vehicles, Region C equipment, special response team gear, explosive ordnance disposal gear, surveillance equipment, a crime scene laboratory and a mobile laboratory. Officers at each display explained each piece of equipment and answered questions.
The event included a display of helicopter takeoffs and landings provided by TCSO, TPD and NorthFlight.
This was UAPD’s 10th year to support the convention held by Alabama Boys State, a leadership and government-training program for male high school seniors. Students from around the state were chosen to participate based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals and motivation in school and community activities.
Judge Pete Johnson, retired district judge for Jefferson County, serves as director of the American Legion Alabama Boys State program.