You’d think it would be difficult to find consenting adults willing to be Tasered or pepper sprayed. You might be surprised.
The Elizabeth Police Department’s Student Academy has never had a problem finding willing volunteers (adults who signed a waiver) for their Taser and pepper spray demonstrations.
This year’s academy began on Sept. 6 and runs through Nov. 29. Two Elizabeth High School graduates came back and volunteered to be Tasered. Even Elizabeth Mayor Nick Snively was Tasered on the first night of the academy in front of 40 students.
Someone joked with Snively about volunteering last year. When EPD reached out this year to see if he’d be up for it, Snively coyly said he’d only participate if Town Administrator Patrick Davidson did as well. Not only did Davidson say yes, Police Chief Jeff Engel got involved and offered to be part of the pepper spray demonstration. Snively gamely said being Tasered felt like knives and swords: “It was bad. I would never do it again.”
The Taser and pepper spray (or OC, oleoresin capsicum) exposure demonstrations are a sure-fire way to engage students, get them excited for the academy, and give them a story to impress their friends with the next day.
The student academy is free and offers real, hands-on experience for high school students interested in finding out more about a career in law enforcement. It takes place on Wednesday afternoons and stretches over 11 weeks. The schedule is dynamic and inspiring. Attendees receive an ID and T-shirt, and will earn their American Heart Association First Aid and CPR certification.
Upon completion, students are treated to a graduation ceremony and dinner at Elizabeth High School. Currently the academy is only offered once a year, because it requires so much time and effort from EPD.
The academy appeals to students who have a wide range of interests and reasons for attending. Some are interested in a career in law enforcement, some are interested in getting school credit, and some are just plain curious.
Sgt. Sean Bigler, the coordinator and main point of contact for the academy, knew at a very young age that he wanted to be a police officer. He recognized that “being a law enforcement officer is a calling, it’s not necessarily for the money.”
The academy is very important to Bigler and to the entire department. Although the program didn’t begin with Bigler, now he is responsible for the curriculum, the logistics, and utilizing the skills within EPD to help teach students.
Bigler is quick to acknowledge that the academy wouldn’t be possible without the entire department. Everyone at EPD plays a role in making the Student Academy a success and many of them become in-house instructors. For example, Cpl. Alex Allen is the resident OC expert and supervises the OC demonstrations.
The academy started small in 2016 with just 14 attendees. Over the last few years, classes have filled up and met the cap of 40 students. Initially the academy was only open to Elizabeth High School students but is now open to all residents of Elbert County. Over the years, it has become more in-depth, with more opportunities for field trips and to meet experts in many different fields.
One of Bigler’s favorite trips is to CELL, the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab in Denver. CELL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing terrorism through education, empowerment and engagement.
Students also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Colorado Capitol, a chance for chaperoned shooting practice at Franktown Firearms (after a thorough safety briefing), and the opportunity to drive golf carts on a closed course to learn more about DUIs. The Colorado State Patrol uses the driving course and a mock crash scene to help teach students about DUI investigations.
In addition, Centennial Mental Health visits the academy to educate students about juvenile mental health and how to recognize concerning signs in friends and loved ones.
Bigler emphasized that the academy wouldn’t be possible without solid community partnerships. The Elizabeth School District is a huge supporter and offers high school elective credit for completing the academy. Air Life lands a helicopter for the academy, the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office provides a jail tour complete with a sandwich fit for the imprisoned, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife brings fresh carcasses for the classes to learn about poaching.
Other community partnerships include the Colorado State Patrol, Centennial Mental Health, Connections for Families, 18th Judicial District District Attorney’s Office, Parker Police Department and the Spring Valley Golf Club.
Bigler hopes that students “leave the academy with a greater appreciation for law enforcement” and a greater understanding about what law enforcement officers do every day. “If we can inspire one kid to be a cop, then it’s worth it.”