What’s New in Extension

Two officers stand in front of a group of young men spaced apart for workouts in a parking lot.

The Louisville High School football team recently participated in Police Academy for a Day, facilitated by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the Louisville Police Department, the Winston County Sheriff’s Department, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Louisville football team learns in Police Academy for a Day

Compiled by Leah Barbour | Photos submitted

Connecting teens with law enforcement officers can foster positive relationships in the community, and it may even inspire some young people to join the force.

About 60 players on the Louisville High School football team recently participated in Police Academy for a Day to learn how to address law enforcement officers, how to interact with officers at traffic stops, and why officers ask certain questions.

An officer holds a ticket while sitting in a vehicle. A young person is peering through the officer’s rolled-down window.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service facilitated the educational training day, in conjunction with Coach Tyrone Shorter and Dr. Danya Turner, principal. Training was conducted by local law enforcement agencies, including the Louisville Police Department, the Winston County Sheriff’s Department, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Football players also learned about law enforcement training requirements and how to become officers, as well as how officers experience and handle traffic stops. Athletes also learned what to do if they are stopped in a vehicle. Some players had a chance to wear a police vest.

Extension organizers hope the program will expand statewide.

A group of people, including young men and police officers.