WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- The Codington County Sheriff’s Office recently hosted its first-ever Youth Sheriff’s Academy, a new initiative designed to introduce local youth to the diverse career paths available within law enforcement. This inaugural three-day program was conducted in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown, leveraging their strong connection with local youth to identify interested participants.

Sheriff Brad Howell described the academy.

Sheriff Howell said the goal of the program is to enlighten young people about the various career paths available, particularly for those considering law enforcement as a career, particularly within the Sheriff’s Office, aiming to dispel common misconceptions about law enforcement roles.

Over three days, participants engaged in a variety of activities and field trips to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Sheriff’s Office’s operations. Key experiences included:

• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Youth visited the Sheriff’s Office and the courthouse, learning about various divisions such as the detention center, civil process, warrants, and transports.
• Hands-on Training at Lake Area Technical College (LATC): A significant portion of the academy took place at LATC, where participants utilized the college’s specialized equipment. A highlight was the driving simulator, which provides an immersive experience, allowing them to practice driving with lights on in a realistic environment, complete with rumbling seats and responsive brakes.
• De-escalation and Scenario Training: The academy offered opportunities to use simulators for de-escalation exercises, providing insight into the challenging situations law enforcement officers and corrections personnel often face.
• Crime Scene and Evidence Collection: Participants gained practical knowledge in crime scene investigation and evidence collection techniques.
• Equipment Demonstrations: The youth had the chance to see and learn about various tools and vehicles used by the Sheriff’s Office, including drones, armored vehicles (like the Humvee used for flood response), and squad cars, understanding how they are set up and utilized.
• Non-Lethal Options: A demonstration of Tasers showcased how these non-lethal tools function and their effectiveness, emphasizing the range of options available to officers before resorting to lethal force. Other non-lethal options discussed included 40mm launchers, batons, and OC (pepper spray).

Sheriff Howell expressed the hope that this academy would illuminate the vast array of responsibilities and roles within the Sheriff’s Office.

The success of this first academy suggests it may become an annual event. An event that is already an annual occasion is “National Night Out.”

You can learn more about the Codington County Sheriff’s Office and keep up with the activities on their social media page.