Port Chester High School students in Jessica Arias’s Constitutional & Criminal Law class recently learned about law enforcement in a fun and interactive lesson led by Detective Lazala, one of the district’s SROs. Detective Lazala, who has years of experience in the police force, shared his knowledge of police procedures, including traffic stops, emergency responses, and the technology used by officers, such as body cameras and radar guns.

According to Arias, the lesson was designed to introduce students to law enforcement and help them build positive connections with the police. “Many students have never interacted with a police officer before, so I wanted to create a welcoming environment for their first experience,” she explained.

The highlight of the lesson was the hands-on activity, where students got to explore gadgets from Officer Lazala’s police car. “They were really excited to see the technology in action and learn how it helps keep people safe,” said Arias.

Students were engaged and asked tons of questions, especially about how police communicate with young people. Some even expressed interest in pursuing careers in law enforcement after learning about the training and responsibilities involved.

The lesson also tied into what students have been learning in class. “It helped them understand their rights and how police work fits into the larger legal system. It’s important for students to know what to expect during encounters with police and to think critically about the law,” Arias noted.

After the session, students wrote thank you notes to Detective Lazala, showing their appreciation for the valuable experience. Looking ahead, Arias plans to bring more lessons like this to her classroom.

Date Added: 12/9/2024