Since he watched people save lives on Law & Order and Miami Vice as a kid, Josue R. knew he wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. Now, as a senior at Moisés E. Molina High School through the Law Enforcement Pathway, he and four other classmates started a legacy as the first Dallas ISD students to be fully licensed, Level II, unarmed security guards by Texas Department of Public Safety.
“I was just surprised I’m actually a part of something bigger than me,” he said. “I always found crime movies and TV shows really fascinating. I want to become a police officer, then work my way up and become a state trooper, or go out of state to be a U.S. Marshal.”
Josue’s Law Enforcement Pathway class earned their certificate of completion during junior year which qualifies them for licensing their senior year, so long as they have a state-issued ID and are at least 18 years old.
Reynaldo, a Law Enforcement senior, says, “It’s relieving to know I have options. An opportunity I’ve gained just from being in the law enforcement pathway is the chance to work with the Sheriff County Jail next summer. I genuinely believe as long as I try to help people out, I won’t have to worry.”
Their teacher, Earl Felton, is a former police officer and first responder. He ensures his students understand their role as guards is to observe and report. “One of the biggest points I hit on is making sure they don’t present themselves as police officers and knowing there’s a huge difference between the two roles.”
Through the course, students learn the basics and history of law enforcement. They also tackle how to properly use handcuffs, perform building searches, and investigate crime scenes. The program also touches on forensics, students created 3D models of crime scenes for them to study blood splatters, shot angles, and murder weapons.
“I’ve learned the phonetic alphabet, traffic stop procedures, municipal codes, city violations, ordinances, fines, and classifications of misdemeanors and felonies,” Reynaldo said. “I’ve enjoyed hands-on practice the most. Mr. Felton pushed us to do our best and if he hadn’t, I don’t think I would have made as much progress.”
Felton expressed, “I love seeing the students learn something new and seeing their transition. When I had them as freshmen, they didn’t know about law enforcement, some didn’t care much at all for it and to see them grow is incredible. Some of my past students are now going to college for criminal justice, seeing them be excited about being able to use their certification is why I’m here.”
