Monroe County Sheriff’s Office giving students real life look at law enforcement

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office wants to teach high school students that are interested in law enforcement.

The Explorers Program gives students the chance to ride-along with deputies.

“We hope to be able to teach them basically all the aspects of the sheriff’s office,” Lt. Michael Clay said. “Use of force, traffic stops, serving papers and warrants, working jail and the dispatch view, all the aspect of the sheriff’s office so they have a more informed decision.”

They will also teach the student’s gun safety, and put them through a simulator to prevent the unnecessary use of extreme force.

Lt. Michael Clay says it’s much better than learning in a classroom.

“Unfortunately when I was coming around they didn’t have explorer programs,” Lt. Clay said. “So basically when I was at that age you had what was on T.V., cop shows, that sort of thing.”

Anybody interested in the program should call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The requirements are that you be at least 14 years old and in high school.