Emily Lockwodd
Staff Writer
It’s not very often that a high school student becomes involved in law enforcement.
Mira Costa High School senior Kelsie Martel recently participated in a 10-week class at the Manhattan Beach Police Academy in order to learn more about the police force.
The Police Academy course is intended to help people learn and gain insight into the duties of law enforcement. One goal of the academy is to improve the communication and relationships between the officers and the citizens in the Manhattan Beach and the surrounding communities.
Through hands-on experience, the students attained knowledge that they can share with their fellow community members about the ways of law enforcement.
“The participants have a hands-on experience,” Manhattan Beach Police Officer Stephanie Martin said. “They have the opportunity to learn about everything from handcuffs to a patdown. They also familiarize themselves with a majority of the staff here at the police department.”
Martel learned, all about traffic citations, DUIs and about the animal control. This class opened her eyes to the fact that people are not always aware that drinking and driving is a serious and dangerous issue.
“When Officer Caveney showed us the DUI presentation, it was amazing how many people drive under the influence,” Martel said.
During the sixth week of the class, Martel participated in a ride-along with Officer Jessica Borello. During this trip, Borello taught Martel that there is a sense of kinship between the officers; everybody has each other’s back.
“I liked how Borello would always be there to back up another officer,” Martel said. “It made me realize that when you are on duty, people have your back.”
Martel also learned about Special Weapons and Tactics and the K-9 department. She got hands-on experience with the animals in the K-9 department, such as Kraft. Kraft was brought to class to demonstrate what police dogs are trained to do.
“Kraft was the sweetest dog when around us, but when it was time for duty he took it with 110%,” Martel said.
Martel hopes that this class will help her get a summer job at the Manhattan Beach Police Department. In the future, she is interested in becoming part of the law enforcement.
“In the 10 weeks I have learned so much,” Martel said. “I met amazing officers who really care about our community. I am more interested in law enforcement now.”
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