Alaja Depina

WHAT’S NEW: Criminal Justice teacher, Riviera Beach Police Officer Walter Terrell, started his first year at the Grove.

A new Criminal Justice class is being taught in Building 6 by Officer Walter Terrell of the Riviera Beach Police Department.

Officer Terrell said he and Police Chief Michael Coleman came up with the idea to bring the program to the school, and because “I’m the man,” he became the teacher.

He has been serving with the police force for 11 years, and wanted to recruit at the school next door, Inlet Grove.

“What’s better than having an officer from your own community, patrolling the community,” he said.

Terrell, who works part time as a teacher, said that there are challenges that come with the job.

“The biggest is changing the perception of law enforcement,” he said. “People are still scared of law enforcement and don’t trust us. You know, me breaking that barrier and breaking down the fear of us is the biggest challenge.”

The Criminal Justice class teaches students about life as an officer and the troubles police officers encounter.

“This class has prepared me for real world situations,” said Asia Johnson, a Senior in the Medical Academy. “Like when we went outside and did the red light traffic stop activity.”

“I think the new Criminal Justice program here is taking off like a rocket,” said Career Coordinator Mr. McDermott. “Students seem to be really into Officer Terrell. They seem to be very engaged and very active, a lot of physical movement in the class, which is good to see.”

“I’ll tell everybody to join this class if they could,” said Micareya Jones, a Senior in the TV Production Academy.” It’s a fun class, you can learn a lot of stuff.”

Micareya said they do different scenarios, like crime scenes, making reports, doing traffic stops, learning how to apply police tape and what situations one would need to apply police tape in.

“We play fun games on top of that to interact with each other more,” she said.

Officer Terrell said his favorite thing about teaching is interacting with the youth and changing their perspectives.

“I’ve always had an interest in being in Criminal Justice,” said Shadrack Simeon, a Senior in the Pre-Law Academy, “but I feel like Officer Terrell did have a positive effect on it and I want to do it more now.”

“He’s a good guy,” said Student Services Coordinator Mr. Baker, regarding the new teacher. “He does great things in Riviera Beach and I think it’s a good opportunity for you guys.”