Come Speak to Our Students

the Junior Police Academy’s

American Police Officer A COURSE IN CHARACTER

An Invitation to Share Your Insights into Good Character Greetings.

We are currently teaching a course in character education called “American Police Officer”.

Our approach to building good character is straightforward and boils down to this: To truly inspire good character, you have to put kids in the room with it!

While most of the course is presented through the eyes of law enforcement, for a portion of the content we turn to citizens who have demonstrated excellence in one of the seven key character traits: Justice, Diligence, Courage, Generosity, Integrity, Enthusiasm and Wisdom. (See below for more details.)

To give students a better appreciation for how these seven words are vitally alive in the world around them, we would be pleased to have you address the students regarding the character trait (insert one of traits here).

I have includes information about the course, a list of all the good character traits, information about how to prepare and information about the Junior Police Academy.

Thank you!

How to prepare: • Start your presentation by writing your name and the character trait you will be discussing on the blackboard.

• Begin by telling the students a little bit about yourself – your educational background and about your current occupation.

• Then discuss the dynamics of the character trait. How has mastering this trait made a difference in your life and/or career. Explain why the trait requires effort and is sometimes difficult to attain.

• Give the students a specific example from your life when this trait made all the difference.Provide advice for how to practice the trait. Encourage students to recognize, as you have, the enormous importance of mastering this trait in daily life. Open your presentation up to questions.

Ultimately good character traits are defined, not by the dictionary, but by people (like you). Thank you.

DATE ______________________ PLACE ___________________________ TRAIT TO BE DISCUSSED ______________________ LENGTH OF PRESENTATION ______________________

The Traits Justice These individuals take an active interest in the cause of justice, as well as the causes of injustice in our society. Usually encompasses a refusal to be petty, along with a willingness to face danger in order to uphold the law.

Diligence Individuals who expend considerable energy in the steady pursuit of a commendable goal.

Individuals demonstrate a willingness to dig in for the long haul. They are rooted in the belief that great effort and tireless devotion will eventually yield results well worth the wait.

Courage The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution. Â These individuals possess the strength of character to live their values independent of the good opinion of their peers. Â Generosity With an inclination to perform kind, charitable works, these individuals devote their time, wealth, ideas or talent in ways that benefit others. Granting those with whom they disagree a sympathetic ear, these individuals treat others with respect and are always on the lookout for the good within others.

Integrity The same person in both private and public life, these individuals live out their values in all areas of their life. Their actions reflect a consistent adherence to their ideals. Reliable, they inspire loyalty and dedication from those around them.

Enthusiasm These individuals put their whole heart into worthwhile tasks. Not discouraged by failure, they display intense devotion and tackle each challenge with zeal.

Wisdom The trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight for the benefit of others. These individuals see and respond to life situations from a perspective that transcends their current circumstances.

New Course Explores Good Character Through the Eyes of American Law Enforcement & Local Citizens

Junior Police Academy, a nationwide youth program, is pleased to announce “American Police Officer”, a new course in character education.

Taught in middle school by school resource officers, “American Police Officer” recognizes that police officers are uniquely qualified not only to teach, but also to inspire good character in our youth.

“To truly inspire good character, you have to put kids in the room with it,” said Phillip LeConte, JPA Executive Director. “Over the past twenty years, the Junior Police Academy has been doing just that – proactively bringing young people and law enforcement professionals together.”

Styled after an actual police academy, the course explores the meaning and consequences of good character as seen through the eyes of law enforcement professionals – teaching students both the skills and the virtues needed to be informed and productive citizens.

The Quest for Good Character To pass the course, students must take the “JPA Good Character Challenge” – a project which requires students to seek-out people from their community who exemplify the course’s seven core good character traits: Justice, Diligence, Courage, Generosity, Integrity, Enthusiasm and Wisdom.

“The Challenge seizes upon the central claim of “American Police Officer”, which is to put kids in the room with good character,” said LeConte, who also authored the course. “By formally acknowledging the people who enrich their life, students will come to recognize that they have, in fact, been ‘in the room’ with good character throughout their life.”

Junior Police Academy Marks its 20th Anniversary Now in its 20th year, the Junior Police Academy’s impact can be measured across an entire generation of graduating cadets.

Today, there are citizens across the country who better understand their civic responsibilities because of JPA – empowered to contribute to the life of their community and their country in ways that enhance public safety and solve problems.

“In this country, we are called to an ‘advanced citizenship’ which can only be realized when young citizens understand that they are stakeholders in our democracy,” said JPA Advisory Council member Chief Tom Clemons of Seward, Alaska. “The Junior Police Academy often marks the start of a young person actively assuming their lifelong role as an informed citizen – extending the program’s true impact far into the future.”