City of Wylie

Protector, Counselor, and Mentor

by Craig Kelly

The men and women of the Wylie Police Department put on their uniforms each day with the mission to impact Wylie’s quality of life by providing a professional level of service that will foster, support, and build relationships with those they serve.

Chief Anthony Henderson said the mission takes on special meaning when it comes to our youth, “When you build relationships with students they are more open to guidance and mentoring, establishing a comfort level that allows officers to be there when they are needed most.”

The WPD oversees several formal and informal youth programs throughout the year that focus on building those critical relationships with the 18,700 Wylie Independent School District students.

School Resource Officers

WPD School Resource Officers are an important link between the Wylie Police Department and the students, staff, and families of WISD. The dedicated SROs are experienced officers who are carefully selected, specially trained, and properly equipped for the school setting.

Brian Kelly, WISD Director of Safety and Security said, “SROs are the backbone of our school safety plan and work closely with campus staff to deter criminal activities, investigate crime, educate students about law-related topics, and mentor students as informal advisers and role models.”

Sgt. Donald English said their job is more than “keeping the peace” and being ready to respond to any threat to school safety. “The job is about having an open door and being approachable and accessible to the students.” He said they encourage the officers to walk the halls, eat lunch with the students, and keep an eye out for young people that may need encouragement or someone to talk to. SROs do not enforce school rules or administer student discipline.

P.O.L.I.C.E. Club

An acronym for Practice of Leadership, Integrity, and Character Education, the P.O.L.I.C.E. Club is made up of students from both Wylie East and Wylie High School. Started during the 2013-'14 school year by Wylie Police Officer and SRO Michael Stewart, the club provides high school students exposure to law enforcement as they investigate potential career paths, and provides training and experience as community contributors and servant leaders.

The focus of the program is to build student leaders in our schools by teaching and demonstrating servant leadership which in turn gives students the opportunity to make a difference and have a major role in shaping the atmosphere of their school campus.

The P.O.L.I.C.E. Club is a great opportunity for students to learn about important issues that are affecting their lives today and the decisions they will make in the future. Stewart says it enables the students to form a positive relationship with their SROs, which in turn, makes for a better and safer school environment for both students and staff members.

The P.O.L.I.C.E. Club began with 17 students and now has more than 120 active members in Wylie High and Wylie East High School. You will find members serving at Boo on Ballard, National Night Out, Wylie Championship Rodeo, Special Olympics, and other events. Stewart says the highlight of the year is the Christmas party for under-served Wylie kids and the two fundraisers for the event, a softball tournament and Parents’ Night Out.

Wylie Youth Enrichment Program

Wylie’s Youth Enrichment Program is a two-week summer program for kids aged 13-15 who have been identified by their School Resource Officers as being “at risk” or “needing a little more direction.” The program is designed to promote respect of self and others; tobacco, drug and alcohol awareness; teen pregnancy education; and community volunteerism.

With the guidance of the Wylie Police Department, guest speakers and other community leaders encourage students to take responsibility for their actions and outcomes and provide them with a road map for success.

The nine-hour days begin with an hour-long workout at the recreation center or at a school track, then include a combination of community service, education, fun, and teambuilding activities. Trips to a local juvenile detention center and municipal juvenile court, and a talk by a juvenile prosecutor provide a look at what could lie ahead, depending on their future decisions.

Junior Police Academy

The Wylie Junior Police Academy Cadets are WISD students entering eighth or ninth grade. The one-week summer program, with three different sessions, is geared toward students who are interested in law enforcement or just have a general curiosity about the profession.

Cadets participate in a variety of team-building exercises that includes physical training every morning highlighted by a boot camp-style obstacle course that tests the cadets’ skills and pushes the limits of their endurance. Throughout the program, cadets get to experience a variety of real-life police academy-style exercises and scenarios like mock crime scene investigation, patrol tactics, active shooter scenarios, and traffic stop role play. There are K9, SWAT, and courtroom scenarios. Students get certified in CPR and also see firsthand the dangers of driving under the influence by operating a golf cart wearing Fatal Vision Goggles.

Cadets are expected to be on time daily and participate in all events. They are also expected to show respect to others at all times. The Junior Police Academy builds confidence in participants and gives them a small peek into what a law enforcement career is all about.

Blue Plate Special

One of the newest school programs is WISD’s Blue Plate Special that encourages officers to come into a school, visit with the kids, and enjoy a free lunch. This informal program not only brings added safety and security to the schools but introduces many kids to officers for the first time.

Value of Partnerships

The City of Wylie, Wylie Police Department, and Wylie Independent School District value the strong partnership that helps to ensure a safe learning environment for our children. For details on these and other youth programs, please visit WylieTexas.gov/Police.