Police recruit training

PINELLAS PARK - As the community mourns the loss of three St Petersburg police officers in just one month, many ponder the question, why would anyone want to be an officer now?

But for students at the Criminal Justice Academy at Pinellas Park High School, most say they wouldn't want any other job.

“Law enforcement is the only thing that'll make me happy,” Brooke Robbins said. ”You just have to realize, what's worth more, the safety of the community or sitting at home, knowing you did nothing to help."

The academy is a magnet program. It's the only program like it, in Pinellas County. It introduces students to careers like: a police officer, an attorney, and forensic science.

We spoke to those interested in being a police officer.

Hunter McWade, a junior at Pinellas Park HS said, “He's learned a lot.” "They taught us how to handcuff people that were one of the best weeks ever." His sister, a freshman, at the school is also in the academy. McKenzie McWade loves the firearms training simulator.

"You lock and load the gun, pulling the trigger. It's just so exciting,” said McWade.

But these students know this job is also a dangerous one. Teachers go over the risks and dangers early on, in the freshman year.

But Tony Taylor, who's graduating in May, says it doesn't make him want to change his mind.

"If it's something you love doing, just go with your heart,” said Taylor. He hopes one day, he'll be on a SWAT team.

There is a waiting list for the program. Out of about 140 spots for next school year, 500-plus students applied. These teens say it takes a certain person to be a police officer. They feel they have what it takes.

Samantha McCullough said,” The death of the 3 officers makes her want to be an officer even more.”

"It is a tragedy but I still want to be a police officer. Things like this happen, it's going to happen. There's nothing you can do to stop it. You just have to be prepared for it," stated Mcullough.

The students say it's disappointing to learn another teen is accused of killing Officer Crawford. But they want people to know, there are good teens in the community.

"Some of us want to live good careers and we really do, work hard to be good kids,” said Jess Morrison. He went on to say, "We don't want to be pictured as all bad kids. There are good teenagers out there."