Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy learned about law enforcement and the judicial system at the Court House March 7.
Dan Hampton, Kosciusko County prosecutor, began the morning by speaking about the responsibilities of his department.
Hampton gave the students an overview of the types and number of cases that are handled each year in the county. He explained how the prosecuting attorney’s office works with other law enforcement agencies daily.
Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker then explained the duties of the Warsaw Police Department, which consists of several divisions working together.
The department consists of officers, detectives, K-9 units, a dive team, a SWAT team, a drug team, and D.A.R.E. officers.
One of the primary responsibilities of the Warsaw Police department is to respond to emergency calls from citizens.
Those attending then learned about the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s department from Captain Aaron Rovenstein.
The sheriff’s department has jurisdiction within Kosciusko County and manages the county jail and its prisoners.
The sheriff’s department works with other county and city law enforcement agencies and judicial systems to help keep citizens safe.
The speakers encouraged any student interested in law enforcement to speak with their school guidance counselor for internships that are offered in the community.
The cadets were then divided into groups and given a tour of the jail and the 911 center.
The next meeting for KYLA will be on April 18 where the students will give their Project Proud community service presentation and then will have their graduation in May.
KYLA is an organization for juniors in high school who attend Lakeland Christian Academy, Tippecanoe Valley High School, Triton High School, Warsaw High School, Wawasee High School, Whitko High School or who are homeschooled. Applications for next year’s class will be available soon to current sophomores from their school’s guidance office.
