Twelve seniors from the Security and Law Enforcement class at OCTEC (Orleans Career and Technical Education Center) recently participated in a hands-on training exercise designed to introduce them to the procedures, communication skills, and decision-making involved in a simulated felony traffic stop. The exercise provided students with an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a controlled training environment while receiving guidance and constructive feedback from law enforcement and educational professionals.
The demonstration involved student participants, trained adult role players who were not fellow students, one Deputy Sheriff serving as the supervising law enforcement professional, and one teacher overseeing the educational component of the activity. Together, they helped create a structured learning experience focused on professionalism, communication, situational awareness, teamwork, and sound judgment.
Throughout the exercise, students were challenged to demonstrate composure, communicate clearly, work together, and respond appropriately to changing circumstances within the simulation. The use of adult role players (Sara Larkin, Kacie Disinger, and Nathaniel Miller) allowed students to interact with individuals portraying realistic scenarios while maintaining a clear distinction between the training environment and an actual law enforcement incident.
Deputy Jason Barnum, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, served as the Law Enforcement supervisor, observing the demonstrations and providing professional insight into the students’ performance. Following each exercise, the Deputy Barnum offered constructive criticism, identifying strengths and discussing opportunities for improvement. Feedback focused on areas such as communication, coordination, professionalism, decision-making, and adherence to established safety procedures.
Mr. Gene Newman, SLE Instructor, also participated in overseeing the activity, helping connect the practical demonstrations to the students’ classroom learning objectives. The teacher's involvement reinforced the importance of preparation, accountability, critical thinking, and learning from both successes and mistakes.
An important component of the exercise was the opportunity for students to reflect on their performance and receive immediate feedback. Rather than focusing solely on the completion of the scenario, the training emphasized the value of evaluating decisions, recognizing areas for improvement, and applying lessons learned to future demonstrations.
The participation of Deputy Barnum and Mr. Newman provided students with two complementary perspectives: practical law enforcement experience and educational guidance. This combination helped ensure that the activity remained focused on student development, responsible conduct, and the application of learned skills.
For the seniors involved, the exercise offered a practical look at the responsibilities and challenges associated with law enforcement and public safety. It also reinforced skills that extend beyond a law enforcement career, including teamwork, communication, discipline, adaptability, and accountability.
Orleans/Niagara BOCES continues to provide students with opportunities to explore career-related skills through applied learning experiences. Activities such as this simulation help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and practical application while encouraging students to approach challenging situations with preparation, professionalism, and a willingness to learn.
The training concluded with an emphasis on continued improvement and the importance of constructive feedback. For the students, the experience served as a reminder that effective performance comes not only from preparation and practice, but also from the ability to listen, evaluate one's actions, and learn from experienced professionals.