Foley Police Department and Foley High School are collaborating to offer students an opportunity to explore careers in public safety, aiming to pave a pathway for those interested in law enforcement.

According to a news release, this initiative took root several years ago when Foley High School conducted a survey among students to gauge their extracurricular interests and career aspirations. Principal Jessica Webb noted a significant number of students expressing interest in public safety, prompting discussions about integrating Career Technical Education (CTE) electives focusing on law enforcement.

Foley High School intends to implement a three-step pathway for students to earn credits towards public safety electives. The inaugural course, "Intro to Public Safety," scheduled for the fall 2024 semester, has already garnered over 40 student registrations. Following completion of the introductory course, students will progress to "Forensic Science," slated for introduction in 2025. The pathway culminates in a specialized course allowing students to refine their focus within the field of public safety.

Principal Webb highlights the school's commitment to providing diverse career opportunities for students, believing that enhanced classroom experiences will better equip them for future endeavors. According to the release, Foley Police Department sees this collaboration as an opportunity to engage the younger generation with law enforcement, aiming to foster a deeper connection between the community and public safety agencies.

The initiative aims to broaden students' understanding of law enforcement beyond traditional perceptions, highlighting career prospects in communications, corrections and support services within law enforcement agencies at local, state and national levels.

With approval received from the city on Thursday, April 18, the new courses are slated to commence in the fall of 2024. This collaborative effort not only benefits the school and police department but also strengthens community engagement with public safety initiatives. The CTE pathway seeks to invigorate interest in public safety among students, providing them with valuable insights and hands-on experiences in law enforcement before graduation.