A partnership between Redwood Valley High School, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, and Redwood Falls Police Department has received a $15,000 LYFT Pathways Innovation award to develop an intro level course with hands-on opportunities for students.

The course will be held in partnership with Minnesota West Community and Technical College, providing students 3 college credits. The course will be face-to-face at Redwood Valley High School in the evenings and on weekends. Students will engage in hands-on experiences, field trips and expert guest speakers/presentations. Along with opportunities to participate in police ride-alongs providing authentic learning. In addition, students will attend a campus visit to Minnesota West to learn more about postsecondary options in law enforcement. Through the course, students will receive a basic understanding of law enforcement and the criminal justice system, and understand the requirements to become a peace officer including physical and psychological competencies. A Redwood Falls Police Department officer will be the instructor, allowing students to learn from an expert within the field.

This course will create awareness and familiarity with the different law enforcement careers within Redwood County. Along with educating interested students in the requirements of different careers within law enforcement. Community partners will benefit from this course as they will be able to connect with future workforce. In addition, this course will help to further foster positive relationships
between the community, school and the different law enforcement agencies.

For more information contact Rick Jorgenson at Redwood Area Schools.