Port Washington High School students recently got a real-world glimpse into the inner workings of law enforcement and the judicial process during an annual visit to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office. The educational excursion, a staple in the Civics/Government Class curriculum, enabled the youth to walk the hallways of the local justice system, from jail cells to courtrooms.
The experience kicked off with a tour of the jail facilities, where students learned firsthand about the procedural dance law enforcement follows to meticulously book and process detainees. According to a Facebook post from the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, the students "explored various aspects of the local justice system, including the Jail, Dispatch, and courts."
The students then proceeded to closely observe the Dispatch center. This nexus of emergency communication buzzed with energy as dispatchers deftly coordinated responses to incidents. The young visitors took note of the calm professionalism and the advanced technologies in place designed to protect and to serve community members in times of crisis.
The culmination of the tour was a visit to the courtrooms where the concepts of due process and fair trials were brought to life. Engaging in a mock trial, students assumed the roles of court personnel. "They valued the opportunity to witness a mock trial, which offered insights into the roles of various court personnel, including judges, lawyers, and jurors," highlighted the Sheriff’s Office post. The exercise provided valuable perspective on the justice system's pursuit to balance scales and to safeguard rights.
Armed with questions, the students engaged in dialogue with officials, diving deeper into the societal roles each justice sector plays. The Sheriff’s Office hopes the students left the Justice Center with a newfound appreciation for the complexities and the commitments of law enforcement and the judicial system. The outing was not only educational but also a platform for the next generation to connect with the stewards of their community’s safety and legal integrity.
