YMSL Fort Collins

Civic Responsibility and YMSL

Carter Smith

October 27, 2019

On Sunday October 27th we toured the Fort Collins Police Station.  We learned about Civic Responsibility.  Police officers and other law enforcement agents are required to take the civil service exam.  Their focus is to protect people and property.

The beginning of our tour stared in the area where they take emergency or 911 calls.  This is an example of when the police are helping to ensure people are safe.  We then toured the area where they hold kids that did something to break the law.  The police would hold them until their parents could arrive.  This is an example of where they are protecting anyone who may have been armed by the kid but it is also a way to ensure the child is safe as well.

After that, we toured the area where the police kept adults who perhaps didn't have to go to jail but they needed time to calm down.  Some examples were if they'd been causing a disturbance or had been drinking.    During the tour we also went outside and saw the SWAT cars and other vehicles.  All vehicles are designed to protect and serve the community but also keep our law enforcement officers safe.  One area we also saw was the police officers testing their tasers which illustrated preparation in being ready and able to protect the community.

Part of our civic responsibility as citizens is to respect the rights beliefs and opinions of others.  One thing I've learned already in my activities in YMSL is the focus on serving those in our community that need help, while respecting them; as this is all part of my civic responsibility.