Utica Community Schools will be bringing back a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) course in law enforcement. This program will help give students an insight into the aspects of law enforcement led by Officer James Knobelsdorf, a 39-year-veteran of law enforcement and former School Resource Officer at Eisenhower High School. The program’s mission is to educate students about a pathway toward law and give hands-on learning that would help potential future law enforcement students.
The new law enforcement course currently has 125 students enrolled and is part of a partnership between UCS and Shelby Township. Students will gain exposure to police work, forensics, and legal studies while also earning college credit through Macomb Community College. By the end of the program, students will have earned six college credits, providing a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing further studies in law enforcement or related fields.
Previously, Utica Community Schools held a law enforcement program called “Smart Moves”, having the mission to educate young students about the importance of mindful choices in risky situations and how to respond to them in the correct ways.
“Smart Moves gave me mindful tips on how to prevent bad situations and keep me aware about what could be potentially a bad choice in the long run,” Rita Kabota ’26, said. “It teaches students how to not be involved with the wrong type of people and the consequences of risky behavior.” Kabota, who is now a junior, has participated in the Smart Moves program at Burr Elementary School in the past, and has taken away core lessons that could keep her from endangerment or permanent troubles. She endorses the newcoming of a law enforcement program in UCS because as she has experienced, she believes this will bring necessary awareness to students to show the scary truth of bad situations, and how to avoid them.
“It will encourage students to help them to seek more interest in the law and be more determined to participate in law-related programs which will create a better view on society and prevent children from indulging in malicious acts,” Kabota said.