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CHS students serve as interns with Clinton Police Department

Clinton High School students Karam Kaur, Hardin Copeland and Priyanka Patel had a big job in the Clinton Public School District’s recent active shooter drill.

Working with Clinton Police Sgt. Al Kimbrell, the three “essentially planned the entire reunification process that was so stressful,” said Jeff Franks, instructor in the CHS Career Complex’s Law & Public Safety program.

In partnership with the Clinton Police Department, Karam, Hardin and Priyanka served as police interns this summer, getting hands-on experience in the field. Their work during the drill was one of many activities the students experienced as interns.

“They worked more than 30 hours this summer without pay and to the complete appreciation of the city of Clinton public agencies they worked with,” Franks said. “This includes the mayor’s office, for whom they starred in a public service video that will soon be published. They also assisted the Clinton Police Department with their Fourth of July day and the Clinton Fire Department with ensuring facilities around the city had properly working fire alarms and smoke alarms.”

In the days leading up to the Aug. 5 active shooter drill, the students created signage, developed traffic flow for parents and students, made recommendations about student expectations for such an event, developed the master plan and notebook for supervisory personnel, and designed paperwork that parents would be required to present in order to obtain their children.

“They essentially completed every task assigned to them with the most minimal supervision and with the best possible results,” Franks said.

Two other CHS students, Mallory Burnside and Katie Gehris, had key roles in the drill, helping to manage communications within the command post.

“We are blessed to have Mr. Franks and Sgt. Kimbrell in our district,” said Dr. Tim Martin, superintendent of schools. “In creating an internship program in partnership with the Clinton Police Department, our students are getting real-world experience in a career they’re interested in.”

 

Clinton High School Career Complex students (from left) Priyanka Patel, Karam Kaur and Hardin Copeland observed city court as part of a summer internship with the Clinton Police Department. Supervising the students was Clinton Police Sgt. Al Kimbrell.

 

CHS Career Complex student Hardin Copeland spent part of his law and public safety summer internship with the Clinton Fire Department.

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