Ps-i 6ki ~cw-ci~~ JUSTICE IN the big city On Nov. l2,junior Lorra Wicker became a temporary member of the Little Rock Police Department. Highly recommended by Director of CriminalJustice BJ Houston, the opportunity gave Harding Criminaljustice Association (HCJA) members a glimpse into a day in the life of a police officer. "I wanted to explore the career opportunities and see if this was a job I would be interested in," Wicker said. "Being a police officer is definitely toward the top of the [career J list." Wicker had the privilege to ride alongside Officer McDaniel. While on patrol, she witnessed "a domestic situation and a felon arrest and sat in the car during traffic stops." Even though she was not allowed to exit the car during the arrest, Wicker saw the felon in hiding and the chase that ensued. "I did get to get out of the car on a loitering charge," Wicker said. "We [also J got to run code, which meant using sirens and lights in Little Rock on the Interstate going 90 mph." Aside from the high-speed chase, Wicker said one of her favorite parts of the entire experience was the time spent with officers on the force. "The officersjust accepted us into [their group]," Wicker said. "They didn't really view us as outcasts. They actually took us in and explained everything in detail that we didn't understand. They were even willing to let us come back. I didn't expect that to happen." As far as educational experiences went, Wicker recommended this one as a top favorite of hers. "I got a better understanding of what it is like to be a police officer in a bigger city, where your life could be in danger," Wicker said. "People might not realize that ride-a longs are actually out there. It is a good opportunity for anyone in criminal justice to make sure that is something they actually want to do." Michael Wallace ~A. Row 1: A. Jones, K. Rowe, S. Deacon, A. Doherty, R. Bassett, J. Williams. Row 2: T. McNeal (sponsor), L. Binford,]. Sumrall, J. Magness. Row 1: B. Houston (sponsor), B. Shipley, R. Gardner, S. Manning, A. Benskin. Row 2: J. Sanderson, J. Alexander, J. Hatfield, L. Wicker. Organizations ·== ffT
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