Criminal Justice class explores careers in public safety

Real-world experiences are key to any CTE program, and in Detective Marcel Prude’s criminal justice class at Eastpointe High School, students are receiving first-hand experience both inside and outside the classroom.

Prude is a detective with the Eastpointe Police Department. He teaches the criminal justice class for one hour each day, then works as the school resource officer for the district.

One of Prude’s goals for the criminal justice program is to help students build respect for the entire criminal justice process, and he says the program helps build bridges between students and law enforcement.

“Students are more comfortable sharing their concerns and seeking help,” he said, emphasizing that strong relationships help make the school community safer for everyone.

In addition to sharing his own experiences as a police detective, Prude makes a point of exposing students to many different career pathways in public service and criminal justice through field trips into the community.

Earlier this year, students watched the judicial system in action at the 38th District Court in Eastpointe, then had an opportunity to meet and talk with Judge Kathleen Galen in her chambers.

During a tour of the Eastpointe Fire Department this fall, students were able to try on firefighting gear, check out some of the tools firefighters use, sit in the truck, and even try spraying the hoses.

Looking ahead, students will have field trips to the morgue, the Detroit Police Academy and headquarters, and SERESA dispatch, allowing them to see the justice system at work at every stage of the process.

“Careers in criminal justice are a way for students to contribute to the wellbeing of their own community,” Prude said. “They know what their community needs, what they don’t need, and what’s normal or not.

“It’s a blessing to police your own community,” he said. 

Article provided by Eastpointe Community Schools for publication in the Macomb Daily.