Classroom Activities and Resources
Discover Policing can be a great resource in the classroom to help educate students about the work of police officers, requirements for the job, and career opportunities in the profession. Assembled below are a few tools to get you started. A career in policing can be a great choice for students from various backgrounds and interests.
Find out how police career education can fit into your current curriculum. View PowerPoints, and activities you can download, adapt, and use in your classroom. Check back regularly for new additions.
Educational PowerPoint Slides
These PowerPoints are designed to provide an engaging overview of policing as a profession and the values that guide it. Through these slides, participants will:
- Explore the wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement, including sworn and civilian roles, hiring requirements, and training processes.
- Understand the principles behind the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor, emphasizing integrity, accountability, and public trust.
- Reflect on the Nobility of Policing, recognizing its role as a guardian of democracy and the high standards expected of those who serve.
Together, these resources aim to inspire, inform, and prepare individuals for a meaningful career in policing while reinforcing the ethical foundation and responsibilities that come with the badge.
Website Scavenger Hunt
This Scavenger Hunt is an interactive activity designed to help users explore and become familiar with the Discover Policing website. It includes 20 questions that guide participants through various sections of the site, encouraging them to:
- Locate job postings and resumes relevant to their region.
- Learn about core competencies, benefits, and career opportunities in law enforcement.
- Discover real-life stories, recruitment videos, and historical content.
- Understand the hiring process, educational requirements, and salary comparisons.
- Explore resources for veterans, civilians, and intentional recruitment.
Virtual Ride-A-Long Videos
Curious about life as a police officer? Wondering if a career in policing is right for you?
Explore our interactive job preview and self-assessment tool. This virtual ride-along walks you through 10 real-world scenarios officers face every day. After each scenario, answer a few questions to gauge how your skills and preferences align with the demands of the job. When you finish, you’ll get insights into how your values and interests compare to those of today’s officers in the field.
Scenario 1 – Roll Call
In this video, officers receive reminders about safety, proactive patrols, and community engagement, emphasizing relationship-building and teamwork during roll call.
Scenario 2 – Convenience Store Theft
In this video, officers work with a store owner to address theft concerns by suggesting preventive measures and committing to increased patrols.
Scenario 3 – Traffic Stop with Open Warrant
In this video, officers conduct a traffic stop that reveals a suspended license and open warrant, coordinating with dispatch and backup for a safe resolution.
Scenario 4 – Traffic Crash
In this video, an officer reassures a distressed driver after a crash, prioritizing safety and using empathy to calm the situation.
Scenario 5 – Traffic Crash Report
In this video, an officer explains the importance of detailed accident reports for investigations and court credibility while mentoring a colleague.
Scenario 6 – Traffic Enforcement
In this video, an officer addresses speeding through education and enforcement, balancing safety concerns with a professional, respectful approach.
Scenario 7 – Panhandling Complaint
In this video, officers partner with an outreach coordinator to provide support services for an individual involved in repeated panhandling complaints.
Scenario 8 – Community Meeting
In this video, officers collaborate with residents during a community meeting to share crime prevention strategies, encourage neighborhood watch efforts, and strengthen partnerships for reducing home break-ins.
Scenario 9 – Daily Activity Review
In this video, an officer and a new recruit reflect on the first day, highlighting the problem-solving and community-focused nature of policing.
Scenario 10 - Debriefing
In this video, officers debrief after a shift, highlighting the new recruit’s exposure to community policing strategies and discussing follow-up actions from a successful neighborhood meeting.
Other Resources for Educators and Counselors
- Community Policing Learning Portal — Free, interactive online community policing courses and resources.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics for Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers
- O*Net Online – Summary Report for Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers
- Bureau of Justice Statistics — Comprehensive data and reports on crime, criminal justice operations, and policing trends in the United States.
- FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program — National program providing reliable crime statistics and data collection tools for police agencies.
- FBI National Incident Based Reporting System — Detailed incident-level crime data system offering insights into offenses, victims, and offenders for improved analysis and policy development.
- International Association of Chiefs of Police — Global organization providing leadership, resources, and training to advance the policing profession and promote community safety.
- Community Trust Hub — A comprehensive resource from the International Association of Chiefs of Police offering tools, guidance, and best practices to build, repair, and sustain trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
- Elevate Blue — A free, best-in-class virtual training suite designed to help law enforcement address contemporary challenges through courses on community engagement, leadership, resilience, and civil liberties, available on-demand and certified to meet most state POST requirements
Suggestions for Future Resources
Send us suggestions on what you’d like to see added.