Interns of Monroe County: Sheriff's Office

When talking with the staff and interns at the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the deep connection between them reverberated throughout the conversation. The strong relationships that had been created were evident, as was the trust and respect they had for each other. This didn’t develop by chance. The way the Sheriff’s Office structured their internship program for the students, the intentionality the staff had to connect with the students and their interests, the positive organizational culture, and the beauty of small rural towns all played into this wonderful outcome.

Maria Taylor, 911 Dispatch Supervisor; Eric Conway, Road Lieutenant; and Kevin Warner, Patrol Sergeant, all spent time with the high school interns during their 40 hours. They reiterated the fact that different students have different fits. This is one reason the students were rotated through different areas during the five days of the internship. The students had a chance to intern in the Jail Control Room, the Dispatch Center, and through ride-alongs. What they witnessed wasn’t always positive- a felony drug arrest, a DOA due to natural causes, the palpable tension of the Corrections Center- but it was real. And it made an impact. Because it reinforced for all three of the students that they could see themselves working in law enforcement after they were done in school.

For Reid Smith, a junior at Beallsville High School, it’s a family business. His brother worked for the Sheriff’s office after graduation. But that’s not the only reason he’s interested in this career pathway. His attitude is “how can I help?”

Being the one to witness the drug arrest, Ried understands first-hand the impact that drugs can have on communities and individuals. He also now fully realizes the level at which law enforcement professionals have to rely on one another every day to be successful. He wants to stay in the community and work in the criminal justice field. 

Dalton Phillips, a junior at Monroe Central High School, echoed the interdependent nature of the field. “Don’t take anything for granted," he shared. “Being in law enforcement means that you can come in one day and not be here the next.” This understanding is part of the reason that the staff feel more like family than employees. The bond that develops is important. And it was clear that it was extended to the students during their time there.

While the nature of law enforcement is serious, the work is meaningful and it can be fun. Dalton would like to work directly in the community. He wants to be a road deputy. The staff explained, with a laugh, that this is because he likes to drive fast.

Nichelle Hall, who just graduated from Swiss Hills Career Center and their criminal justice program, plans to study social work at Washington State Community College. She would like to work with kids after finishing her degree. She enjoyed her time learning about and interning in law enforcement and may come back to it.

For Nichelle, the chance to see criminal justice in action, and not just hear about it in her classes, was instrumental in preparing for what’s next. She was able to see how different officers had different work styles. And experience different processes in the field. She would like to see all students talking about what internship they are going to do while in school. 

The staff at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Sheriff Charles R. Black, Jr. for allowing them to host the high school interns. 

BB2C would like to thank Sandy Doudna, Swiss Hills Switzerland of Ohio Local School Career Pathways Specialist, for allowing us to share high school intern stories from the district.