High School Shadow Program
Sgt. Diane L. Peifer

The Schererville Police Department is currently involved in a new program in cooperation with local high schools. As a part of our commitment to Community Oriented Policing, the police department has become a host to local teens who have expressed an interested in a career in law enforcement. Typically, the student is matched up with a host through their guidance counselor. A date is agreed upon and the student arrives at the police department to begin a day of "shadowing".

The first item on the agenda is a tour of our new facility. Due to the size and added technology, the tour can last up to an hour. The shadows are encouraged to ask question and indicate their interests in the field of law enforcement so that the day can be tailored around them. Some part of the day is spent observing the dispatchers in the radio room. Students are given copies of the police department's "10-codes" and "Signal Codes" to assist them in understanding radio traffic.

Depending on the day, students may get a chance to see how police canines are used, how detectives follow up on cases, how suspect composites are created on computer and how evidence is processed and handled. If there is in-house training during the day, students may get a chance to observe that as well. In some cases, a shadow may spend a portion of their day assisting records by answering phones or by helping to process mug shots.

The goal of the day is to foster a better understanding of police work and to help students understand law enforcement through the perspective of the officer. To date, the Shadow Program has hosted more than 25 students from 5 area high schools.

If you are interested in participating in our Shadow Program contact Sgt. Diane Peifer at 219.322.5000