Future crime fighters learn law enforcement basics

  • Sgt. Daren Welborn shows Graylee Schrader how to properly handle and discharge a firearm, or pellet gun in this case, at the 2026 Junior Law Enforcement Academy. PHOTOS BY ERIN ETRIS/WCN
    Sgt. Daren Welborn shows Graylee Schrader how to properly handle and discharge a firearm, or pellet gun in this case, at the 2026 Junior Law Enforcement Academy. PHOTOS BY ERIN ETRIS/WCN
  • Sterling Hughes and Officer Pete Dorsey are ready to ride as they prepare to take on the cone obstacle course at this week’s Junior Law Enforcement Academy.
    Sterling Hughes and Officer Pete Dorsey are ready to ride as they prepare to take on the cone obstacle course at this week’s Junior Law Enforcement Academy.
  • Sgt. Daren Welborn of the White County Sheriff's Office instructs junior law enforcement officers on firearms and firearm safety.
    Sgt. Daren Welborn of the White County Sheriff's Office instructs junior law enforcement officers on firearms and firearm safety.
  • Officer Shawn Blinn of the White County Sheriff's Office instructs Brayden Martin on how to call in a traffic stop and how to approach the occupants of a vehicle once it is stopped.
    Officer Shawn Blinn of the White County Sheriff's Office instructs Brayden Martin on how to call in a traffic stop and how to approach the occupants of a vehicle once it is stopped.
  • JLEA attendee Brayden Martin keeps his hand at his weapon as he approaches a vehicle of unruly gang members played by middle schooler Mary Brenton and friends as Officer Shawn Blinn of the White County Sheriff's Office helps Martin check for proper identification.
    JLEA attendee Brayden Martin keeps his hand at his weapon as he approaches a vehicle of unruly gang members played by middle schooler Mary Brenton and friends as Officer Shawn Blinn of the White County Sheriff's Office helps Martin check for proper identification.
  • Former JLEA graduates were happy to play their part in helping new attendees learn the basics of law enforcement. These White County middle school students played a group of gun-wielding gang members at the traffic stop station of the academy. From left are Kaylee Loggins, Mary Brenton, Ezabella Loggins, Aaliyah Lemons, Christian Wood and Cole Peck.
    Former JLEA graduates were happy to play their part in helping new attendees learn the basics of law enforcement. These White County middle school students played a group of gun-wielding gang members at the traffic stop station of the academy. From left are Kaylee Loggins, Mary Brenton, Ezabella Loggins, Aaliyah Lemons, Christian Wood and Cole Peck.
  • WCSO Officer Hannah Hammack demonstrates how officers use a tuning fork to properly calibrate radar equipment ensuring accurate readings before letting JLEA attendee Alex Staats try it herself.
    WCSO Officer Hannah Hammack demonstrates how officers use a tuning fork to properly calibrate radar equipment ensuring accurate readings before letting JLEA attendee Alex Staats try it herself.

    By Erin Etris   White County law enforcement agencies came together this week at Cleveland Worship Center to hold a Junior Law Enforcement Academy. Attendees learned crime fighting basics in…