Sergeant Hardin takes a hands on approach with a young student. Photo By Dave Boyd

Resource Officer gives insight into criminal justice

By Bob Robinson
Star Staff
brobinson@starhq.com

   Students at Elizabethton High School (EHS) are getting a firsthand look at law enforcement and corrections, thanks to Sgt. Kenny Hardin, Safety Resource Officer with the Elizabethton Police Department (EPD).
   There are plans to expand the program next year to accommodate 60 students. Sgt. Hardin teaches two classes, 20 students per class, in Legal and Protective Service.
   Due to its popularity, there are plans to add another class next year to serve an additional 20 students, according to Adie Hyder, EHS vocational director.
   Students learn how the criminal justice system works. They also have the opportunity to investigate crime scenes staged in the EHS parking lot. In return, students receive high school credit after successfully completing the course.
   Students also take field trips to the Northeast Correctional Center. This allows students to see, firsthand, how a prison operates. They also get to learn about the type jobs available to them, Sgt. Hardin said.
   Sgt. Hardin also utilizes the computer as another teaching tool. "Law enforcement is very popular on the Internet. You can find job applications and Web sites on a variety of criminal justice subjects," Sgt. Hardin said.
   What is the most enjoyable part of the job? "Teaching students who have a real positive attitude. They make you feel young again," Sgt. Hardin said.
   Sgt. Hardin taught the DARE program for five years before joining the EHS faculty two years ago.
   The 1981 graduate of Hampton High School joined the EPD in 1989 after working two years with the Carter County Sheriff's Department.