Southwest seventh-graders are currently studying the United States government in their social studies classes. The highlight of the unit is when school resource officer, Jay Crabtree, spends a day in the classroom sharing his experiences as a police officer. He explains his duty to protect individual rights while, at the same time, protecting the community.

The students submit several questions about the Bill of Rights prior to his visit and are encouraged to ask more questions as Crabtree presents. A sampling of questions commonly asked include, “If we have freedom of speech, why won’t our parents and teachers let us say anything we want, whenever we want?” “Is it ever OK to search someone’s property without a search warrant?” “When officers say you have the right to remain silent, do you have to be quiet?” “Can kids go to jail?”

Crabtree’s visit helps students learn the Bill of Rights and encourages them to think critically about how those rights apply to real-world situations.