October 27 - In January, Sheriff Donnie Simpson will retire his police badge to take up a school badge. This spring, Appomattox County Public Schools will introduce a new addition to its Career and Technical program: criminal justice. Fortunately, the school didn't need to search far for an instructor. Sheriff Donnie Simpson will be joining the staff at ACHS to teach this course to students. His goal for the course is clear: "To provide students with a broad introduction to the world of law enforcement and criminal justice."
The course will be available to all ACHS students. By enrolling, students will have the opportunity to earn dual enrollment credits that can be transferred to college or university programs. Sheriff Simpson emphasizes that, "Students interested in a career in local, state, or federal law enforcement will benefit from this course." During the program, students will delve into various topics related to local, state, and federal law enforcement. “We will study the US Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights as it relates to law enforcement and citizen interaction. We will discuss the US legal system learning the difference between the Federal and State courts.” Sheriff Simpson also believes that even students considering law school could find value in understanding how the criminal justice system operates.
Simpson's motivation for teaching the course is vital for the safety of our community. "Nationwide, the law enforcement community has seen a reduction in the number of young people choosing it as a career. I hope this class will inspire some to pursue this path."