Highway Patrol jumpstarts internship program
By Melody Brown-Peyton
Published in News on June 3, 2018 3:05 AM
The N.C. Highway Patrol has a high school internship program designed to help high school students choose a career within the Highway Patrol.
Students must complete 40 hours of training within three months.
The program involves different tasks and the opportunity to observe troopers. At the end of the internship, students must write a 1,000 to 1,500 word essay about the experience.
Jaleek Lewis, a 16-year-old Eastern Wayne High School student, is currently enrolled in the program and paired with Trooper Charles Grainger. Grainger has worked for the N.C. Highway Patrol for six years.
Grainger said he enjoys having Lewis shadow him.
"He has been very resilient and respectful," Grainger said. "He takes the initiative. I have been very impressed with Jaleek."
During the internship, Lewis has been to District Court, Superior Court, on a jail tour and a ride-along. He has also met with state troopers and a state recruiter.
"I have enjoyed taking part in the program," Lewis said. "It has taught me things that I did not know about the patrol. This has definitely helped me know what career path I want to take."
A highlight of the program for Lewis was a driving track in Raleigh where he rode in a patrol vehicle that topped 110 mph.
He said he hopes the skills he's learning will help him when he heads off to basic law enforcement training.
Lewis plans are to complete high school and continue his studies at Campbell University.
To become a trooper with the N.C. Highway Patrol, the minimum age is 21, along with 29 weeks of training. North Carolina has 16,000 troopers who cover 78,000 miles of state highways. The mission of the Highway Patrol is to reduce collisions and promote safety.
Lewis encourages other students to take part in the program.
"This is the best opportunity to see the ins and outs of law enforcement," he said.
Lewis has also been a part of the Goldsboro Police Department's Law Enforcement Explorer Post program for young men and women interested in a career in law enforcement.