When a SWAT team pulled up to Carroll Middle School, an armored car opened its doors for the students.
The school, in Southlake, welcomed the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office for “Career Day” on October 17. Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, County Judge Tim O’Hare, and a SWAT team spoke with students about careers in law enforcement.
“We wanted the kids to learn about public service as a career and to hear how important a role law enforcement plays in our society,” O’Hare said to The Dallas Express.
Waybourn and O’Hare taught students about law enforcement, county government, and jail operations. They spoke to a group of sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders, said Public Information Officer Robbie Hoy to The Dallas Express.
The sheriff shared an overview of his job, according to Hoy. He explained different jobs, from sworn officers to support staff – including patrol, SWAT, jail, and the Livestock Estray Enforcement Program, which rounds up stray animals.
“This event gave them a chance to ask questions they’ve been curious about, and they really brought some thoughtful ones to the table,” Hoy said.
The SWAT team also brought an armored car, a Lenco Bearcat.
“Students had an opportunity to walk in and out of the BearCat while hearing from SWAT Team members about how they perform their jobs,” O’Hare said.
The Bearcat is used mostly for high-risk operations, according to Hoy. While the vehicle has a “tank-like appearance,” he said it is a defensive tool to keep officers safe.
“The kids got to go inside and get a first-hand look at how it works,” Hoy said.
The Dallas Express reached out to Carroll ISD, but did not hear back in time for publication.
“Today was a reminder that Tarrant County has some of the best public schools in the state,” O’Hare wrote on Facebook. “I was encouraged by the students’ curiosity and the teachers’ enthusiasm.”
Early, positive interactions with law enforcement can shape lifelong perceptions, according to Hoy.
“Our goal is to help kids feel comfortable around law enforcement — to know that officers are here to help and that they can always come to us if something’s wrong,” Hoy said.
“We hope the kids went home excited to tell their families about meeting the sheriff and learning more about what we do,” he continued. “If that sparks a conversation around the dinner table and helps shift someone’s perspective on law enforcement, even a little — that’s a win.”