At the Sabin-Schellenberg Learning Center, students are stepping into a real-life crime scene that Noah Harding created. In one of the school’s unique Law Enforcement classes, the skills room is set up to simulate an investigation, with dummies covered in a ketchup-like substance meant to represent blood. As part of their coursework, students are tasked with examining the scene and uncovering clues that will help them determine what happened. In the end, Harding did a wonderful job setting the scene because the students could identify what inflicted wounds on this object. This hands-on approach provides a powerful introduction to the field of law enforcement.
The teacher guiding these students is Harding, a former police officer with 10 years of experience. After transitioning from law enforcement to teaching, Harding now instructs high school students in Law Enforcement 1, 2, and 3, as well as Crime Scene Investigation classes. Although the switch to teaching was a challenge because it went from chasing criminals to teaching teenagers about the basics of what he used to do in a classroom environment, Harding has found his new role rewarding because he could influence adolescents to take a better path.
Harding’s classes are divided into two rooms: the classroom, where students engage in textbook learning, and the skills room, which offers a more interactive experience. “We do many things in the skills room,” says Harding. Students learn how to use handcuffs, handle a gun, drive a district police car, and investigate crime scenes. It’s a great way to see if law enforcement is the right fit for you.
The Law Enforcement program at Sabin-Schellenberg has been a cornerstone of the school’s offerings since 1994, even though the center itself opened in 1967. The program was designed to give students a firsthand look at various careers in law enforcement, including roles such as local police officers, county deputies, and state troopers. This hands-on education provides an invaluable opportunity for high school students to explore a career they might not have considered otherwise. A student said, “I want to be in forensic psychology, and the crime scenes that are set up show what it’s like to solve crimes and identify fingerprints.”
Not every school district offers this kind of specialized program, making North Clackamas students particularly fortunate to have access to it. As the program continues to grow, more and more students are gaining the skills and knowledge they need to pursue careers in law enforcement or other public service fields.
In Harding’s eyes, “the program is more than just an introduction to law enforcement—it’s a chance for students to build a foundation for a future they’re passionate about.” And, in the process, they might just solve a crime like the one they did in class.