Omar Barrera

During our visit to the Evanston police department we got to meet many important people. We were shown inside the department and found many things interested and learned new things about police and firefighters.  One area that I found very interesting was the cells that they showed us so when a person was detained and had to stay over night they would have to stay in a cell room in the police department. What I found very interesting about them is the fear someone would have to stay there for the night in a hard bed, metal toilet and with other detained people knowing they are up to no good. How would someone want to stay there? 

One of the various pieces of equipment we were shown was the case of the 11 FALN terrorist arrest in 1981, we were explained that the most wanted people in evanston  were caught when a lady had called over a man jogging that lead the police to a van with many weapons shown in the picture. I find this very interesting because its crazy how they were caught by a lady calling when they were one of the most wanted criminals and glad they were caught before they caused more terrorist attacks. 

The role play that we experienced was really fun to watch. It played many scenarios that would actually happen to a police officer and it gives us an example of what officers have to deal with. One thing that I would be challenged by is keeping my cool during an argument. During the play i saw a lot of pressure being thrown and the officers and i do really bad when under pressure I would not know how to handle it, that's why I think their training is very important. 

• Some questions that I had after our visit.
• How do you officers know the correct action to take during a life threatening situation? 
• How are you guys able to remain calm during a fight?

Fire Station

• One of the areas that I found very interesting from the fire station is the inside where they have their rooms where they sleep, the living room, and the gym area. I find it really cool that they are like a family and live together. The way they work as a team and make food for each other. They had their own laundry in the fire station. Its like a home. 
• Some equipment I found very interesting is the equipment they have to wear when an emergency call comes in and the time they have to manage to put everything on. How heavy wearing all that equipment is and then going into buildings that are on fire. 
• Me myself did the mini exam and it looked easy when it was explained to us but once I put on the 20 pound vest, helmet and gloves and did the exam it was really hard and really good of a workout. I think with a good amount of training the exam would be easy if you try your best you would do fine. The hardest part is having all your equipment on and taking the exam that's why you would need to practice but overall a great experience.