The Stafford County school system and Stafford County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday announced the donation of a decommissioned police cruiser to support Mountain View High School’s criminal justice program.
The donation plays a key role in providing students with hands-on, real-world experience in the criminal justice field, enriching their educational journey as they prepare for careers in law enforcement, public service or related fields.
The cruiser will be used to simulate law enforcement scenarios, allowing students to engage in practical exercises such as traffic stops, understanding vehicle use in high-risk situations, prisoner transport and preservation of crime scenes. These activities are integral to the program’s goal of preparing students for challenges they may face in a law enforcement career.
“We are grateful to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office for their ongoing support of our students and this program,” Stafford schools Superintendent Daniel W. Smith said in an announcement of the donation. “This generous donation will help our students gain practical, invaluable insights into the world of law enforcement and public service.”
To ensure clarity, the vehicle will be wrapped with the branding of Mountain View’s Leadership, Education And Public Service (LEAPS) Center. That will distinguish the cruiser from active law enforcement vehicles while also highlighting the LEAPS Center’s dedication to real-world learning opportunities.
“The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is proud to support the next generation of law enforcement professionals through this partnership with Mountain View High School’s criminal justice program,” Sheriff David P. Decatur said. “Providing students with real-world tools and experiences is essential in preparing them for the responsibilities and challenges of a career in public safety. We are committed to fostering educational opportunities that strengthen the future of our community.”
In recognition of the Sheriff’s Office’s donation, the wrap will feature the county sheriff’s logo along with the message: “This cruiser was donated by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, a proud partner of Stafford County Public Schools.” This addition acknowledges the valuable partnership between the Stafford schools and Sheriff’s Office, reinforcing the shared commitment to developing future public service leaders.
