by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC
One Kansas City Kansas Community College student will be spending part of the summer experiencing what it is like to be in law enforcement.
Ravion Kirkland, a freshman at KCKCC, was selected to attend the Kansas Collegiate Law Enforcement Academy this summer in Salina, Kan.
Designed by the Kansas Highway Patrol, the academy gives college students hands-on training to see what it takes to become a law enforcement officer as well as what a law enforcement career offers. Training opportunities include felony traffic stops, firearms, driving, defense tactics and team building exercises.
“As a police science major I have so many options on where I could use my degree,” Kirkland said. “My goal is to obtain all knowledge and experience during my college journey to weigh all my options before it’s time to choose a career.”
The collegiate law academy is open to any college student enrolled in a criminal justice program. In addition to the application, students must submit endorsements from a dean and criminal justice advisor and a law enforcement official. They must also write an essay as to why they would like to attend the academy.
“In the selection process for this prestigious academy, Ravion went against many others that applied. Many apply, but do not get accepted,” said Kevin Steele, coordinator and assistant professor for criminal justice programs at KCKCC. “She will do very well. Ravion is a leader, possessing great internal drive, while at the same time being humble and thankful for what she has. I have had the honor to instruct Ravion in course work at the college, and for the recent SkillsUSA State Competition. She took the silver medal in that state competition. A great accomplishment. Her performance at that event is also a compliment to her strong character.”
Kirkland’s desire to study criminal justice came from her grandmother, who retired from the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department three years ago. Before her grandmother retired, she was able to visit the department to see how things work behind the scenes. From inmates going through the booking and fingerprinting process to seeing officers using a stun gun and pepper spray, the experience had an effect.
“That experience has motivated me enough to learn the justice system and help my county as much as I can,” she said. “Criminal justice and the justice system itself has its negatives and positives just like any other career. But with everything going on around the country, I would like to be a part of a positive change in our justice system here in Wyandotte County.”
After completing her studies at KCKCC in spring 2019, Kirkland plans to transfer to Park University or the University of Kansas – Edwards campus to obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She said she would also like to continue gaining experience through internships in area police departments and law offices.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for all the doors that have opened for me so far here at KCKCC,” Kirkland said. “My senior year of high school, I took classes at KCKCC-TEC to obtain my Office Assistant Certificate. While in the middle of searching for a college to transfer to, my instructor gave me information about the scholarships KCKCC offered. I made an appointment to see Stacy Tucker and Kevin Steele, and they were very positive and straight to the point. They made me feel welcomed and wanted me to join the program. On top of that, I knew I didn’t want to go away for college right off so this has been one of the best choices I’ve made.”
Steele said he believes Kirkland will “do great” at the academy and will represent the college and her community in an exemplary fashion.
“We are very proud of Ravion,” he said. “The Collegiate Law program offers college students an exciting and unique view into what it takes to become a law enforcement officer, and what a career in the field offers.”