Garrett Ferguson and Colby Suggs learned that "life behind bars" wasn't fun!  "And, you certainly
don't get $500.00, when you get in here, either!" remarked Suggs.

 

High School Leadership Class
"Goes to Jail"

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Students were given a photo line-up of people on methamphetamines  and told of the dangers of
drug use, prior to their tour of the local jail facility.

 

The High School Leadership Class literally "went to jail" on Thursday, as the County Law Enforcement agencies hosted the class for this month's session, to acquaint them with the law enforcement system in Hopkins County. The class first met with County Court at Law Judge Amy Smith, and then proceeded to the offices of Justices of the Peace Yvonne King and Ronny Glossup. The next stop was a visit with County Judge Cletis Millsap and County Attorney Dusty Rabe.

 

Class member Cody Morgan sees what it's like to get a "mug shot."

 

Sheriff Butch Adams hosted the class for lunch at the Hopkins County Jail, where participants were served chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn on the cob, buttered rolls, and brownies.

 

 

Garrett Ferguson, Preston Weaver, and Triston Cook pose in the "rubber room."

 

Following a briefing by Sheriff Adams about the local jail facility and presentation by Special Crimes Unit officers, the students were given a detailed tour of the jail facilities. The learned that the Hopkins County Jail books approximately an average of 10 people into the facility daily. At any given time, the jail population averages 60 male prisoners and 7 or 8 female prisoners.

 

These girls in the class soon decided that the jail wasn't where they wanted to be.

 

 

Students were given a tour of the jail and allowed to enter a cell, as well as witness members of the jail population. Then, they were taken to the exercise yard, where the prisoners are only allowed three one-hour sessions per week, provided weather permits.

 

Leadership Class members listen to a presentation from Ron Plaxco, a member of the Hopkins
Special Crimes Unit, as he tells them about the many aspects of criminal booking and apprehension.

 

"We sincerely hope we don't 'meet up' with any of you down here," advised Sheriff Butch Adams, as he made his presentation. "We're charged with protecting the people of Hopkins County and enforcing the law!"

 

Spencer Martin decided the only thing she liked about the jail was the lunch!

 

Most of the students quickly decided that the jail was certainly not the place that they wanted to spend any time, other than on a tour!

 

 

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