This year, twenty-one Suffolk County officers stepped into classrooms with one goal: to inspire students before life’s challenges turn into lasting consequences. After completing an intensive
three-day training at the Correction Officer Training Center in May, these officers are now certified Choice Program Officers, prepared to deliver lessons on digital literacy, personal responsibility, emergency preparedness, Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) reports, and more to K-12 students across Suffolk County.

Led by ADS Jessica Cabrera-Edwards and Captain Deniqua Lopes, the training combined practical public speaking skills with mentorship strategies. Officers explored bullying, peer pressure,
sexting, gun violence, substance use, and active shooter protocols. They also learned from seasoned guest instructors, including Sgt. Detective Janine Busby and Officer Alexander Reyes of the Boston Police Department’s School Engagement Unit, Courtney Grey from the Boston Public Health Commission, and Jacquelyn Lamont of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Children’s Advocacy
Center. Mock classroom presentations gave officers a chance to practice delivering age-appropriate, engaging lessons, preparing them to connect with students as mentors and role models.