On The Issues – Law Enforcement Lesson Plan

One of the main reasons why we have laws in our society is to protect public safety, to maintain order and security. This is not a partisan issue; both political parties want people to feel safe in our state. In the State Legislature, laws are passed that regulate how law enforcement interacts with the public. Like regular Washingtonians, those who are employed as officers of the law must follow the laws as well as enforce them. Over the past 5 years, the State Legislature has passed many pieces of legislation regarding law enforcement, but it continues to be a hot button issue.

Washington State Senators Padden and Lovick take questions from Senate Legislative Page Christopher Yu about police pursuit and public safety.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Law Enforcement: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1twwa9Wfnc3QRubM2dpbVmM3cyBWh56sz/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:
1. Senator Lovick speaks to his role as both a police officer and as a legislator. How does he suggest holding both parties accountable?
2. What does Senator Lovick think about police pursuit? Do you agree or disagree with him?
3. How do Senator Lovick and Senator Padden differ in their opinions? What evidence does Senator Padden use to support his ideas?
4. Senator Padden speaks of the Initiative to the Legislature that they must consider this session. Given what you heard from the Senators, do you think that the police should have broader authority in vehicular pursuits?

On The Issues Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#teachwithtvw, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate

One of the main reasons why we have laws in our society is to protect public safety, to maintain order and security. This is not a partisan issue; both political parties want people to feel safe in our state. In the State Legislature, laws are passed that regulate how law enforcement interacts with the public. Like regular Washingtonians, those who are employed as officers of the law must follow the laws as well as enforce them. Over the past 5 years, the State Legislature has passed many pieces of legislation regarding law enforcement, but it continues to be a hot button issue.

Washington State Senators Padden and Lovick, take questions from Senate Legislative Page Aanchal Batwara asks about police force staffing shortages and the impacts of stress on policing.

LESSON PLANS:
20 min Lesson Plan on Law Enforcement: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1twwa9Wfnc3QRubM2dpbVmM3cyBWh56sz/view?usp=sharing
OR –
Give students a more comprehensive understanding of legislative committees with the 1 to 2 day
On The Issues: Legislative Committees Lesson Plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VCoZsUNe1TQQUZOIa3-uEbac47ALKmIcf-06iNCLWqs/edit?usp=sharing

Discussion Questions:
1. Senator Padden talks about PTSD in Washington State’s police officers. What problems does he highlight?
2. What bipartisan efforts do both Senator Padden and Senator Lovick reference?
What do you think about this bipartisan effort? Why are bipartisan efforts so important?
3. Senator Lovick talks about the need for more police officers in the State of Washington. What does he suggest the legislature should do to make the job more attractive to young people?
4. What does “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” mean to you? How does it link to what you already know about policing in Washington State?
5. What ideas resonate with you, and what follow up questions do you have for the Senators that could help you solidify your position?


On The Issues Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL75F8E2rv4SCiQlpeW9JwnJepn87zNpDT

Teach with TVW is a free online resource provided by TVW for Washington state social studies teachers to engage their students in state government and help to inspire active citizens.

Learn more at: https://www.teachwithtvw.org

#TEACHwithTVW, #CapitolClassroom, #CONNECTS #waleg #youthvoice #civics101 #participate #nextgenerationleaders #civilengagement #civicengagement #legislativeprocess #socialstudies #APGov #debate