Posted by Civilian Joseph Karlson (Police Commissioner) in The Police Department is no Place for Children…or Is It? (Tag Karlson)

Posted by Civilian Karina Enger (Director of Education) in The Police Department is no Place for Children…or Is It? (Tag Karlson)

Posted by Civilian Joseph Karlson (Police Commissioner) in The Police Department is no Place for Children…or Is It? (Tag Karlson)

Part of being in charge of the entire education system on the colony was there were a lot of educational needs that had to be met. It wasn’t just the children but adults entering college for the first time or wanting to take classes just for the pure joy of learning or maybe for their job. Also Karina was determined to get her apprenticeship program up and running before the new building was finalized. So one of her first stops was the police department. It was always a gamble to know how people felt about law enforcement, but Karina strongly believed that the community should be able to trust them and the police trust their community. But she was getting ahead of herself. She’d made an appointment with the Police Commissioner and now that was where she was headed. Stepping into the office she smiled at the officer in the lobby and introduced herself. “Good Morning. My name is Karina Enger. I’m the Education Director. I have a meeting with the police commissioner.

Enger, ED

The Office of the Oed V Police Commissioner was located on the third floor from the top floor of the Government Tower, it was the central command center of the Police Department, the entire floor dedicated to supporting the various departments and precincts. The officer in the lobby past the elevator, a young constable, in the Oed blue uniform smiled politely “Yes Ma’am, just go down the hallway to your right. You can go straight in, the Commissioner is expecting you”

Karina smiled at man, “Thank you, Constable.” She turned right and proceeded down the corridor taking in the details and people as she made her way to the commissioner’s office.

The Commissioners office was a large corner office with an excellent view of the Colony, directly to the left there was a bookshelf with actual paperback books. On the middle shelf, there were several framed photographs, some of them showing a younger Joseph in a Marine Officers or Dress uniform with some notable figures, Federation Council members and at least three Federation Presidents. Further down the line, it was him in the Oed Police Dress Uniform with several of the previous Governors. The latest pictures included a picture with him and an Extremely large Klingon. Between two shelves there was a door leading to a side room, next to it was a panel to enter a keycode.

On the right end, there was a large leather sofa and two armchairs around a coffee table. A closed drinks cabinet in the corner and a small wooden door that presumably lead to a privy. The Commissioner sat behind a large wooden desk, a small computer console, a small stack of PaDD’s and three frames sat on the desk. Joseph was a large man, well built and broad with grey hair. He wore a navy blue three-piece suit clearly tailored for his impressive bulk. He looked up from his console and smiled at Enger, he had a grandfatherly smile and wore half-moon spectacles. He stood up from his chair “Director Enker” He walked past his desk and extended a hand “A pleasure, I do apologize that we haven’t had a chance to formally meet before.” He spoke with a slight Scandinavian accent.

Commissioner Karlson

The office was impressive and Karina had a moment where she stared out the window from the door way. A truly impressive and breathtaking view. The office reflected a man who held power, and not the type that blustered and strutted like a smilaca. She crossed the office towards Karlson and took his hand giving it a firm shake. If his impressive bulk phased her, it didn’t show. She returned his smile, his own reminding her of her of her grandfather. He had a very disarming presence. “Do not apologize, Commissioner. Except for my brief meeting with the governor when I arrived, the only people I have met are children.” Her voice had a slight mechanical undertone to it (her vocal enhancer) and her words came slowly as if planned and thought out. “I am grateful for your time.”

Enger, ED

Joseph nodded and moved towards the armchair and sofa “Please have a seat, would you care for something to drink or eat?” He asked as he moved to one armchair and lowered himself. He seemed to walk with a slight limp.

Commissioner Karlson

Karina followed him towards the seating area and took a seat that would allow for easy conversation. “No thank you, I am…” she paused some sounds followed by others were awkward to produce, “quite alright.” Not wasting any time, “The governor has tasked me with developing a brand new education system from the children all the way to the university level and continuing education needs. So my first question for you, is what do you need from the education system for your police force. There are the standard BLET courses we can offer, but what more would you like to have available?”

Enger, ED

Joseph sat down on the sofa next to her and crossed his legs and folded his hands on his lap. He considered her question “Like many other Federation colonies with its own police force we often outsource the training aspect, a good portion of new training officers come off-world. If anything I’d like for the young people thinking of careers to consider becoming a LEO on Oed” He spoke calmly but with interest in the conversation “I don’t know how much of Oed history you know but this is one of the more dangerous police departments in the Federation and the locals know this well. But those with ties in the community are infinitely more valuable than strangers.”

Commissioner Karlson

Karina knew the reputation, not so much the history, though she’d studied up enough for her purposes. She nodded thoughtfully. “I am…familiar with the reputation, not so much with the history. One of my goals is to make sure that instead of having to look outside the colony for training it can be here. So that when young people consider going into law enforcement they don’t leave and are drawn away elsewhere after graduation. Not only do we want to make the Oed police force the force to want to join but also that our educational system provides the best training. The goal, educationally, is that we will draw in people from all career paths and across the quadrant to train and learn here, not matter their career goals. That means brining the best trainers here, or perhaps there are individuals on your force that would want to teach.”

She paused here, checking her enthusiasm from running away with her. “You would like the young people who live here to want to stay here, to become part of your department. That is my other goal, to create an…intensive and tiered apprenticeship program. From the youngest toddlers to our high school seniors. To provide them realistic but age and ability appropriate experiences in the careers that are available. To nurture that interest and passion early so when it comes to time to choose a career path they are excited but also well informed.”

Enger, ED

The older man nodded “That sounds good, the department has several outreach programs that could be adjusted to fit your education programs. Programs designed to allow people a view at what the police does in everyday life.”

Commissioner Karlson

“I would like to be able to set up further time to discuss those with you. To use or modify what is already in place, on both sides, to benefit us both. Let us revisit your comment about keeping those who are interested in law enforcement here on Oed. How do you see that happening? This is part of the apprenticeship program I am starting but also about what training you want to see offered. Are there programs elsewhere that you feel are particularly best at this? I am happy to investigate how they go about it and set up our own program here. Or do you have something entirely from scratch in mind?”

Enger, ED

“Mostly I think an introduction to the Police college studies. The standard educational program to be able to apply to any law enforcement in the Federation. I want them to understand how the service works, a more detailed look at what is expected of our officers.”

Commissioner Karlson

Karina nodded making notes. “Is there anyone you think would be willing to help develop or consult on the program? I can, and will, research the details, but first hand knowledge and experience goes so much further.” She considered if offering such a detailed program would be plausible to offer before graduation. “Is there such a program, elsewhere, that you feel is exceptional at this introduction?” She would begin her research there. After all she wanted the school to be competitive.

Enger, ED

“Well most planets and colonies with higher education do offer such education . There are of course many of these on central planets Like Earth or Andoria. I’d suggest looking at colonies like New France. The program itself isn’t dissimilar to something the Police chief of the Capital there started running a few years back I believe.” Joseph said “Now for local assistance you are welcome to any of my officers, I can personally recommend Detective Chief Inspector Pangolin, he runs my Major Crime special division but he’s been here for a long time.”

Commissioner Karlson

Karina made notes to herself and would look into New France and their program when she got back to her office. “That would be wonderful. I would like to review the programs with you as they develop. I appreciate your insight. I do not want to take too much of your time, but I would appreciate an introduction Detective Chief Inspector Pangolin if you have time.”

Enger, ED

Joseph shrugged “You’ll find him skulking around outside, he’s been trying to listen in on our conversation since you arrived” He gave Enger an apologetic smile “Tall man in a brown coat, usually has a red tie around his neck. Trill spots, black eyes, and slightly pointed ears. Can’t miss him” Joseph stood up and put forth a large hand to shake Enger’s “It’s been a pleasure. Whenever you need anything don’t hesitate to give me a call”

Commissioner Karlson

So that was who she heard trying not to pace outside the door. A slight smile quirked her lips, “I look forward to the imminent chance to meet him.” Karina stood and took his hand. “It was my pleasure, Commissioner. Thank you for your help and insight. And please if I can help with anything let me know.”

Karina left his office closing the door gently behind her and scanned the hall way, her eyes landing on the Tall man with the brown coat, red tie, Trill spots, Betazoid black eyes, and possible the hint of Vulcan or Romulan ears. “Detective Chief Inspector Pangolin, I am Karina Enger.”

Enger, ED

The man turned around and smiled a polite smile “Madame director” He said with a slight bow and incline of his head “How can I be of assistance?” He spoke with a slight Oedvian accent, a characteristic of many of the earlier colonists.

DCI Pangolin

Karina smiled politely. “Commissioner Karlson said that you would be the perfect person to ask about developing a educational program for those a…aspiring to join the police force. If you are willing, I would like to set up time to talk with you.”

Enger, ED