The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

While students may hear these words spoken on popular prime-time TV shows or in their government classes, they now have the chance to explore the meaning and application of the phrase.

The Law and Public Safety class is a new addition to the career and technical education department. Social studies teacher Robert Conlon proposed and is now teaching the course, which introduces students to the field of forensics studies.

“[The class is] an exploration of career opportunities for those interested in law and public safety,” Conlon said.

During class, students get hands-on experience, including touring fire stations and role-playing real life police situations.

“The most interesting thing is learning about the steps needed to obtain the career of your choice in law enforcement,” senior Alissa Begay said. “It shows you how to get into your career of choice.”

Students learn through field trips and role playing.

“I let them role play situations like being pulled over by police,” Conlon said. “The students have done really well in these activities.”

Students taking the class say they are interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement.

“I want to be a firefighter,” senior Zack Sarmiento said. “We had a guest speaker who is a firefighter, and he said that he just went to a tech college to get his degree.”

Conlon has two goals for the class.

“I hope for the students to get out knowing their individual rights, and I want them to know the career opportunities provided in law enforcement,” he said.

For students trying to decide what to do in the future, the new class helps them focus on their goals.

“This class is different because I, in general, focus on law, and this is the only class I feel that goes in depth,” senior Taylor Smith. “So this class is a rarity for our school.”

The course allows students not only to experiment with law enforcement careers but to learn the importance of public safety.

“I want to open students’ eyes to seeing different opportunities in this profession,” Conlon said.