FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 7, 2015

CONTACT: Peter Van Delft
(617) 704-6682

SHERIFF TOMPKINS’ SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM PAYS VISIT TO GOVERNOR BAKER, STATE HOUSE

Students of Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins’ Summer Enrichment Program recently convened at the Massachusetts State House to meet Governor Charlie Baker and to learn about the executive and legislative branches of state government.

A paid internship for 26 Suffolk County high school juniors and seniors, the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) is rooted in a mission to expose young people to law enforcement careers by providing hands–on learning experience about the inner–workings of the criminal justice system while fostering a positive relationship between young people and the uniformed officers who serve their communities. Through job shadowing, weekly presentations by members of law enforcement, roundtable discussions, law enforcement–related field trips and educational tours, members of the program are able to gain insight into the various employment opportunities in the criminal justice and law enforcement arena.

Assembling at the State House, members of the program began their day with a tour, taking note of the building’s structure and observing the artwork depicting significant moments in Massachusetts history. Following their tour, participants of the program experienced the House of Representatives in action as House members voted on legislation pertaining to state funding of the Franklin Park and Stone Zoos.

The tour of the State House and visit with Governor Baker provided a great opportunity for members of the SEP to witness the inner–workings of the Massachusetts political system while encouraging civic participation and an understanding about the intersections between law enforcement and public service.

Julie Collins, an intern with the Summer Enrichment Program, expressed her excitement about the trip, saying, “It was really cool to see the process of roll call and voting. It was extremely interesting to be in a space that looks like a museum, but with a lot of serious things are going on in there.”

Gathering in the Office of the Governor for their meeting, SEP members were greeted by Governor Baker, who shook the hand of each participant and asked which part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts they hailed from. Students engaged Governor Baker in a conversation about the program and shared with him their experiences thus far.

Amari Hanberry, a student with the Summer Enrichment Program said, “I like how the program brings kids together with the same interests and talks to us about what’s important to us. It’s very educational and informative as opposed to just working all day.”

Offering his own take, Governor Baker called the SEP “a really great program.”

As students spoke with Governor Baker, they covered a variety of topics ranging from Governor Baker’s official height to his role in oversight of law enforcement agencies across Massachusetts. Following his presentation about how the Executive Office works and the Governor conveyed a message of encouragement to the group stating, “You are all the future and the people who will be carrying on after us.”

Following the day’s events SEP member Rocco Carvahlo said, “It was interesting to meet the Governor and finding out that he is quite funny. I was stunned to meet someone like him; he actually takes interest in the youth and for me that was actually really exciting.”

For more information about the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Summer Enrichment Program, contact Nadia Lovinsky at (617) 704–6656 or nlovinsky@scsdma.org.