School Resource Officer Samantha Terrazas with the Los Alamos Police Department explains to students what the LAPD does. Courtesy photo
Municipal Judge Elizabeth Allen and students participate in a mock trial of the ‘Three Little Pigs’. Courtesy photo
Los Alamos Municipal Court News:
The Los Alamos Municipal Court and Police Department collaborated to give children a glimpse into the criminal justice system during a field trip to the Municipal Justice Center. Throughout April, Judge Elizabeth Allen from the Los Alamos Municipal Court, along with School Resource Officers Samantha Terrazas and Joey Robinson from the Los Alamos Police Department, welcomed more than 130 children from local elementary schools.
The students were divided into smaller groups for a comprehensive tour of the police station, where they learned about fingerprinting and the various functions of the police department. The tour continued at the courthouse, where the children gained insights into the judicial system through a mock trial of the “Three Little Pigs”.
“Building connections with our youth is a top priority,” CPl. Terrazas said. “We want them to feel supported and know we are always here for them.”
She added that she enjoys the different questions and knowledge each class brings, saying, “Witnessing the joy on children’s faces as they explore the Police Department and Courthouse firsthand is truly fulfilling.”
Judge Allen uses the mock trial to help children develop critical thinking skills.
“There is a lot that children may not understand about the law, but they do understand that there are always two sides to every story,” she said. “We use the ‘Three Little Pigs’ story to discuss the pig’s version versus the wolf’s version of events. The children then act as the jury to decide which witnesses are credible.”
This year, only about half of the classes found the wolf guilty, illustrating the diverse perspectives children bring to the activity.
The children received stickers and gavels as souvenirs of their learning experience and enjoyed popcorn as a treat. Most classes attended by using the Atomic City Transit.
Teachers interested in bringing their students for a tour of the Municipal Justice Center can complete a field trip request form on the Los Alamos Municipal Court website. For more information, call 505.662.8025.
