It's their job: Colby Morgan, school resource officer

Name: Colby Morgan

Job: School resource officer for Portales Police Department

Background: Morgan was raised in Northern Colorado but moved to Amarillo where he began his law enforcement career. In 2004, he moved to Portales and is now studying criminal justice and business at ENMU.

Time on job: Almost 5 years

What does your job entail? I work in the schools. The city council, mayor and the chief of police authorized me to spend all day in the schools. I mainly stay at the junior high and high school to provide safety for students. I do a little law enforcement, teaching and counseling. It's not typical police work, but it is rewarding because it’s good to know that if we can get the kids before they go south of the law, we have spared a lot of heartache.

What is a typical day like for you? The first half of the day, I conduct traffic control and spend my morning at either the junior high and high school. I then swap after lunch and go to the other school. On days where there is no school, I am a full time officer; I do regular bike patrol and traffic control in the summer.

Why did you choose this job? I have always wanted to do law enforcement. I saw an advertisement for an officer position while I was living in Amarillo. I put in my application three times, and finally got the job. I love this job. The people of Portales are friendly. All, in all, its a great place.

What kind of training, if any, is needed for this job? Police work is training in itself. You have to go to the police academy for nine and a half months. Once you're on the job, there are still more trainings. We go to a training at least once a month. Going to college helps as well. Anytime you know more, it is better. My bosses actually want me to go to college and learn more.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy a lot of interaction with people. In many cases, it's the worst day of their life, but my job is to help them with their problem. I find it very rewarding. I also enjoy working with the outstanding people at the police department.

— Compiled by PNT Correspondent

Blake Downs