Culpeper County Public Schools’ Criminal Justice program is thriving in its second year, thanks to a unique partnership between educators and local law enforcement professionals. Led by Culpeper Chief of Police Chris Settle, the program offers students from both high schools a hands-on introduction to the criminal justice system, combining classroom instruction with real-world experience.
Building the Program
The Criminal Justice class, a dual enrollment (DE) course with Germanna Community College, returned to the Program of Studies in the 2024-2025 school year after a four-year hiatus. Originally offered in 2016, the course was reintroduced with an updated curriculum and a deepened focus on community collaboration.
Chief Settle said the idea to bring the course back came from ongoing conversations with CCPS leadership. “The school system and Dr. Brads recognized that this was important for students and for the community,” he said. “We’re in a recruitment battle in law enforcement, and if we can engage students when they’re 16 or 17 and show them what public service is really about, we’re investing in the future.”
Designed for students interested in fields such as law enforcement, corrections, probation, prosecution, and law, the class gives participants a foundational understanding of the justice system while helping them explore potential career paths. “Many law enforcement careers start at 21, but students’ interests often begin much earlier,” Settle said. “This program helps keep that interest alive. There are opportunities at 18, like corrections or dispatch, that can start a career in public service.”
Learning from Experience
Students meet between Germanna Community College and the Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC), where they are taught by a team of active professionals:
Chief Chris Settle, Culpeper Police Department
Deputy Chief Nick White, Culpeper Police Department
Captain Bill Hutchinson, Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office
Former Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Maggie Cleary
Commonwealth’s Attorney Russ Rabb also lends support, serving as the judge for the class’s mock trials.
Settle described the teaching approach as highly interactive and collaborative, “We try to make it as hands-on as possible. What students do at the mock crime scene goes straight into the mock trial, so they see the entire process, from investigation to courtroom.”
The collaboration doesn’t stop with law enforcement. Other CTEC programs contribute as well, Cosmetology students apply makeup for mock injuries, Medical Assistant students provide simulated blood, Automotive students supply vehicle parts, and Carpentry students build frames for shoe impression evidence. “Almost every department at CTEC has provided something,” Settle added. “It really is a team effort.”
Hands-On Learning
Students experience real-world scenarios throughout the course, including field trips to the Culpeper Police Department and the Culpeper County Courthouse. At the police department, students meet members of specialized units such as SWAT, investigations, and the drone team. During courthouse visits, they sit in on live proceedings, tour the building, and meet with Judge Durrer, who shares his path to the bench.
The course culminates in a mock crime scene and mock trial at the end of the semester, activities that integrate everything students have learned. “These experiences are good for our officers and for the students,” Settle said. “We both win. It’s fun for us, and we love doing it.”
Student Perspective
For Ankita Neighbors, an Eastern View High School senior, the class helped shape her future plans. “I want to major in forensic science in college,” she said. “I’ve always been interested in crime documentaries and shows, and this class made it even more interesting.”
When asked about her favorite part of the class, Ankita said, “The mock crime scene and mock court trial. It was really cool to experience both sides.” Neighbors said she was also surprised by the teaching style. “I thought the police officers would be super serious, but they were actually fun and brought life to the class. It’s a space where you can be yourself, you can express your opinions and debate. It’s very hands-on.”
Ankita’s experience in the class confirmed her future goals. “It really solidified my decision to study forensic science in college because it was so interesting and fun,” she said.
Building Future Public Servants
Chief Settle sees the course as more than just a class, it’s an investment in Culpeper’s future. “If we can get local kids invested in serving their own community, we’re all better off,” he said. “They know the community, they care about it, and they want to give back.”
Students develop not only career interests but also important civic knowledge. “They gain an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens,” Settle said. “That’s important for everyone, whether they go into law enforcement or not.”
As the program grows, Settle and his team continue refining the curriculum and exploring ways to expand. A second-level course is a goal for future years. “We’re still learning and evolving,” Settle said. “The students are sharp, the conversations are real, and it’s making a positive difference.”
A Shared Commitment
CCPS Division Superintendent Tony Brads praised the collaboration that makes the program possible. “This partnership reflects the very best of Culpeper,” Brads said. “When our community leaders come together to support students, we create powerful learning experiences that prepare them for life, for careers, and for service. We are incredibly grateful for the time, talent, and commitment our law enforcement and legal partners bring to this program.”
