At the start of the school year CLHS got a new law enforcement teacher, Mr. Ricardo Clayton, who shared some background about himself and his teaching.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in Meridian, Mississippi

Q: What made you want to be an officer?

A: Just so happens, I have not lived in Mississippi all of my life. Having seen a need for officer response in some of the tougher neighborhoods… Having seen some of the not so positive treatment of individuals by officers… I decided that I would be willing to become a Law Enforcement Officer, for the purpose of serving All of my community. My thoughts were that by becoming a Law Enforcement Officer, I would be willing to go to any area needing assistance… I would also be willing to treat All people respectfully. This is not to say that I saw all negative in Law Enforcement. But, instead it is to say that I saw a need for more officers that cared for and respected humanity

Q: How did you end up teaching here at Center Line?

A: I came to Michigan based upon a “Calling”, just so happened that I saw an opportunity to share some of the information that I have gained over more than 23 years of Security, Correction, and Law Enforcement. More specifically, an opportunity to share with young people.

Q: How much do you enjoy Michigan?

A: Due to Covid 19, I currently have limited exposure to the area. I cannot yet make a fair assessment.

Q: So far how was your experience with Center Line students?

A: I am enjoying meeting and building relationships with Center Line Students.

Q: If you weren’t an officer what other career choice did you want to get into?

A: Personal and/or Strength Training. I really enjoy being in a gym. Again, currently limited due to Covid.

Q: Do you enjoy being an officer or a teacher?

A: Actually both, however, I am more so enjoying the opportunity to share information. Before leaving Mississippi, I had opportunities to serve as an adjunct Instructor for a couple of Colleges, Police Academies (Full Time and Part Time Academies) Correctional Academies, Mississippi Department of Education as well as, for the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security. I have grown to the point of more so desiring the sharing of information.

Q: How have you been handling the current covid situation?

A: I’ve been handling the current Covid situation all right. It is currently the new norm.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: Watching movies and talking with loved ones.

Q: How are you?

A: Blessed and Appreciative

Mr. Clayton was a former officer who has seen and done a lot in his life. He is a good teacher with his very easy going personality and his cool teaching style. He’s a respectful man who makes the subject he is teaching interesting.