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Fuquay Varina Police, Herbert Akins Middle launch Criminal Justice Club for students
Summary
The Fuquay Varina Police Department and Herbert Akins Road Middle School launched a Criminal Justice Club led by school resource officer Derek Wilson; 80 students applied and 34 were accepted when the club started Jan. 15, 2025.
The Fuquay Varina Police Department presented the town board on May 20 with details of a new Criminal Justice Club at Herbert Akins Road Middle School, an in‑school program led by School Resource Officer Derek Wilson that began Jan. 15, 2025.
Police Chief Smith described the club as a youth engagement initiative that enrolled students through an application process: 80 students applied and 34 were accepted, Chief Smith said. Meetings are held weekly on Wednesdays during school hours for 30 minutes; the curriculum covers elements of law enforcement functions and life skills such as public speaking, discipline, confidence and teamwork. The program uses branded club shirts and a motto of “One team, One Fight.”
Officer Derek Wilson, a Navy veteran and a former Newport News (Va.) police officer who joined Fuquay Varina PD in February 2022, serves as the club’s leader. Chief Smith said long‑term goals include transitioning interested students into the Police Explorers program and potentially into future service with the department. Chief Smith also noted outreach events such as a recent “Hooping with a Cop” basketball event that connected officers and students.
Chief Smith presented Officer Wilson with a community service commendation for his work establishing the club. Principal Atkins and students attended the recognition at the board meeting.
Why it matters: the club is an early‑intervention youth engagement program intended to teach skills, build relationships between students and police, and create a potential pipeline into the department’s youth programs. The club is in‑school, limited by application, and designed for middle school students at Herbert Akins Road Middle School.
