“Kearns, what’s your 10-20” crackles from Officer Joseph Kearns’ walkie-talkie. “10-20” is law enforcement radio shorthand for “what’s your location.” For Kearns, the answer is Birchwood High School at the Department of Juvenile Justice’s Broad River Road Complex in Columbia.
Officer Kearns is new to the job and DJJ. He graduated from DJJ’s four-week training program in July. During the course, he earned the title of Class Leader, in part because of his previous military experience.
"The training was extensive," explained Kearns. "They taught us to lead with integrity and consistency."
Kearns is a 29-year Army veteran and trading in one uniform for another. He retired from Fort Jackson in November of last year. Now at DJJ, Kearns serves South Carolina and its youth.
“Military veterans have many of the skill-sets and experiences needed to excel at DJJ,” explains DJJ Acting Director Freddie Pough. “I am proud DJJ is able to offer veterans another opportunity to serve South Carolina and our country.”
Military experience across four decades and another eight years of corrections experience is something to be proud of, but Kearns knows he is the new person on campus and can learn from a group of experienced officers.
“The staff I’m working with at the school is great. They taught me what I need to know; what right looks like, so I can teach the kids what right looks like.”
Kearns and fellow officers are responsible for maintaining the overall security of the school. Correctional officers and other Birchwood staff make sure students are where they’re supposed to be, when they’re supposed to be there. He says they still try to foster a positive learning environment for students.
“We try to make the youth feel comfortable. I’ve learned they appreciate consistency.”
Kearns approaches his new post with humility and the confidence he has a lot more to offer.
"I like structure. I think I'm a leader. I want to be a leader here and help turn the juveniles in the right direction," he explained. “The kids need guidance and something to look up to. I can be that something.”
All DJJ officers take an oath to “serve and protect the public, and those placed under their care to the best of their ability.” DJJ’s men and women in uniform are prepared and willing to fulfill that oath, regardless of their “10-20.”
DJJ
DJJ's Division of Security Operations trains and graduates a new class of officers each month. If you're interested in a career at the Department of Juvenile Justice, visit the state jobs website at agency.governm...