POST FALLS - Anthony Peterson says there's no better way to learn about a career than live it.

And that's what the Post Falls High junior is doing this year.

Peterson is among 29 students in Angela Blair's Work Experience class this semester, up from 12 last semester.

He and classmate Tim Byrns spend at least five hours a week at the Post Falls Police Department, working in a variety of departments, including records and the OASIS women's shelter. They've also shadowed patrol and animal control officers on the job.

"It's so much fun," Peterson said. "You get to do so many cool things down there that you only see in the movies."

On a recent ride-along, Peterson observed an officer help a senior lady who had fallen down, and pull over four vehicles.

He also assisted with paperwork in the department, assembled DARE certificates and shadowed detectives and the animal control officer.

"My thing growing up was that I wanted to be in the military," Peterson said, adding that his parents steered him away from the option. "But, as a police officer, you're still protecting people, so it's something I love doing."

Peterson said the experience is preparing him for next year when he'll attend Boise State University to pursue a law enforcement degree.

Byrns said a friend was in the class previously and encouraged him to enroll. He's glad he did.

"The randomness of calls (at the police department) is interesting," he said.

Charlene Holbrook, the police department's communications director, said the class is good for the department, its employees and the students. The students were required to submit an application, interview with the staff and complete a one-week orientation.

"The students come to work dressed for a professional work atmosphere and willingly participate in each task they are asked to perform," Holbrook said. "The students get a better understanding of what we do and are good ambassadors for us in the community."

Senior Emily Beck was enrolled in the class - she was getting paid at the Van Heusen clothing store in the outlet mall before the store closed. So she also experienced the realities of the recession.

"Even though the outlet mall has been dead, I never thought the store would close," she said. "It was a shock, but it made me understand what the economy is going through."

Beck said the class has taught her a lot about life.

"It's taught me a lot about myself and what I want to do past high school," she said, adding that she plans to attend the University of Idaho in the fall and possibly pursue a degree in journalism or psychology. "It's given me a good perspective on what my goals are."

Blair said the class will be re-named Internship. She said students, who are required to write journal entries on what they learn, have a variety of interests including computers, graphic design, mechanics, medicine and law. Some are seeking companies willing to give them experience.

"This gives them a real perspective that they can't get in the classroom," Blair said.