Rookie Responders Educates New Drivers on Important Skills in Free Class
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 16, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
The Fulshear Police Department offers a free class open to all local new drivers. The purpose is to educate them on what to do when they interact with law enforcement. The next class is coming up.
A simple conversation with a new driver led to a class dedicated to bringing law enforcement and teens together.
“A young man walked up to me and proudly told me that he had just received his driver’s license,” recalls Fulshear Police Captain Mike McCoy. “I congratulated him and then asked, ‘Do you know what to do if you ever get pulled over by a police officer?’ His response surprised me. He said, ‘They don’t teach us that.’ That conversation stuck with me.”
That conversation became the inspiration for Rookie Responder.
“We spend a lot of time teaching young people how to drive, but very little time teaching them what to do when they see emergency lights behind them or how to safely interact with a police officer during a traffic stop,” adds Captain McCoy.
For 8 years the Fulshear Police Department has hosted Rookie Responders, designated specifically for young and inexperienced drivers. The free class gives students a head start on becoming safer, smarter, and more confident drivers.
“Our goal is to give students practical information they can actually use when they get behind the wheel,” says Captain McCoy.
The next class is Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 5:00- 6:00 p.m. at Fulshear City Hall Municipal Complex (6611 W. Cross Creek Bend Blvd.)
During this interactive class, drivers will learn:
How to safely handle a traffic stop
What to expect, how to respond, and how to make the interaction as safe as possible for everyone.
The dangers of distracted driving
Why even a moment of distraction can have serious consequences.
Practical, real-world driving tips
Simple strategies to help young drivers make better decisions and become safer and more confident behind the wheel.
Parents are encouraged to attend, but not required.
“Parents do everything they can to prepare their children to be safe drivers, and Rookie Responder adds another layer to that preparation,” explains Captain McCoy. “We teach young drivers how to respond calmly and safely during a traffic stop, how to make good decisions about where to pull over, and how their actions can help create a safer environment for both themselves and the officer.”
This class is FREE and open to any local student whether they live in Fulshear or not.
Students can reserve their spot today by emailing Captain McCoy.
“If a student leaves our class more confident about what to do during a traffic stop and thinks twice before picking up a phone while driving, then we have accomplished something that could potentially save a life,” says Captain McCoy.
