CRESTVIEW — Following the success of the Crestview Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy, the agency is starting its first summer youth academy.
Monday morning, as many as 50 local kids ages 7 through 16 will begin a weeklong exploration of law enforcement procedures.
Community Policing Officer Sam Kimmons said the program aims to accomplish these goals:
●Enhance responsible citizenship
●Provide positive interaction with police officers
●Educate young people about police work’s challenges and responsibilities
●Encourage participants to take part in other youth programs, such as the Law Enforcement Explorers group.
Kimmons said academy participants will learn about different divisions within the police department and what each does, including patrol, traffic, K9 dogs, Special Weapons and Tactics — known as SWAT — investigations, and about police officers’ tools of the trade.
“There’ll be some crime scene stuff,” Kimmons said. “We’ll set up a mock crime scene and they’ll get to investigate it.”
Students will also learn about internet and technology safety, remaining drug-free, “fingerprinting and all that,” Kimmons said. “And we’ll let them do some handcuffing.”
During Tuesday’s sessions, Kimmons and Officer Wanda Hulion will demonstrate alcohol’s effects by having students wear special goggles that simulate substance impairment while playing a game such as catch or shooting basketballs through hoops.
“So far, the morning session has filled up,” Kimmons said. “This is our first youth academy and we’re happy with the response.”
What: Crestview Police Youth Academy
When: July 18-22; ages 7-11, 8-11 a.m.; ages 12-16, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Crestview Police Department, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., at Industrial Drive
Cost: No cost
Notes: Registration required. Applications available at www.crestviewpd.org, at the police station or at the Crestview News Bulletin office, 638 Ferdon Blvd. N.
Contact Officers Wanda Hulion, 305-2905 or Officer Sam Kimmons, 305-7831, for more information.
WANT TO GO?
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Police Department's youth academy starts Monday