The thirteenth Youth Police Academy class is now taking applications for the academy, which will be held Mon. June 10, through Friday, June 14, 2013.

According to Samantha Bennett, administrative assistant at Atmore Police Department, applicants must be 12 to 17 years old and the total cost is $175 per student. Bennett said there are a few scholarships remaining available. This price includes the cost of room and board, two academy tee shirts and instructional fees.

The academy will be held on the campus of Jefferson Davis Community College. It is five days and four nights.

The Youth Police Academy is sponsored by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department,

The Brewton Police Department and Jefferson Davis Community College. It is co-

sponsored by Atmore Police Department, Flomaton Police Department and East

Brewton Police Department; however, there are many instructors from agencies such as the Alabama State Troopers, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office, and others, according to a press release from APD.

According to the release, “the Academy is designed for children who have a genuine interest in law enforcement,” and “will challenge them physically and allow them to learn more about the function of law enforcement in our society. We feel that this program will achieve two major goals. The first is to give young people a glimpse into the law enforcement profession and to show the negative effects of criminal activity. The second is to enhance the moral character of the students by setting a positive example by academy staff.”

Academy students will participate in programs that are similar to those that are taught in the real police academies. Students will have classroom instruction and hands on training in various topics. Students will participate in physical training and drill exercises daily. Training topics include: Role of Law Enforcement Today, Drug Identification, Dangers of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Crime Scene Investigations and Forensics, Firearm Safety, Self Defense Techniques, Personal Character Development, Traffic Stops, Domestic Violence, DUI Laws and consequences.

A deposit of $75 is due at time of application to reserve a spot. There will be a limit of 35 students, so applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Applications and all fees must be received by Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Checks must be made payable to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information contact: Samantha Bennett (Atmore PD) at 251-368-9141 or

beesmama1@yahoo.com or Janet Richburg (Escambia Co. Sheriff’s Office) at 251-809-

0741ext. 151 or jrichburg@co.escambia.al.us