Youth Police Academy still has openings

Published 11:34 am Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Youth Police Academy class number 12 has announced that there are still openings for the academy, which will be held Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20. Applicants must be 12 to 17 years old.

The total cost is $175. There are a few scholarships available. This price includes the cost of room and board, two academy tee shirts, and instructional fees.

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

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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.

The Academy is designed for children who have a genuine interest in law enforcement. This Academy is designed to challenge them physically and allow them to learn more about the function of law enforcement in society. The program is designed to 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 academy. Students will have classroom instruction and hands on training on various topics. Students will participate in physical training and drill exercises daily. Training topics include such topics as the role of law enforcement today, drug identification, the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, crime scene investigations and forensics, firearm safety, self-defense techniques, personal character development, traffic stops, domestic violence and DUI laws and consequences.

A deposit of $75 is due at time of application to reserve a spot. The balance is due on Thursday, June 7. There will be a limit of 35 students, so applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Applications must be received by Monday, May 21 and all fees must be paid by Friday, June 1. 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