By Staff
Law enforcement agencies from across the county will be joining forces to present the eighth Youth Police Academy.
The weeklong Academy will be held July 14-18 on the campus of Jefferson Davis Community College, co-sponsor of the event, according to Clair Sanborn, YPA director.
The event's main sponsors are the Brewton Police Department and the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. Along with JDCC, other co-sponsors are the Flomaton and Atmore Police Departments.
The program is open to any child between the ages of 12 and 17 and has a genuine interest in law enforcement, Sanborn said.
The program will include classroom and hands-on instruction in a variety of topics, Sanborn said.
Training topics for the program include the role of law enforcement today; drug identification; dangers of drug and alcohol abuse; crime scene investigations and forensics; firearm safety; self-defense techniques; criminal court and procedures; physical conditioning; personal character development; traffic stops, domestic violence; DUI laws and consequences.
Law enforcement officers from sponsoring agencies will conduct instruction on all topics, Sanborn said.
Throughout the program, students will learn valuable lessons that will enhance their understanding of law enforcement, Sanborn said.
The tuition for the program is set at $175 per student. The fee includes lodging, meals, two Academy t-shirts, graduation certificate and reception and training materials, Sanborn said. A $75 deposit is required with the application with the remainder due June 2.
Several of the applications already accepted for the Academy indicate scholarship assistance is needed, Sanborn said.
Sanborn said donations for last year's program, allowed every child who made application to attend the five-day event.
With costs rising in many areas, additional donations will be necessary for this year's program to succeed, Sanborn said.
To register or make a donation, interested parties may contact Sanborn at 809-2149, or Samantha Bennett at 368-9141.