If the blare of sirens and the strobe of flashing lights gets your heart pounding – and your are an Escambia County teen – you may be a perfect candidate for the annual Youth Police Academy set for this summer.

Organizers of this annual event that introduces and educates the youth of the area about work in the field of law enforcement say there are still spaces available for this educational and fun program.

The event is set for June 10-14 and will be held on the campus of Jefferson Davis Community College. The Academy is open to students between 12 and 17 years old. Total cost for the five day-four night event is $175 and includes accomodations, meals, two Academy shirts and all instructional fees.

The Youth Police Academy is sponsored by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department,the Brewton Police Department and Jefferson Davis Community College. Co-sponsors for the event are the Atmore Police Department, Flomaton Police Department and East Brewton Police Department.

Each department represented will be assisting with instruction with additional instrucational assistance and direction by members of the Alabama State Troopers, the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office and others.

The Academy is designed for children who have a genuine interest in law enforcement. This Academy will challenge them physically and allow them to learn more about the function of law enforcement in society.

Organizers say the two major goals of the event are to give young people a glimpse into the life of law enforcment officlas and to show the negative effects of criminal activity as well as chance the moral chracter of participants by setting a positive example.

Academy students will participate in programs similar to those taught official police academy classes. Students will have classroom instruction and hand- 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 & 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 spot. There will be a limit of 35 students with applications accepted on a first come, first served basis. Applications and all fees must received and be paid by May 1. Checks must be made payable to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information contact: Samantha Bennett at the Atmore Police Department at 251-368-9141 or beesmama1@yahoo.com or Janet Richburg Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at 251-809- 0741ext. 151 or jrichburg@co.escambia.al.us.