(Lawrenceville, Georgia)  The Gwinnett County Police Department’s first-ever Youth Police Academy is in full swing this week.  The planning of the Youth Police Academy began many months ago.  On Monday, May 9, the department began accepting applications for the free program.  Because of the overwhelming response from the community, this program may return next summer as well. 

The teens arrived on Monday, July 25 for their first day.  The week-long program begins at 9am each day and concludes at 4pm.  Here is a break-down of the course schedule:

Monday:

• Orientation/Rules
• Instructor Introductions
• Fun Run / Obstacle Course
• Team Building Exercises
• Learning about the Uniform Division
  • Precincts
  • Special Operations

Tuesday:

• Criminal Investigations
  • Property Crimes
  • Personal Crimes
  • Internet Safety for Teens
  • Crime Scene Investigations
    • Fingerprinting
    • Crime Scene Photography

Wednesday:

• Defensive Tactics
  • Self-Defense
  • Firearms Training Simulator (no live weapons used)
  • Taser Demonstration
  • Driving Simulators
  • Basic Firearms Safety
  • Gang Awareness and Prevention
  • Narcotics Awareness and Prevention

Thursday:

• Jail Tour
• 911 Center Tour
• GCPD Headquarters Tour
• Active Shooter Awareness (Run, Hide, Fight)
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
• Traffic Stops
• Accident Investigation Unit

Friday:

• K9 Demonstration
• Aviation Demonstration (helicopter landing at the Training Center)
• SWAT Operations
• Bomb Squad (HDU) Operations
  • SWAT & HDU Vehicles
  • Introduction to GCPD Explorer Program
  • Certificate of Completion

When asked about their career goals, some teens said that they were already interested in law enforcement.  Other teens even said that they are now considering a career in police work after attending the program. 

Some of the teens in the class had never met an officer before.  In addition to learning about the daily skills, these kids understand that police officers are normal people just like them.  On-duty and off-duty, police officers are members of their community.

This has been a terrific opportunity to engage with our younger population.  These kids are full of energy and eager to learn.  There has been no shortage of questions and personal experiences shared between the officers doing the teaching and the students doing the learning. 

Though this program is only offered to teens between ages 13-17, GCPD offers a Citizen’s Police Academy to everyone else over the age of 18.  To sign up for the 18+ Citizen’s Police Academy, complete the application at www.gwinnettcpa.com. 

Link to photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nn1nxpsrtsp4azg/AACbeOGuvFrgGhLWIxRRY7FFa?dl=0