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Youth Police Academy
The Youth Police Academy is a free program designed to educate middle school students in grades 6 through 8 about the Police Department and its day-to-day operations. It's a fun and active introduction to the world of law enforcement. Dinner is provided each session and participants will receive a Youth Police Academy sweatshirt.
The academy will include: station and building tours, police scenarios, patrol duties and operations, criminal investigations and interview techniques, State Patrol helicopter, Trooper 7, visit (weather permitting), Washington County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) demonstrations and K9 unit demonstration.
Demonstrations & Simulations
Safety and fun is the number one priority for this academy. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable to participate.
Throughout the academy, officers will be using and demonstrating with simulated weapons. This can include compressed air guns that do not shoot projectiles and plastic molded guns that do not have the capacity to shoot. If your child is not comfortable with this activity, participation for these activities is not required and an alternative activity will be provided.
Participants will be coached on police building search techniques during one meeting. Plastic molded handguns and rifles will be present if participants would like to practice searching with a weapon in hand. Officers will also discuss firearms safety with participants, but live fire weapons will never be used during the academy.
Contact
If you have questions about Youth Police Academy please email Officer Ashley Kowarsch.
Spring Youth Police Academy
Currently Full. Please check back in late August for the Fall Youth Academy.
Mondays, April 24-May 22
3:30-6 p.m.
HERO Center, 10125 85th Street South, Cottage Grove
Free to attend, registration is limited and required
Due to the high demand for this program and limited space; registration is currently open to first-time participants of the Youth Police Academy. Please complete the below registration form to register.