Calgary, AB,
17
August
2018
|
10:33
America/Denver

Junior Police Academy Graduates 1,000th Student

A Calgary Police Service program aimed at giving young Calgarians an inside look at policing has reached a big milestone. This Friday, the program will be graduating its 1,000th student.

The Junior Police Academy brings together youth between the ages of 12 and 16 for a four-day immersion into the world of policing. During the week, the youth visit YouthLink, tour the HAWCS helicopter hangar and other specialty areas, meet police service dogs and horses, see how the Forensic Crime Scene Unit collects evidence, and learn about major crime investigations.

Participants are also given uniforms, complete fitness training, practice dress and drill, receive classroom instruction and work in teams to give the youth a taste of what life is like for real police recruits.

“We want Calgary’s youth to know that police officers are approachable, and that we genuinely care about them and our community,” says Acting Staff Sergeant Paul Dunn, with the Calgary Police Service Intervention and Mentorship Unit. “Opening our facilities to these young people helps build trust and, as they get to know some of our officers, it shows them that there are real people inside the uniforms.”

The Junior Police Academy started 14 years ago to help build positive relationships between youth and police officers. There have been 40 classes over the years. In the summer, the Service partners with Big Brothers & Big Sisters and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary to offer the program to the youth from those organizations.

There are three Junior Police Academies offered each year and anyone interested in applying can find the application form and requirements on the Calgary Police Service website. There is no cost to anyone wanting to participate.

Junior Police Academy Class 40 will be graduating this Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, at the Calgary Police Service Headquarters. The 1000th person to compete the program is in the class.

The Calgary Police Service could not offer this program without the support of our partners and sponsors, including YouthLink, Peter’s Drive-InBig Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary.