Area youth interested in law-related careers will have the opportunity to spend a week with local professionals during the Wichita-Sedgwick County Law Enforcement Youth Citizen Police Academy.
This is the first year for the Youth Police Academy, but the Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department hope to make it an annual event. The project is a coordinated effort between the Wichita Police Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department, Wichita Public Schools and Andale High School.
“This is our first year with this pilot project,” said Sgt. Terrilee Jones, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department. “We hope to expand the program so we can offer it to students in all the schools in Sedgwick County.”
Approximately 25 youth will participate in the day camp where they will learn about various aspects of law-related careers. The week’s activities will include tours of the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center, the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility and 911 Communications Center. The students will also observe trial proceedings, run an obstacle course and receive a demonstration on the shooting range.
“Most of the students participating have already had exposure to law enforcement because the School Resource Officers have been in the classrooms teaching law-related topics during the school year,” said Sgt. Jerry Quick, Wichita Police Department.
Prior to the Youth Academy, the students rode with Wichita Police Officers and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputies to experience the daily routine of law enforcement officers.
Students from the following schools are participating in the Youth Academy: Andale High School, Northwest High School, Bishop Carroll High School, Hadley Middle School, Wilbur Middle School, Allison Middle School and Mayberry Middle School.
Sponsors who have made donations to this event include: Papa John’s Pizza, Dillons, PepsiCo, McGreevy’s Meats, Andale High School, Wichita/Sedgwick County CrimeStoppers, Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association and Effie’s Enterprises.
For more information contact Sgt. Jerry Quick, Patrol West, 941-0673 or Sgt. Terrilee Jones, Sheriff’s Department, 383-7184.