Published: July 03, 2008 10:00 pm            

Youth Police Academy still accepting applications

The Huntsville Police Department will continue accepting applications for its Youth Police Academy through today.

The program will run Monday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. daily.

Though the police office will be closed on Friday, organizing officers Scott Bennett and Lance Schulz will be available by phone.

“We got 11 kids, and we’re looking to get up to 15,” Schulz said. “We’ll be here working on Friday, so anyone can call us and leave a message if we don’t answer. We’ll be checking frequently for calls.”

“The office will be closed on Friday,” Bennett said, “but we’ll work with anyone who wants to call to get their kids signed up.”

The program is open to all current seventh- and eighth-grade students in the area. Applicants must have permission from a parent or guardian and reliable transportation to and from class each day.

The academy will cover a wide variety of topics encompassing the daily life of a Huntsville police officer.

On Monday, after a brief orientation, the students will be given an overview of the Special Response Team, complete with demonstration of weapons and equipment, as well as a tour of the Walker County Jail and dispatch center.

On Tuesday, traffic stop demonstrations will be given, along with presentations on arrest tactics and various restraining devices used by the HPD.

Wednesday will be Drug and Alcohol Awareness Day. Students will see presentations on the dangers of drug use and drunk driving, as well as a demonstration of a field sobriety test.

On Thursday, Huntsville detectives will speak to the students on investigation techniques and computer crimes, and the K-9 unit will give a demonstration.

Friday, the students will participate in hands-on demonstration of crime scene investigation techniques. At the end of the program, each student will receive a certificate of graduation, and refreshments will be served.

Officers Bennett and Schulz are also hoping to set up ride-alongs for each child pending scheduling and parental permission.

Anyone seeking more information can visit the Huntsville Police Department or contact Bennett or Schulz at the HPD at (936) 295-5448.

        

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