Youth get to experience life in law enforcement during BPD academy

Saturday, 23 June 2012 by Ashley Corn

Belton High School graduate Adam Barnes jumps through a window during an obstacle course challenge during the Belton Police Department’s Youth Academy on Monday.Last year, the Belton Police Department started a week-long Youth Police Academy in the summer for eighth graders and high school students to receive a better understanding of the training and education required to pursue a career in Law Enforcement.

This being only their second year, the Belton Police Department already has many more students interested in this career choice.

On Monday morning, almost 20 teenagers showed up to kick-off their week-long class with squad car tours and an obstacle course that police officers use to train for situations during a pursuit.

They scaled 6-foot walls, jumped over a fence and through a window braving the Texas heat.

"After watching hundreds of hours of Cops, I became very interested in Police work," Jack Pliska, age 14, said. "I talked to my mother about it and she agreed and let me sign up for this."

During the rest of the week, participants will get the opportunity to do mock building searches, crime scenes and traffic jams, a tour of the Bell County Jail, a demonstration with the K-9 unit, get to shoot a taser, and many more examples involved with working in Law Enforcement.

After the week is over, the students will graduate with family able to watch and receive a certificate along with a shirt.

"This really gives them a good taste of what it takes to be in the Law Enforcement business," BPD Officer Doug Taylor said. "We have a lot more interested this year and they're all good kids. This has really grown since last year."

Any students interested in signing up for next year's Youth Police Academy can pick up an application at the Belton Police Department or the city of Belton website at www.ci.belton.tx.us and turn it into the front desk at the Belton Police Department.

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