Area kids looking for an opportunity to learn more about how local law enforcement operates, can sign up now for the Winfield Police Dept.’s youth citizens police academy. Participation is free of charge.
The program is offered next month, following the conclusion of the school year. A one-day class is offered 9 a.m. to noon May 20 for children ages 9 to 12. Teens 13 to 18 will attend a three-day program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 21-23. Classes for teens will conclude with a cookout at 11 a.m. on May 24.
If you would like to enroll your child or teen, please fill out the online application at winfieldks.org/youthacademy. Applications are due by noon on Monday, May 13. Class size is limited in each age range, so organizers encourage those interested to apply quickly. Financial support from Alia Tate Agency – Shelter Insurance and Cowley College Criminal Justice is covering the cost of the youth academy.
The department held its first youth academy in 2022, debuting a new format for its teen citizens police academy last held in 2015. The academy’s goal is to provide positive interactions between police officers and the youth of the community, while educating them about law enforcement.
The younger age group will attend a program geared toward building a good foundation between participants and the police, with age-appropriate activities encouraging interaction between officers and the children.
In the program for teens, participants will gain an understanding of law enforcement responsibilities through three days of hands-on activities. Teens will learn about police operations while providing feedback to enhance officers’ relations with the young people in the community. Sessions in the teen portion of the academy include traffic enforcement, technology in law enforcement, S.W.A.T., drug investigations, DUI, TASER, and more.
If you have questions or would like more information on the youth citizens police academy, please contact Tyler Gaskill of the Winfield Police Department by email at [email protected], by phone at (620)221-5545, or through the Winfield Police Department Facebook page at facebook.com/WinfieldPolice.
