Young members of the community hoping to learn more about law enforcement practices and procedures won’t get that opportunity this summer.
The annual Youth Police Academy for the 2011 season has been suspended and officials are blaming the economy.
Hosted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department and with assistance from other area law enforcement agencies and Jefferson Davis Community College, the program is falling victim to tight budgets and a poor economy.
“For economic reasons we believe it is best to cancel the Youth Police Academy …

The Denville Police Department conducted a Junior Police Academy for about 50 youngsters this summer.
The aim of the weeklong academy was to teach children 10 to 13 the qualities of respect, honor and integrity and to bridge the gap between children and their local police force. During this year’s program — July 19 to 23 — the cadets participated in a variety of team-building activities, learned how to march together and met guest speakers involved in law enforcement and related fields.
This summer, the program welcomed …

The Union County Sheriff’s Youth Academy graduated its third class recently after two fun-filled weeks learning about law enforcement up close.
More than thirty teens from across Union County took part in the Sheriff’s Youth Academy, a program designed to familiarize young people with the role of a police officer. Also, it operates similar to an actual police academy for teens interested in law enforcement.
“The Youth Academy aims to teach our kids about law enforcement and it is a great first step for those …

Lt. Robert Kneer leads the cadets into council chambers to start the graduation ceremony for the Junior Police Academy on Aug. 13.

PHOTO/BOB KING

Sgt. Derek Bastinck introduces Councilwoman Jeanne Baratta (left) and Deputy Mayor Lisa Swain at the graduation. Joshua Castillo reads his essay about the academy with Officer Glen Callons looking on. Neal Patel is congratulated at the ceremony. Lt. Robert Kneer congratulates Kelly Smith and Ryan Smith on their participation. Kimberly Schor shows off the certificate she received during the graduation.
Fair …

Youngsters who are interested in a career in law enforcement, or just in being law-abiding citizens can learn more at the Rockingham Police Department’s Junior Police Academy next month.
“We run this program every summer for youths from about 12 to 17 who may have a potential interest in law enforcement in any field. It doesn’t have to be as a police officer, it could be as an attorney or a judge or a counselor,” said Rockingham Police Chief Robert Voorhees.
The course will be held July 19-23.
The academy is offered to …

Thirteen-year-old Martavies Blake can’t decide if he wants to be a lawyer or a police officer when he grows up. But this summer camp is helping him make up his mind.“It helps me know that if I want to be with the police I’ve got to be better and change my act,” he says. Rockford’s first Junior Police Academy is run by District 205′s school liaison officers, and aims to adjust aspirations and attitudes.“Hopefully it gives them …