Jackson Police Department kicks off 3rd Youth Police Academy
JACKSON, Tenn. — Several youth got the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of one local police department.
The Jackson Police Department kicked off its 3rd annual Youth Police Academy Monday morning.
Various youth and kids attending the Hub Club summer camp got the opportunity to get an inside look at what goes on in the station.
They began the day with a meet and greet with JPD staff where they received name badges, T-shirts, and more.
“We’ll go to the police station and try to show them all of the different television screens where the different camera systems we have,” said Jackson Police Sergeant Curtis Cozart. “Also, we’ll talk to a couple of captains over patrol, what their job is on that side of the house, just different aspects of the Jackson Police Department.”
Attendees have the chance to ask questions, meet K9s, and explore different departments including aviation and the gang unit.
“Our goal is to actually try to give a different outlook to not only the youth in the City of Jackson, but the adults as well,” Sergeant Cozart said. “That just because you see bad things on television or you see police officers doing bad things, that all police officers are not bad, and we want to try to reach out and show a different perception of the Jackson Police Department.”
When the program first began, attendance was roughly eight kids. That number has now grown to about 22.
“In the beginning, it wasn’t really many people showing up even though we put the word out there, but it has grown gradually throughout the years,” Cozart said.
The two-day program will conclude with a graduation ceremony on July 8.
The Youth Police Academy currently partners with local summer camps and nonprofits. JPD hopes that in the future, they can open this program up to the public.
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