Young scholars graduate from JPD’s Youth Police Academy

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson Police Department’s Youth Police Academy held their graduation ceremony Wednesday.

Hosted at the Jackson Police Department, the academy is designed to create positive relationships between law enforcement and young scholars.

The academy aims to change the attitudes and perceptions the scholars may have toward law enforcement by engaging them directly with the Jackson police officers.

Wednesday, the participants learned about defense tactics, and heard from the gang unit and SWAT team.

“It was an unbelievable experience to be able to work with these kids for the last two days and see them interact with police officers, see different presenters come up and present different aspects within the police department,” said Sgt. Curtis Cozart, community engagement officer.

Graduates were presented with certificates and a sticker badge at the end of their day.

The hope is to set up more than one youth police academy in the near future.

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