The eighth graduating class from the Alexandria Police Department Youth Citizens’ Police Academy learned much more about police work than they ever thought possible.
The 17 youth, ages 12 to 17, spent last week learning all about how the "real police" do things. "It’s not like it is on television," said Elizabeth Trigo-Jimenez. "I found out about the academy at National Night Out and I’m really glad I came. I learned a lot and had lots of fun."
The group spent the week learning about collecting evidence from crime scene technicians; about what it looks like when your vision is impaired from drinking alcohol; about when police shoot at suspects and when they refrain from doing so using a simulator and much more.
"We got to see how things are really done," said Norman Gardner. "I enjoyed the tour of the juvenile detention facility and I never want to go there. Also, these officers put their lives on the line to protect us and we need to remember that."
Dylan Lemley agreed. "I came here because I thought it would be fun," he said. "It was fun but it was serious, too. I learned more than I ever thought I would. I’m glad I came."
Charlette Mitchell-Young is a police officer who teaches DARE in the city’s public schools and who coordinates the Youth Academy. "We selected these young people because we want them to go out into the community and explain to other young people what we do," she said. "If something happens in the community and kids wonder why we do certain things, these kids and the graduates from our other Youth Academy classes can explain to them. These young people are some of our best ambassadors," she said.
Young people are selected by school resource officers or other officers with whom they come into contact. There are a limited number of slots and officers suggest young people who show leadership in their schools and who can communicate what they have learned to others.
"What you did here this week is a big deal," said Deputy Chief David Baker, who spoke to the graduates. "What better way for us to explain what we do than to invite you into our house to see for yourselves."
The Youth Academy is held for one week every August.