The Gwinnett County Police Department is accepting applications for its 2023 summer Youth Police Academy, which allows local youth to explore the law enforcement profession firsthand.
GCPD will host the program for two one-week sessions in June. The Youth Police Academy is a free program open to seventh through 12th grade students as of August 2023 who reside in Gwinnett County.
Each academy is a one-week session from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Gwinnett County Police Training Center located at 854 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. Middle school students (rising seventh and eighth grade students, will attend June 12 through 16, and high school students (rising ninth through 12th grade students) will attend from June 26 through 30.
The Youth Police Academy was created to educate students about state and local law enforcement. The goal of the program is to foster a relationship between GCPD and local students so youth can learn more about the police department’s role in the community.
“The program began in 2016 and saw tremendous success,” a news release announcing the Youth Police Academy states. “The students enjoyed interacting with the officers and learning about the multitude of jobs performed by the staff.”
Curriculum covered during the program will include:
- CPR / AED
- Emergency Vehicle Driving
- Taser Demonstration
- Crime Scene Investigations
- Accident Investigations
- Internet Safety
- Criminal Investigations
- Defensive Tactics
- Firearm Safety & Run / Hide / Fight
- Gang Awareness
- Fire Department Academy Tour
- K9 Demonstration
- Aviation
- Motorcycle Demonstration
- DUI Investigations
- SWAT / EOD
“We have spent numerous hours planning the curriculum and selecting staff to ensure a quality, wholesome, and rewarding camp experience for each of our participants.” Sgt. W. Eric Rooks said in a letter to parents and guardians. “Each of the counselors for this program will be current, full-time Police Officers of the GwinnettCounty Police Department.”
The application deadline is 8 a.m. Tuesday, May 2. Those selected to participate will receive a letter from the police department’s Community Affairs Section sent to the address on their application.
More information on the 2023 Youth Police Academy can be found here.
For additional information, call Sgt. Eric Rooks at 770-513-5119 or email william.rooks@gwinnettcounty.com.
