The Police Youth Academy brings students from Nassau County School Districts to the Police Academy for a special day of training. Started in 2007, the youth academy exposes students to everyday police work and aims to establish a positive relationship between the Police Department and young adults.
On March 5, the academy held a one-day modified academy for students from the Hempstead School District, who had the opportunity to learn about a career in law enforcement.
The students followed a drug case and learned about the consequences of dealing drugs. The academy provided a fun atmosphere to learn from the police officers and understand that what you see is not always what it seems. The officers discussed social media and how important it is to be careful about w
hat content is made available for others to see.
The first exercise was an attempt to solve a puzzle in 60 seconds, when students later learned that there was a missing piece. The detective work began, as students watched a movie about a drug dealer’s life. They saw a drug dealer living the high life and how quickly it was taken away as the person would spend years behind bars.
“I learned that police officers save people everyday. They save our country,” said Alyssa Parker.
The programs consisted of a classroom lecture, a movie, an obstacle course and some defensive training exercises. Students also welcomed a visit from two police officers, who arrived in a helicopter and talked to the students about transportation for emergency situations.
