Officers from local law enforcement agencies have been working with 35 youngsters during the Junior Police Academy, which is visiting the Elon campus July 3-7. Details...
The academy helps at-risk youth develop self-esteem, social skills, goals and discipline. Three local law enforcement agencies–the Burlington Police Department, Graham Police Department and Alamance County Sheriff’s Department–supply officers to work with the cadets.
“We work with these kids to help them set goals and accomplish them,” said Cpl. Chad Laws, assistant academy coordinator. “We also teach them to have respect, not only for the officers, but for each other.”
The four-week academy began Monday, July 3 on the Elon campus. Cadets shared rooms in a residence hall and ate meals in campus dining facilities. Throughout the week, cadets split time between classroom instruction, learning about personal responsibility, teamwork, and nutrition, and outdoor activities such as drill instruction, relay races and physical exercise.
“Drill instruction is an excellent way for these cadets to learn how to work together as a squad and learn self-discipline,” said Laws.
About 20 officers, many of whom work as school resource officers or D.A.R.E. officers, serve as academy staff members. “We’re all in this for the same reason, because we enjoy working with students,” said Laws.
The academy will continue at other locations throughout the county until a July 28 graduation ceremony and banquet at the Ramada Inn in Burlington. Laws praised Lt. Vickie Moehlman of the Elon Campus Police Department and others on campus for their cooperation and assistance with the academy. Laws said the academy receives tremendous support from the local community.
“The community really supports the academy by donating facilities and meals,” said Laws. “Every meal for the cadets is donated by local restaurants or organizations. The community likes this program and wants to support it.”
For more information on the Junior Police Academy, contact Moehlman with the Elon Campus Police at (336) 278-5555.