From: Captain Stephen Youngblood
Millbrook Police Department
The Millbrook Police Department is preparing for another exciting year of its FREE Junior Police Academy. Corporal White, Lieutenant Henson, and Captain Youngblood are looking forward to welcoming this year’s students and providing them with an engaging and educational experience.
The academy will be held in two sessions: June 8-12 and June 22-26. Each class is limited to 25 students.
“This is a program we eagerly anticipate each year because of the positive impact it has on the youth in our community,” said Youngblood.
Students will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of interactive activities and demonstrations designed to give them a firsthand look into the profession of law enforcement. Planned activities include crime scene investigations, traffic stop scenarios, impaired driving demonstrations, K9 and SRT demonstrations, as well as live Taser and OC spray demonstrations. Through these hands-on experiences, students gain a better understanding of the responsibilities, training, and teamwork involved in police work.
While the academy is coordinated by three instructors, the success of the program depends on the support and dedication of numerous officers who volunteer their time to assist with demonstrations and mentoring. Their willingness to share their knowledge and professional expertise helps create a meaningful and memorable experience for the students.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is the opportunity to inspire children who are interested in law enforcement and provide them with positive interactions with police officers.
“As a child, I remember riding bicycles with my brother in Montgomery and stopping to speak with a motorcycle officer who was running radar in our neighborhood,” Youngblood said. “He took the time to show us how the radar worked and even let us help decide whether speeding drivers should be stopped. I may never know if those drivers received tickets, but I have never forgotten that interaction.”
Programs like the Junior Police Academy provide them with the opportunity to create those same lasting memories and meaningful connections with the next generation.
