Police Academy Helps Kids See the Blue Side of Things
Youth and police officers take part in a mock traffic stop. |
It's the middle of summer vacation and you're bored—call the police, and you could have lots of fun and learn a thing or two.
In Springfield, IL, nearly 200 kids did just that and enrolled in the Junior Police Academy. The children saw what police work is really about, from demonstrations of K–9 units to discussions about computer crime with detectives to simulated traffic stops using golf carts. Every week, a new group learned about the police and also built relationships with the officers.
The program took place at the Springfield Police Department Training Academy with the help of three officers who were assigned full time to the academy by Chief Donald W. Kliment. Robin Dowis of the Springfield Housing Authority coordinated the program. Dowis believes that her situation is unusual because running a program with the police academy is usually a police department-only venture. Dowis came up with the idea of reaching out particularly to at-risk youth and last year put together two sessions at the academy for 60 kids. This summer, 180 children signed up, which raised Dowis' hopes for running just as many sessions, if not more, in the future.
On the first day of each weeklong session this summer, the "cadets" received a picture ID and their uniforms, which consisted of a Junior Police Academy t-shirt for each day of the week, a backpack filled with needed supplies and hygiene products, and a Junior Police Academy baseball cap. Cadets also received a Junior Police Academy Handbook for classroom exercises.
The sessions focused on building character through education within a structured environment using positive role models. Each day, the cadets focused on a specific character trait—responsibility, respect, courage, citizenship, and honesty—and learned more about public safety. For example, officers spoke about fireworks safety, took the children on a tour of the jail, and cautioned them against drinking and driving. In addition, "the officers explained why they make the requests they make of the citizens and why they ask the questions they do," Dowis stated. Parents gave a lot of positive feedback on the self-esteem training and leadership skills their children learned, she said.
Although Dowis would like to expand the program, cost is a factor. The program is expensive; it is offered at no cost to the cadet's parents and includes meals and transportation for each 5-day session.
Debbie Malwick, a grants technician at the Springfield Police Department who administers the Weed and Seed grant for the Springfield site, said they are looking at ways to fund future sessions. The program costs approximately $23,000 for a 3-week session that serves 90 kids. Chief Kliment and Dowis are considering applying for a grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). This year, 3 weeks were funded under the Weed and Seed grant, and an additional 3-week session was funded by a grant from ICJIA with Chief Kliment supplying matching funds from his departmental budget.
"All kids benefit from the program regardless of their background," Dowis said. "But the goal is to make it free because a lot of kids can't afford it."
At the end of each session, the cadets attended a graduation ceremony at which they received framed certificates and awards. The Springfield Police Honor Guard presented the colors to make the event special for the cadets.
"Each and every child I spoke with said they loved it, they learned a lot, and they wanted to come back," Malwick said of her talks with kids who participated in the academy. "I think Robin understands the structured environment the kids need. The kids respect and like Robin, she does a great job with them, and she earns their respect in less than a week."
For more information, contact:
Robin Dowis
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