By: Nicole Acker

Police kicked off a six week youth community police academy Saturday, Sept. 16, which continues for the next five Saturdays. There are over 20 participants attending the academy ranging from ages 13 to 18 currently in 8-12 grades. The first session started with an icebreaker led by Police Chief Bob Jonsen and a search and seizure/laws of arrest segment followed by a presentation by Canine Officer Manny Torres with his K-9 partner “Hardy.” The session ended with instruction and education of defensive tactics (DTAC) and arrest and control techniques as demonstrated by DTAC instructors, Corporal Jim Luevano and Officer Jeff Cooley.

Five weeks remain in the academy with several presentations and interactive practical exercises lined up to include mock crime scene processing, dusting for fingerprints, building searches, traffic enforcement scenarios, gang and narcotic education/awareness, fire safety and culminates with graduation Oct. 21, 2017.