Video: Junior Police Academy Gives Students A Glimpse Into The World Of Law Enforcement

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – In less than two weeks, 22 young men and women ,have learned to work together as a team.

The two week Academy is for young people, ages 14 to 17, who are interested in careers in law enforcement. There is no cost but there is a stringent application process for Junior Cadets.

“We choose from young people who really want to be here, this is not a summer camp, day camp, something to come and we just have a good time, we work hard,” said Officer Neil Naron, a school resource officer who also works the Junior Police Academy.

The Junior Cadets get to experience a taste of the training that’s required for law enforcement officers, while interacting with first responders. They stay in the barracks at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center during the academy, eat their meals together, and they go home for the weekend.

They learn about teamwork, physical fitness, the importance of following a chain of command, honor and respect, and they must keep their quarters neat.

“It will help me show respect, sir and with all this cleaning, I think I will take more pride in cleaning up my room and the house and the yard sir,” said Jesse Wood.

One of the most popular parts of Junior Police Academy happens right here on the firing range. Cadets learn to shoot glocks, 22s and in this case, AR 15s, and  they learn all about the importance of gun safety.

“Guns are just like any other tool, a screwdriver, shovel, they can be used for good things, or bad things. We try and teach and reinforce safety, safety safety and good things with guns,” said Jeff Sewell, an instructor with Square 1 Outdoors.

Junior Cadets appreciate the opportunity to learn from the experts.

“It’s a good community down here, the people treat you right, it’s not hard but you have to do a lot of work,” said Dycharla Riley.

“This is a great experience if you want a career in law enforcement one day, even if not this teaches you discipline, respect and many other aspects important to life in general,” said Dylan Nicholson.

This is the 17th year for the Junior Police Academy. Several graduates are now full time officers in Tupelo and in other jurisdictions.

Graduation takes place Friday at the new Tupelo Police Department headquarters.