Law enforcement agencies in Escambia County are getting an early start on preparation for this year’s Youth Police Academy, scheduled for the week of July 16-20, and they say the program could use the community’s help.

Samantha Bennett, administrative assistant to Atmore Police Department chief Jason Dean, said things are better financially than they were a year ago, but the academy is still in need of some extra assistance.

“We’re still dealing with that,” Bennett said. “We’re hoping that we can get a lot of support from the community and make it a fantastic academy again.”

This year’s academy marks the 12th year local law enforcement has put on the weeklong program, which gives children ages 12 to 17 who are interested in a future in law enforcement the chance at a sneak peak into what officers deal with in the line of duty.

While an official schedule has not yet been put together, Bennett said this year’s academy will follow the model of past academies, with “cadets” splitting sessions between Atmore and Brewton.

Bennett said this year’s program should be an eye-opening experience for those involved.

“This academy will challenge them physically and allow them to learn more about the function of law enforcement in our society,” she said. “We feel that this program will achieve two major goals. The first is to give young people a glimpse into the law enforcement profession and to show the negative effects of criminal activity. The second is to enhance the moral character of the students by setting a positive example by academy staff.”

Bennett said students will participate in exercises similar to what prospective police officers go through in a real police academy.

“Students will have classroom instruction and hands on training in various topics,” she said. “Students will participate in physical training and drill exercises daily.”

Training topics include the role of law enforcement in today’s society, drug identification, the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, crime scene investigations as well as forensics, firearm safety, self-defense techniques, personal character development, traffic stops, domestic violence and laws and consequences concerning driving under the influence.

There is a limit of 35 slots available for this year’s academy and applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis Bennett said. The total cost is $175 and includes the cost of room and board, two academy T-shirts, and instructional fees. A deposit of $75 is due at the time of application to reserve a spot. The balance is due on June 7. Bennett said there are a handful of scholarship opportunities available for applicants having problems meeting the cost of admittance, but is hoping for more to arise based on the level of community support.

“I will be out in the community working on this,” she said. “And all scholarship money will go to the children in within this county. We do have some kids that come from out of county, but all the money for scholarships stays here.”

Applications for the academy must be received by May 21, and can be picked up dropped off at the Atmore Police Department, or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department for applicants living elsewhere in the county. The Academy will be held on the campus of Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton. It will last five days and four nights.

For more information contact Bennett at 251-368-9141 orbeesmama1@yahoo.com or Janet Richburg (Escambia County Sheriff’s Office) at 251-809-0741ext. 151 or jrichburg@ co.escambia.al.us.