Summer Youth Academy

The goal of the Summer Youth Police Academy is to promote youth interest in law enforcement as a career. The course will provide participants with a better understanding of law enforcement and opportunities to clear up misconceptions made by youths about police officers, to create better dialogue and to prepare them to be active citizens.

The academy includes a tour of the police department facility and a presentation about requirements to enter the law enforcement field. Students also will learn about arrest and control procedures, physical training, SWAT training, traffic stops and crime scene identification, including fingerprinting and evidence handling. A graduation ceremony will take place on the final day.

Students are required to attend all sessions, unless excused by a parent/guardian. Parents/guardians are invited to attend any of the classes to observe. Newton School Resource Officer Julie Britton will be the instructor for this year's academy.

The academy was implemented in 1997, with this year marking the 21st session of Summer Youth Police Academy. To date, a total of 198 students have graduated from the Newton Police Department’s Summer Youth Police Academy.