Police to hold youth academy
Ben Godar
For high school students interested in law enforcement or just
looking to get in shape this summer, the Burbank Police Department
annual youth academy might be just the ticket.
The academy’s annual classes will meet Monday through Thursday
mornings beginning in July at Police Headquarters. Students are
taught about the various aspects of police work while receiving some
physical fitness training.
Officer Vee Jones, coordinator of the program, said
representatives from various details within the department will talk
with students about their particular jobs.
“We’re not just officers out on the streets carrying guns, there’s
a lot more to it than that,” she said.
While participants will learn primarily about police work, Jones
said the academy also teaches students about applying for college,
interviewing for a job and other life skills.
Courtney Glaser, a 17-year-old Burbank High School student who
participated in last year’s academy, said that’s exactly what she
took away from the program.
“At the time it was going on I thought it was kind of fun, but
when I look back on it I realize it was really helpful,” she said.
“Every time I have a job interview I think about what they taught me
-- it’s really boosted my self-confidence.”
Nutrition and physical fitness are also part of the summer
program. The last hour of each day’s session is dedicated to physical
training, which Jones said could be anything from working out in the
department gym to running a mile. While she said most high school
students would have no problem with the exercises, she said they do
cater the workouts to students with limitations.
Several students have moved on from the academy to the
department’s Explorers program, where they learn more police tactics.
But Jones said she would recommend the program regardless if a
student were interested in police work.
“They’re guaranteed to get something out of it whether they stay
in law enforcement or not,” she said.