Raleigh County, WV (WOAY) – Beckley Police Department’s Junior Police Academy offers a chance for kids to get a firsthand look at law enforcement through officers’ hands-on activities and instruction.
The week-long program fosters understanding and positive relationships between 11 to 14-year-olds and the police.
“It’s building a relationship with children at a young age to give them an idea of what police officers are like, what the police department is like, and hopefully, they’ll feel safe to come forward if anything, whatever happened to them,” said Deputy Chief David Allard.
According to Allard, they’re looking to build good character, good men and women.
“What we found works best in law enforcement and community policing is just that personal relationship,” the deputy chief said. “When you feel you have someone you can talk to, you’re more likely to come forward and provide information.”
