Local teens offered law enforcement experiences this summer

FOLD, OR — Teens can learn more about careers in law enforcement this summer. On July 10, Central Oregon Women in Law Enforcement hosts the first-ever Junior Women's Law Enforcement Academy. It is open to young women aged 13 to 18. Register by calling Redmond Police Lt. April Huey at 541-504-3474 or by email. Topics covered include defensive tactics, dispatch, and the legal process.

The following weekend, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is offering its Youth Academy for children between 14 and 17 years old. “This is a great time for young people to come and get some hands-on experience and classroom training,” said Sheriff Shane Nelson. “We just want to make sure we have that connection with young people and get them excited about the profession right now. »

The DCSO Youth Academy will take place July 16 and 17, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. “It's not very intense. They'll learn how to conduct crime scene investigations, they'll become familiar with our corrections division and our jail, and some of the calls made by deputy sheriffs on patrol,” says Nelson. There also has a K9 demonstration and SWAT discussion.

“We're very aware that we typically see people at the worst time of their lives, so we just want to provide more opportunities where there's a positive connection,” Nelson told KBND News. “You get 15 to 20 young teens and young adults who come to your youth academy once a year, that's an additional 15 to 20 people who could apply to your office in the future.

Applications for the Youth Academy must be submitted before May 31. Click here for more information.