The Dumfries Police Department kicked off their 2016 Kids Academy today.
According to Dumfries Police Chief Rebecca Edwards, the three-day camp is a great opportunity for children to learn about law enforcement, and important life skills.
“The Kids Academy is open to kids living in the Dumfries community who graduated fifth grade this spring, and they’ll be going into the sixth grade in the fall. We teach lessons that help with good decision making, and leadership skills,” said Edwards.
Partnering with the Prince William County Police Department and the Prince William County Sheriff’s Department, the Dumfries academy gives the children an opportunity to see “demonstrations from K-9, mounted horse patrols, SWAT, and Motors, and hands on crime scene presentations,” according to a release.
The academy also includes activities about peer pressure, bullying, gangs, and drugs, according to Edwards.
For Edwards, one of the biggest takeaways that she’d like to see from the academy participants is that they understand they can go to a police officer if they’re experiencing a problem, or they need help.
“We think this is an important and critical partnership, where the kids get to learn that police officers are approachable, that they come to them with problems, “ said Edwards.
The camp will finish on July 21.
