Students in White County look forward to it every year. The White County Sheriff’s Office offers the annual Junior Law Enforcement Academy camp each summer for rising 4th, 5th, and 6th-graders. The camp is open to White County students or those in equivalent distance learning or homeschool programs in White County.
This is the camp’s 27th year. Officer Megan Bennett talked about the camp’s importance for students. “It is an opportunity for those who are interested in a career in law enforcement or interested in what officers do to come and learn in a safe environment,” Bennett commented.
Bennett said the White County Sheriff’s Office has a desire to actively participate in public service as well as help children to know officers are people they can depend upon.
If your student is interested in learning about a career in law enforcement, this is a chance for hands-on experience with professionals who can demonstrate what it is like.
Students will learn from active Law Enforcement personnel about crime scene investigation, criminal law, traffic stops, firearms, and firearm safety.
When learning about firearms, students are instructed by the Firearms instructor for the White County Sheriff’s Office. Airsoft firearms that discharge plastic BBS are used.
The instruction is held on a safe range setup.
The cadets will be instructed by local law enforcement officers who serve this community daily.
It is in partnership with the Cleveland Police Department, Helen Police Department, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office.
In the past, cadets were also visited by the GBI Bomb Disposal Unit, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Helicopter, and the always fun hose-off from the Cleveland Fire Department.
This year, there will be two one-week sessions. Session 1 will be held from June 24-28 and Session 2 is July 15-19. It is important to apply online because spots fill up fast. Applications must be submitted by 5 PM on Monday, May 3rd.
If you would like your child to participate, please contact Sgt. Alicia Hopper ([email protected]) or Inv. Megan Bennett at [email protected] or 706-865-5177.
