The Poplarville Police Department and the Pearl River Community College Police Department will hold the Poplarville Jr. Police Academy this summer, according to a press relase.

This two-week, resident camp for high school aged students will take place June 14- 26, on the campus of Pearl River Community College. During the academy, cadets will have the opportunity to face some of the same challenges that today’s law enforcement officers face during training.

Several local, state, and federal agencies will be on hand to give presentations and demonstrations, according to the release. This academy is designed to give cadets an appreciation for law enforcement officers and their roles in society. One of the main goals of the academy is to change the traditional role of the police officer into one of mentor and friend, according to the release.

The academy aims to produce partners, not adversaries, in creating safer schools and communities, the release says. The academy is open to interested students throughout South Mississippi who will be incoming high school freshmen for the 2009-2010 school year, current high school students, as well as 2009 high school graduates. High school students who may have an interest in a career in law enforcement can gain some knowledge and training in every aspect of the field, from the FBI at the federal level to your police and sheriff departments at the local level, according to the release.

JPA has been provided at no cost to cadets thanks to local businesses and private donors throughout the community. Please contact the Poplarville Police Department at 601-795-4447 with any questions. Contact Poplarville Police for applications. The application deadline is set for May 23.