PORTSMOUTH, Va. – Portsmouth teens and young adults are getting hands-on training this week and next week from officers in the Portsmouth Police Department.
The two-week course is called the Explorer’s Academy. It's a free camp that is an introductory session to the Explorer’s Program - a year-round educational opportunity designed for ages 13-16.
The students work on a variety of things from first aid to physical fitness and defense tactics. This year, we caught up with them at the Safety Town training site on Deep Creek Boulevard as they were training on mountain bikes, maneuvering between obstacles.
Officer Allen Washington with the Community Enhancement Division of Portsmouth Police Department says not only is it a way to get youth interested in law enforcement, but it also strengthens the relationship between young citizens and officers.
"It creates an open dialogue between us and the youth that we have in the city and then they can actually take that back to their schools," said Officer Washington.
Andrew Hawks told us he already wants to do it again next year.
"I like that we can act out the scenarios and stuff," Hawks said. "This week has changed my perspective on law enforcement."
Officers say it's another way to inform youth about law enforcement and hopefully plant a seed that could lead to a career with the police force. Right now, the Portsmouth Police Department reports that it is working to fill about 80 vacancies.
For more on the Explorers Program, click here. You can also call 757-235-5668.
