The McMinnville Police Department, as part of its continuing effort to keep a strong relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves, will hold its third annual Teen Citizens Police Academy next month.
“When I became chief, one of my goals was to try and reach out to our high school students and build a relationship with them by implementing a Teen Police Academy that was modeled after our existing Citizens Police Academy,” McMinnville Police Chief Nichole Mosley said. “We do this so they can see what we do with hopes of recruiting and get to know some of the officers in a positive way. With this program, we want to let them know we are here to help them and their families.”
The TCPA is a free five-day program started by the MPD in 2023, and is described as an educational and informative program modeled after the McMinnville Citizens Police Academy. The academy allows people ages 14-17 to learn about MPD operations, and gives the department a chance to interact with teens in the community and receive feedback and ideas by discussing relevant issues.
“This will be the third class and it has been very successful,” Mosley explained. “We have a great curriculum they enjoy and get to participate in.”
The academy consists of three-hour classes each evening from April 7-11. Course benefits and topics will include: A trip to the MPD firing range, internet crimes, domestic violence/dating safety, narcotics case studies, criminal investigations, special operations, K9 unit and tours of both the 911 Center and the Warren County Jail.
Any high school student aged 14-17 who lives inside Warren County and attends high school is eligible to attend.
They must provide two adult references, preferably a teacher or guidance counselor, and have a parent’s approval. Students must also be committed to attending all five days of instruction from 5:30 until 8:30 each night.
Applications for the TCPA are available on the McMinnville Police Department’s website, or can be picked up at the police station at 101 E. Main St. Applications must be returned no later than April 1. Class size is limited to 15 people, so enrollees are encouraged to apply early.
