HONOLULU (KHON2) — For the sixth time ever, and the first time since 2019, the Honolulu Police Department hosted their Youth Citizens Academy to inspire youth interested in law enforcement careers.
The week-and-a-half-long course saw a group of 25 students, all aged 13 to 18, learn hands on about a career in law enforcement.
“They’re not only sitting in the classroom. I know that’s kind of boring for the summer,” said Sgt. Kim Johnson. “That’s important to us because we’re going to use this academy as a gateway, and when I say gateway, it’s going to give our participants an opportunity to actually see how HPD operates from the inside.”
Students had the chance to participate in multiple activities a cop would perform during their daily activities. The activities included going to a closed range, watching certain suspects be processed, sitting in and turning on the sirens in the police car and meeting some of the canines that help the HPD.
All of this was done under the supervision of HPD officers, and also included guest lecturers from SWAT and other law enforcement departments.
“It shows that they really care about us,” said Jesse Castro, a participant in the program and a recent high school graduate. “They want us to learn about police officers, see what they do, how it works.”
“My dad was one of the instructors one of the days,” said Brooke Cabbo’sullivan, a 14-year-old participant in the program. “Seeing him from his point of view, it’s pretty cool.”
Officials for the HPD believe that this program isn’t just important for the students, but also want it to serve as a segue and formal introduction to more law enforcement schooling.
“It gives [students] connections to our LEEP program. That’s our Law Enforcement Explorers Program,” Johnson said. “And ultimately, helps them make that decision if whether or not they want to go into law enforcement. So it’s all great, and it all starts with this Youth Citizen Police Academy.”
Johnson also believes that running the program is beneficial for her and the other officers as well.
“The one thing I can say that I was impressed with this group of young adults is that they were able to ask questions,” Johnson said. “They weren’t afraid to speak out, and we actually learned from them. You know, the times are changing, and so it gave up an opportunity to hear their side of things.”
The students will conclude the course on July 26, with a graduation held at the training academy.