RICHARDSON – The Richardson Police Department is giving young people around the community a glimpse at the various jobs available in law enforcement – from dispatchers and patrol officers to detectives, crime scene analyst and positions with the bomb squad.
“We want them to get a better understanding as to why we do the things that we do. We also want to build that trust with our youth. We want them to look at us, if they need us, they can depend on us, and trust us, and ultimately we want to continue with that partnership,” said Officer David Beregszaszy, Crime Prevention Unit with the Richardson Police Department.
The Youth Citizen Police Academy, which was held June 7-11, is a week-long summer camp opened to youth 13 to 17. The teens not only learn in a classroom setting, but they’re also outside participating in activities with the men and women in blue.
The Academy includes activities with K9 Unit, SWAT, Crime Scene, Drone, and Criminal Investigations. The teens learn about drunk and distracted driving, how radar speed guns work, and why officers use road flares during crash investigations.
Students also learn from other area law enforcement agencies including technicians with the City of Plano’s Bomb Squad and members of the Texas Department of Public Safety who all work together with Richardson Police officers to keep communities safe.
The Youth Citizens Police Academy is held every June. Students who attend an RISD School can apply through a school resource officer.
Visit www.cor.net/police for more information on the program.
