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By Peter Kougias
Hometown Weekly Intern
On June 30, thirty children completed a rigorous week-long Junior Police Academy. The middle schoolers participated in numerous activities and assignments based on legitimate tasks required in police academies. After their final day of training in Bird Middle School, the children graduated at the Walpole Library.
On the last day of the academy, Detective Kelleher introduced the students to forensics. The children filed into the next room, where a mock crime scene had been constructed. The officers set up three stations dealing with evidence and fingerprints. Some children numbered the evidence while also taking pictures inside a caution-taped area. Others dusted fingerprints from the evidence including a soda can.
Officer Tom Hart took pride in this program. He believes this academy will bring the community together and also teach children about a potential job opportunity in the future. Hart’s main goal for the program was to create a relaxed environment so the children would feel comfortable confiding in the officers outside the classroom. “It’s all about the kids,” he smiled.
Detective Kelleher instructs academy participants.
Determination guided Elizabeth Aspinwall, a student participant. Even though the exercises were tiring, she said the academy helped her see a different side of police jobs. She gleefully suggested pursuing a career in the police force when she is older.
After completing the Police Academy, the students filed into the Walpole Library and were greeted by Chief of Police John Carmichael. Carmicahel opened the ceremony by addressing parents and friends about the positive attitude the academy enforces while also remaining true to the roots of a traditional police academy. Afterwards, he awarded the 30 students diplomas and tee-shirts.
The next sessions of the Junior Police Academy begins July 10. To register, visit the Walpole Recreation Department at http://goo.gl/k2P29g.
