Video: Youngsters Get Unique Look At What It Takes To Be A Law Enforcement Officer At Jr. Police Academy

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Twenty two young people are learning what it takes to be a law enforcement officer as part of an unique camp.

The Tupelo Police Department is holding its annual “Junior Police Academy.”  The junior cadets stay at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center Monday through Friday for two weeks.

They are exposed to many aspects of police work, including marching,  drill ceremonies,  crime scene investigation,  first aid and gun safety.

Neil Naron is a school resource officer, who is also an instructor at the Junior Police Academy.  He says the academy strengthens ties between the community and the police.

“We go back to school and I’m not only these young cadets, I’m their policeman, but I’m also their parents policeman.  They know me, they’ve met me, we’ve talked, so it really does a good job of creating bridges in the community to be able to know these young people and also to know their parents, it’s really nice to be out and one of the parents come up to me and say ‘ so and so is doing great,” Naron said.

Cadets will return to the Junior Police Academy monday morning.  Next week, WCBI’;s Allie Martin will have more from the academy.