Youth Police Programs

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Through programs such as the Youth Police Academy, Discover the Blue, and Heroes & Helpers, the Lakewood Police Department strives to provide valuable life skills, create positive experiences, and foster a stronger, more connected relationship with our youth.

 

Youth Police Academy

The Youth Police Academy is a fun, fascinating opportunity for teens ages 14-18 to get an introduction to police skills, team building (including hiking, water sports, archery), and build relationships with their School Resource Officers.  

More information about Youth Police Academy

 

Discover the Blue

Discover the Blue is a fun, fascinating opportunity for teens ages 14-18 to participate in team building activities (including hiking, water sports, archery) and build relationships with their School Resource Officers.

More information about Discover the Blue

 

Heroes and Helpers

Heroes and Helpers, formerly known as Shop with a Cop, is a partnership between the Lakewood Police Department and Target. The event is designed to help special needs students who attend Lakewood-area high schools learn essential life skills in a fun and supportive environment. These skills include travel/transportation and budgeting. They are each allotted a set amount to spend and asked to create a shopping list within that budget. Upon arrival at the store, each student is paired with a law enforcement officer. After shopping, the students could take a picture with Santa Claus and enjoy pizza.

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Police Explorers

The Police Explorer Program (Post #226) is a coordinated program between the Police Department and the Boy Scouts of America. The program encourages youth and young adults (ages 14-21) to develop an interest in law enforcement by experiencing police operations. Police agents serve as advisors to the program providing explorers with classroom and practical training.

In the classroom, explorers learn about policing including the following aspects:

  • Officer safety skills.
  • Community policing.
  • Investigative techniques.
  • Physical fitness requirements.

In the field as volunteers explorers can participate in the following activities:

  • Help with community events.
  • Assist with tours of the department.
  • Assist with traffic control and other varied assignments.
  • Explorers can participate in the Ride-Along Program.
  • Explorers also enter law enforcement competitions in which participants are evaluated on officer safety skills, judgment, planning and teamwork. Explorer Post #226 has participated in local and national competitions, and it has won a variety of awards for performance and teamwork. Interested persons are asked to submit an application.  

Contact Information:

Police Explorer Program
Public Safety Center
445 S. Allison Parkway
Lakewood, CO 80226

 

Questions? Contact:

Youth Police Academy, Discover the Blue or Heroes and Helpers Questions
Investigative Technician Lindsey Witzel
Desk: 303-987-7230
lindsey.witzel@lakewoodco.gov

Explorers Program Questions
Explorers@lakewoodco.gov

 

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