Dumfries police want to educate kids and keep them safe.
The Town of Dumfries Police Department just wrapped up their fifth Kids Academy – a program started by Chief Dan Taber.
The goal of the program is to let children connect with police officers in a safe environment, and give them information on alcohol, drugs, cyberbullying and social media safety, according to a Dumfries police release.
More on the program, from a Dumfries police release:
This year’s academy also included demonstrations and presentations from the Prince William County Police Department K9, TTRU (“SWAT”), and Motor units. Other County public safety agencies were introduced in this year’s academy so the kids could expand their knowledge and learn the different functions of, and interact with personnel from, the various agencies they see in Town. Personnel from the Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad Station 3 (DTRS), and Dumfries-Triangle Fire Station 3, interacted with the kids and discussed some of their duties. Additionally, this year’s academy included a presentation and demonstration from representatives of an Army Ordnance Unit.
During one afternoon, the kids became “Junior Detectives” and worked to solve a crime scene that had been created while they were attending an outside activity. An overview of the crime was presented to the entire group. The kids then cycled through different stations to analyze pieces of evidence left at the crime scene to develop a suspect and solve mystery of what had occurred.
The kids participated in several hands-on activities throughout the academy that included individual and group contests.
The Kids Academy was held at the Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Station 3. This was the second year the DTRS has partnered with the Dumfries Police Department by allowing the Kids Academy to be held at their facility. This year the DTRS also provided and prepared most of the food for the academy.
