Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Phoenix Police Foundation in partnership with QuikTrip is providing funding for the annual Phoenix Police Youth Experience.
Students from the Phoenix metro area who are entering the seventh and eighth grades will learn about law enforcement and safety from local Phoenix Police Department officers, according to a press release.
This initiative, Phoenix Police Foundation officials tell the Digital Free Press is designed to provide teens with an immersive experience into the inner workings of the police department.
Limited to 15 students, the free experience will allow participants to engage in innovative hands-on programming all while building team spirit, ethics, character and integrity.
The program takes place at the Mountain View Precinct and begins July 11 and among the activities scheduled is CPR Training.
“The kids love this as they learn a live-saving skill,” says Officer Jessica Tatum, who leads community programing at the precinct.
Additional topics covered include investigations, equipment demos, internet and social media safety, forensic science, collecting evidence, fingerprinting, traffic safety, drug education and prevention, Officer Tatum pointed out.
“It not only gives kids the chance to learn about what police officers do, but also familiarize them with non-officer roles that provide vital services within the community,” said Timothy Thomas, president of the Phoenix Police Foundation.
On the final day of the program, participants will work with a police officer to investigate a mock crime scene that will use the skills they learned throughout the week. Each student will receive a T-shirt and certificate of completion.
“QuikTrip is pleased to partner with the Phoenix Police Foundation to help create a safer and stronger community for our employees and our customers, and we applaud the Phoenix Police Department for creating innovative opportunities for officers to engage with area youth,” said QuikTrip Community Affairs Coordinator Derrick Morales.
