News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
McMinnville Police Department will offer its first Teen Police Academy in July.
Detective Sergeant Eddie Colwell said the program developed from a combination of job shadowing and interaction with Motlow State students. He said a lot of teens are curious about police procedure.
“We are hoping to be more involved with the kids to show them we aren’t the bad guys,” Colwell said. “We are here to help them. But also to show them what we do, to see if that’s something they’re interested in helping the community and what it would be like if they were a cop.”
He said after this summer offering, the academy will continue with fall and spring classes to better fit in with school schedules.
Colwell said the academy will cover training ranging from K9 units and drugs busts to domestic violence and internet predators. He said part of the training is precautionary.
“We’ll teach them this is what can happen if you’re on the internet sending pictures of yourself,” Colwell said. “We’ll show them information on fentanyl and the most abused drugs in Warren County.”
Colwell said applicants must be 14-18 years of age and be Warren County resident or attend school here. He said the department would prefer to see a recommendation from a teacher or pastor endorsing them as likely to succeed at the academy.
Colwell said they will bring in several guest speakers related to law enforcement.
“We’re going to bring in District Attorney Chris Stanford to talk about what he does and how he keeps the community safe,” Colwell said. “We’re also going to bring in Attorney John Partin and he’s going to talk about how he defends the public against criminal charges in Warren County.”
Colwell said they will also have Chief Nichole Mosley and Sheriff Jackie Matheny attend classes to speak about the role of a police chief and county sheriff.
The Teen Police Academy will take place July 17-21 from 4:30-7:30 pm. Applications are available online at the department’s web site or in person at the station.
