25th annual teen police academy gives high schoolers hands-on look at law enforcement careers
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Area high school students interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement got an up-close look at the profession during the 25th annual multi-jurisdictional teen police academy.
The program provides students the opportunity to engage with local law enforcement agencies and learn about various roles beyond the traditional patrol officer.
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'Definitely more to it than just a cop on a street or a cop on TV,' said Stella Starry, a second-year attendee and student at Notre Dame Academy. 'I've learned about the different options that you have. It's not just a patrol officer that you see on TV—it's more that you can do, and it's so many behind-the-scenes work that happens too.'
On Wednesday, students were introduced to the Green Bay Police Department's K-9 unit. Police dog Nox joined them in the classroom, where students observed how K-9s are trained and how they assist officers on calls.
The academy is open to high school students in the area and is designed to help them determine whether law enforcement might be the right career path.
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'They really get a behind-the-scenes feel of what it is like to become a police officer,' said Green Bay Police Communications Coordinator Jennifer Gonzalez. 'It is a perfect program for kids in high school who are just thinking about what to do after high school, what to do in college.'
Students will conclude their weeklong experience at the Brown County Sheriff's Office, touring the facility and learning about officers' daily responsibilities.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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