5 days ago
JPD Kids Academy offers students an early look at law careers
JOPLIN, Mo. — Some possible future members of law enforcement get an early look at what the job entails.
Soon-to-be 6th-grade students are taking part in the annual JPD Kids Academy. The first one of 2025 began Monday.
There are a total of four: one each week, where 20-25 kids each week get a firsthand look at some of the things officers deal with on a daily basis.
JPD Kids Academy offers students an early look at law careers
Learn about area pollinators while creating at this free area event
Community of 'tiny homes' to be built in Joplin
Spring check-ups a must for heating and air systems
Joplin woman celebrates 100th birthday with family and friends
They got to see a couple of the department's K-9s Tuesday and even went through the department's obstacle course and had handcuffing races – which were popular.
But they're also learning about more regular tasks, like fingerprinting and paperwork.
'I think it's neat to show kids kind of what it's like in law enforcement, and then also show some parallels as long as the stuff they're learning in school like writing sentences, spelling, physical activity — other things like that — interpersonal skills. Showing that all of these things they're learning right now in school can apply to jobs later on in life. We get to have that positive relationship with these kids. Showing them that the police department is their friends, and showing them that we are here to help them out, and that police officers are good for them and the community,' said Ofc. Jason Barchak, JPD.
About 100 students will go through the academy between now and the end of the month.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
