CONGRATULATIONS to 28 grades 11 and 12 students from Abbotsford high schools who spent the past week learning about what it is like to be a police officer.

And quite a few were South Asians, setting a good example to other students from their community.

Activities included learning basic law, practicing police control tactics / self-defense, and a day at the firearms range.

On Friday, they were ready to apply what they have learned during the week at a scenario-based training day, where they will be challenged as “police officers” to resolve problems.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for youth to experience a little of what policing is all about.” said Junior Police Academy Coordinator Constable Deanna Dixon. “We have been privileged to work with such an engaging, enthusiastic group of students – and we’re hopeful we’ll see some of them return to APD in the future as recruit applicants.”

The Junior Police Academy runs for one week, once a year. For more information about this program, including how to apply for future academies, visit the APD website at:

www.abbypd.ca/junior-police-academy.