(Lawrenceville, Ga., Monday, April 10, 2023) – The Gwinnett County Police Department is proud to announce that we will host our summer Youth Police Academy in June. The Youth Police Academy (YPA) is designed to educate middle and high school students living in Gwinnett County about the police department and how officers enforce local and state laws. The goal of the YPA is to create and develop a relationship with students and allow them to learn about the Gwinnett County Police Department’s role in the community and its services.

The program began in 2016 and saw tremendous success. The students enjoyed interacting with the officers and learning about the multitude of jobs performed by the staff.

The Youth Police Academy is FREE of charge and is open to all students that reside in Gwinnett County and will be enrolled in 7th through 12th grades as of August 2023. Each student must pass the application process and be selected to attend the YPA.

Each YPA is a one-week session, Monday-Friday, from 9 am-4 pm.  

Middle School students (rising 7th – 8th grades) – June 12th – June 16th, 2023

High School students (rising 9th – 12th grades) – June 26th – June 30th, 2023

The curriculum includes both classroom and practical applications. Some of the activities include:

• CPR / AED
• Emergency Vehicle Driving
• Taser Demonstration
• Crime Scene Investigations
• Accident Investigations
• Internet Safety
• Criminal Investigations
• Defensive Tactics
• Firearm Safety & Run / Hide / Fight
• Gang Awareness
• Fire Department Academy Tour
• K9 Demonstration
• Aviation
• Motorcycle Demonstration
• DUI Investigations
• SWAT / EOD

Applications are now being accepted. The application deadline is May 2, 2023. The link below will include the application packet for the YPA. If you are selected to participate, you will receive a letter from the Community Affairs Section sent to the address on your application.

For additional information, contact Sergeant Eric Rooks at 770-513-5119 or william.rooks@gwinnettcounty.com