Spots still available in Barnstable's new Youth Police Academy

This summer, children can get an in-depth look at the life of being a police officer with the all-new Youth Police Academy, a joint effort from the Barnstable Police Department and the Barnstable Recreation Department.

The Youth Police Academy is a chance for “any youngster, boy, girl, child, that’s interested and curious about police officers and what they do,” Barnstable Recreation Program Coordinator John Gleason said.

The academy will be taught by Barnstable Police Officer Reid Hall. Although the specifics of the course are not yet set in stone, Gleason said activities will include bike safety, stranger danger, Q&A sessions and perhaps a canine demonstration.

Only a few other towns in the commonwealth offer this program, Gleason said. When he heard about the idea, he thought it would be a great opportunity for Barnstable.

When and where: Classes are scheduled from 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday from July 3 to Aug. 7 in the Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School.

You can register your child for the Youth Police Academy from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center. 

The program costs $30 a child. All fees will go to the Michael Aselton Scholarship Fund and the Adam Prentice Scholarship, Gleason said.

There are about 12 students enrolled so far and 12 spots left, Gleason said.