Kentwood Police Looking for a few Good Young Men and Women

No, the Kentwood Police are not trying to track down a criminal, they are trying to track down, okay, inviting, high school students to apply for its youth academy, set to take place July 26-29.

This could really be a cool opportunity for all young people who may be interested in law enforcement but didn't know how to express it. The academy is open to graduating seniors and students who will be a sophomore, junior or senior in the 2021-22 year.

And, it's open to all, not just students attending Kentwood schools.

Fox17 reported it's a free program and will run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Kentwood Police Department, with COVID-19 safety precautions in place.

Here are some to the hands-on experience they will get in police training and operations, including:

Traffic stops
Drunken driving enforcement
Building searches
Subject control
Handcuffing
Special Response Team

What are the prerequisites? KPD says students must have “good moral character” and pass a background check. They’ll be interviewed before being accepted into the program and be required to attend a pre-academy instructional meeting with a parent or guardian.

Then, each student will be provided a uniform and daily lunch.

Interested?  Simply contact Sgt. Tim Wierenga for an initial screening and application at wierengat@kentwood.us or 616-656-6561.

Applications are due by May 14 in-person at the department or by mail at 4741 Walma Avenue SE, Kentwood, MI 49512.