El Paso County law enforcement agencies hosting teen academy
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- June 13 kicked off the 7th Annual Pikes Peak Regional Law Enforcement Teen Academy, hosted by the Colorado Springs Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
Monday morning, dozens of teens filled the Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy auditorium to take in presentations from officers and deputies on the operations of regional law enforcement agencies in El Paso County.
"I’ve recently thought about going into law enforcement, and I think this is just a good way to kick start and really find my passion for it. If it’s not something I want to do then I can find something else to do," said Addison Elston, a junior at Coronado High School.
Addison told KRDO she'll use this week to ask those important questions.
"Just knowing and being able to ask the questions of like 'where did you go to college?' 'how did you go to college'," said Elston.
Addison and her peers will not only get to explore those career options but learn about the operations of regional law enforcement agencies.
"The sheriff’s office is going to bring out the canine demonstration, we’re going to have some members of our tactical team bring out some equipment, some of the specialized things that most citizens don’t get an opportunity to see aside from outside and on the news," said Sgt. Phil Tollefsen with the Colorado Springs Police Department.
This is not only a week of teaching but also a way to be able to interact and clear up any misconceptions.
All of participating officers are school resource officers.
"This is what this group of officers loves to do on a daily basis, so they love interacting with the youth in the community and showing 'hey look we’re here to help you out, we’re no different than your neighbor, we’re no different than your church pastor, the group dad down the street.' We want to be that person that kids can come and have a conversation with and steer them in the right direction," said Tollefsen.
The Academy runs until Saturday, June 16.
