Have kids at home that are interested in a career in law enforcement?
Maybe a student that wants to learn more about the way that policing works within their own community?
Lathrop Police Services has got you covered this summer.
Right now, the department is accepting applications for the annual Junior Police and Fire Academy – with one session in June and one in July to allow more students to get involved and learn more about how emergency services work within their own town.
The $20 fee includes a t-shirt, a folder of materials and a certificate of completion, and the money also goes towards some of the field trips that are offered as part of the fun and interesting course that helps bridge the gap between law enforcement and first responders and the youth of the community.
According to Lathrop Police Chief James Hood, the academy is a chance to show young people who may be interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement exactly what goes into the job and what they need to do in order to remain on track to make their goals a reality in tthe future.
In addition to classroom instruction, participants will take field trips to interact with officers serving in animal control services, boating safety and the San Joaquin County Jail. An interactive shooting range course designed to teach officers the tools necessary to make split-second decisions while on the street is also showcased, and the academy is being offered along with Lathrop Manteca Fire District which also be a stop.
Those wishing to participate must maintain at least a C average in school and have no criminal contact with Lathrop Police Services. The first session will be offered June 12-23, from 8 a.m. to noon. Monday through Friday. The second session, which has the same days and hours, will run from July 10-21. All classes will be held at Lathrop High School.
A copy of the application can be downloaded or printed from the City of Lathrop’s website at www.ci.lathrop.ca.us, and more information is available by contacting Lathrop Police Services at 209.858.5551.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.