June 15, 2004 - Estrella Mountain Community College will partner with Avondale and Goodyear police departments once again to bring a hands-on experience to local youths participating in the annual summer teen police academy beginning June 28 through July 9, and July 19 through July 30, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Open to sophomore, junior, and senior students at West Valley high schools, the two-week long academy gives interested students a detailed and diverse look at careers in law enforcement. Students will explore everything from traffic law, accident investigation, to classes in recognizing illegal drugs, the use of firearms, and some emergency procedures related to law enforcement and homeland security. In its fifth year, the academy focuses on the real world of police work and investigative practices, while dispelling the myths promoted by the entertainment industry. Students with an identified interest in law enforcement and justice studies can explore their career at a new level, and determine if this field is right for them.To enroll in the program, contact Avondale police officer Chris Keeton, at (623) 932-3660. For more information about Estrella Mountain Community College, contact Nicole DeLeon, Office of Marketing and Public Relations (623) 935-8056, or the program's coordinator, Ray Simpson, Director of Community Partnership Programs, (623) 935-8924.
