Source The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.
Paving the way for future law enforcers, the Opelousas Police Department's Junior Police Academy is giving young people a chance to experience law enforcement firsthand.
The program is intended to build positive relationships between the youth and police officers and lead kids who consider a career in law enforcement to make better choices to advance their interests.
Cpl. Segus Jolivette, a Lafayette Police officer who was killed in a line of duty, got an early start in law enforcement as a member of the Opelousas Police Department's Junior Police Academy.
Not only was Jolivette a junior police cadet back then, but his brother Derek Jolivette, who spoke at the graduation was also a junior cadet, said Sgt. Phyllis Tyler-Beverly, head of the program.
"When the kids found out about Officer Jolivette's death and learned that he was a junior police back then, it really touched some of them," she said.
Jolivette was honored during a ceremony that recognized more than 20 graduates.
Trustacy Henry, mom of a graduate, said the program is something needed in the community and can build structure for kids starting at an early age.
"The kids received rewards, taught structure, CPR, peer pressure, law enforcement codes and things like that. Although my husband and I teach our kids manners, this program enforces it and some kids can get off the streets and use this as a way to turn their life around," Henry said.
"This program has nothing to do with bad kids, or just sending kids here because they aren't disciplined enough, but it sure can help them," Tyler said.
We are focused on reaching out to the community, to the young kids and letting them know that the police is not bad aside from what society has to say. We just want to introduce them to the work that a police officer does and bridge the gap between officers and the community."
Henry said she would love to send her daughter to the program next year because of the impact it had on her son.
"My son was so excited to tell his friends about what he experienced, he even still says 'yes sir' and 'yes ma'am.' I would send my kid here even over summer camp because during the school year, they have academics already, but this teaches you about life," Henry said.
"I wouldn't be surprised if this encouraged him to be an officer, and as a mother, I would be so proud because you're not only protecting your family, but you're protecting the community. And that's a big deal."
"I know this program could have an impact so that's why it was important to have it and everyone needs structure, and kids love structure, and they love to achieve and accomplish," Opelousas Chief Graig Leblanc said.
In the near future, Leblanc said, he plans to hopefully expand the program to older kids with a ride-along program. The program would be focused on high schoolers and create a curriculum that could prepare them for work as a prospective police officer.
"But for now, we're focused on bettering the junior police program and just ecstatic that is back and better."
Junior Police is open and free to students in third through sixth grade who live in Opelousas or are enrolled in an Opelousas school. Applications open in January, and applicants are reached out to in March.
The academy starts in June and is a six-week program. To learn more follow the Opelousas Facebook page for when applications are open.
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