In 2005, the Delta Police Department (DPD) launched its Student Police Academy.
The two-week program, which takes place in early July, grants Grade 11 and 12 students an early opportunity to learn about various law enforcement careers, thereby helping them make an informed decision about whether they want to pursue it after graduation.
Not only has the program continued to grow in popularity; this year’s 20th edition, which wrapped July 11, hosted 32 students for the first time. Previously, the maximum capacity was 24.
A/Insp. James Sandberg, DPD Public Affairs Manager, says the program is a highly valued part of the DPD’s core values.
“We’re a policing agency that prides itself on its ‘community first’ approach,” says Sandberg. “Our philosophy is, ‘No call too small.’
“So, what the Student Police Academy does is it opens up yet another avenue for our community. In this case, our younger community gets to engage with police officers, they get to know us and see us, they realize we’re just people too. And it helps to demystify the industry and the profession.
“It gives the kids who are interested — or think they may be interested — in a career in public safety or law enforcement an inside look.”
Sandberg adds that 10 of the DPD’s current officers are former attendees of the Academy.
Students apply to the Academy by submitting an official application through their school counsellor or school liaison officer. A subsequent selection process includes a physical test, a background check and an interview.
Topics of study at the Academy include policing as a career, use of force, interpersonal communication and de-escalation, and firearms and physical training.
Sandberg says one of the greatest aspects of the Academy is that it teaches collaboration and teamwork to students who may not have had prior education about these skills, which are incredibly valuable in both professional and personal scenarios.
“We work as a team, and so one of the things we really highlight is trust: trust your teammates. Over the two weeks of the Academy, there’s an underlying theme woven through almost everything we do, and that’s teamwork,” he said.
Applications for 2025 will be due in March; an exact date is not yet finalized. Grade 11 and 12 students are encouraged to inquire with their school counsellor or school liaison officer in the 2024-25 school year.
