Last week, 16 Eden Prairie residents ages 15–19 participated in the department’s first-ever Youth Citizens Academy.

The free program took place over three days and included several hands-on activities where students solved a crime using tools from the department’s Crime Scene Tech Unit, used a speed laser to check motorist speeds, conducted a mock traffic stop and performed building searches with the SWAT team.

In addition, students met with members of the K-9 team, searched for a missing person with the Unmanned Aerial Systems (drone) team and chatted with investigators and crisis negotiators. The final day of the academy took place at the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility in Edina, where students spent time outside doing a team-building exercise and touring the SWAT Bearcat.

We received an overwhelmingly positive response from the students and look forward to hosting the academy again next year. The Youth Citizens Academy was sponsored by the Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund.

We encourage any young persons ages 14-20 who are interested in law enforcement to check out our Explorers program, or if older than 18, check out our Reserves program at edenprairie.org/EPPDVolunteers.