Benicia Police Department is accepting applications from Benicia students entering seventh and eighth grades who are interested in attending the second annual Youth Citizens Police Academy June 15-19 at Benicia Middle School.

Chief Erik Upson said up to 30 students will be accepted in the Youth Academy, which is organized by Benicia police in cooperation with Benicia Unified School District. Applicants must either live in Benicia or attend a Benicia school.

The five-day academy gives students a chance to meet and learn from members of the department about the law enforcement profession, Upson said.

Among the topics the academy will cover are Internet safety, cyberbullying, dangerous drugs, traffic safety, police radar operation, crime scene investigation, criminal law, police dispatch, police canines and an overview of the justice system.

Sgt. Kenny Hart and School Resource Officers Sam Peterson and MarJonne Robertson will lead the academy.

Students also will hear and get to speak with other Benicia police employees, Upson said, as well as members of the Solano County justice system.

Participating in interactive scenarios, the students will apply what they have learned, the chief said, including processing a staged crime scene, collecting fingerprints and DNA and interviewing people portraying witnesses and victims.

Among other activities, they will get to operate a radar gun and will learn about firearm safety. They will not handle live firearms, Upson said.

Students will receive a binder of training materials and a Youth Citizens Police Academy shirt. Those finishing the academy will receive a certificate of completion.

“The overwhelming positive response from participating students and families last year was incredible,” Hart said.

“We are very excited to offer this program again, and our staff has dedicated a lot of time and effort into the planning a fun and interactive week.”

The Benicia Police Youth Citizens Police Academy will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 15-19 at Benicia Middle School, 1100 Southampton Road. There is no charge.

Applications, waivers and an emergency contact form are available for downloading from the Benicia Police Department website, http://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/police. The completed application documents must be delivered to Benicia Police Department, 200 East L St.

Those interested may call Hart at 707-746-4249. Deadline to apply is May 8.

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