Renton PD hosts Youth Police Academy

From July 14 to July 17, the Renton Police Department hosted its third annual Renton Police Youth Academy, bringing together 36 middle school students to learn about local public safety agencies.

Renton Police Department Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator Stephanie Hynes said she created this academy because, before the COVID-19 pandemic, a teen police academy existed for high school students, but there was no similar program for middle school students.

The youth academy is a day camp that runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for 36 students ages 11 to 14, providing a behind-the-scenes look at careers in public safety agencies.

Hynes said a focus on public safety agencies was achieved through collaboration with the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Newcastle Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Agency, Washington State Patrol, Renton Regional Fire Authority, Port of Seattle Fire Department, American Medical Response, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Seattle Police Department’s Latent Unit.

“We all serve the same community, so why not work together, share resources, and create a lasting impact?” Hynes said. “By partnering beyond just law enforcement, we give kids a broader understanding of public safety, including fire/EMS and federal agencies. This shows them how and why we work together.”

At the camp, the kids split into six groups of six, led by an officer, and then the groups rotate, going through presentations and hands-on activities led by different agencies. Some of the activities included investigating a mock crime scene, conducting building search drills, observing a bomb-detection K9 in action, meeting officers, deputies, agents, firefighters, and medics, and practicing basic self-defense and personal safety techniques.

She said that she tried to make the program fun and engaging through having multiple activities where the kids could make meaningful connections with officers, firefighters and other public safety agency employees. Hynes said that, additionally, to create a more approachable environment, officers wore plain clothes for the first three days of the camp, but switched to their uniforms for graduation. She said this was a symbolic transition from “everyday people” to trusted public servants.

“The week concluded with a formal graduation ceremony. Each squad selected a student speaker to share their favorite moments and what they learned,” Hynes said. “Their speeches were filled with pride, excitement, and inspiration. Many even expressed dreams of becoming public servants themselves.”

Hynes said that on the first day of camp, most kids seemed nervous, but as each day passed, they started to get to know each other. By graduation, they’d made new friends and had a lot of fun. Hynes said that the kids do a survey at the end of each day of camp, and she works off those surveys to improve the academy. Hynes said some of the kids’ survey responses included statements such as, “Best day ever,” “Nothing was bad,” and “Thanks for the fun.”

Hynes said a highlight was multiple kids asking her if they could come back next year, but she said that, unfortunately, enrollment is limited to only one time, as spots are limited.

Hynes said kids apply to the academy by submitting a paragraph to the police department saying why they want to attend. Hynes said that around 60 students applied to join the camp, and 36 were selected. However, the kids who don’t make it the year they apply are encouraged to reapply the following year.