Youth Police Academy applications due April 1

The Amherst Police Department's Youth Police Academy, an internship program for high school students considering a career in law enforcement at the local, county, state or federal level, is accepting applications.

The program is designed to meet the minimum requirements of the NYS Education Department's Career Exploration Internship Program, allowing participants to receive high school credit toward graduation upon completing the academy. To receive credit, the student must also apply for the internship through their school's internship coordinator prior to entering the academy.

Although the primary purpose of the academy is to acquaint the students with the various functions of the Town of Amherst Police Department, the students will also discover the minimum qualifications, training requirements and daily responsibilities of the other law enforcement agencies through guest speakers and tours of facilities.

Students will view actual pictures and videos of crime and accident scenes, have the opportunity to take the physical fitness test required for police officers, can be exposed to pepper spray, and will take part in the Firearms Training Simulator and fire a handgun.

In addition to the regularly scheduled sessions, students will ride with an officer for a tour of duty and participate in a courtroom observation.

The three-week academy will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday beginning July 9 at the police headquarters, 500 John James Audubon Parkway. A graduation ceremony will be held upon completion.

Parental consent is required for students to participate in the academy. Class size is limited

to 18 students, and all applicants must successfully

complete a background investigation and interview.

The deadline for applications is April 1 and must be sent to Officer Cathy Onions at the police headquarters.

Information is available at www.amherst.ny.us/police - keyword Youth Services, or by calling 689-1387.