Program Overview
The Beaverton Police Department's Student Academy was formed to provide high school students with a better understanding of law enforcement's role in society. As experienced by law enforcement agencies throughout the nation, the Beaverton Police Department has seen a decreasing amount of respect for authority among some of its younger residents. The opinions and ideas of children of what police officers do are based more often on what they see on television shows and in the movies than through positive interactions with police officers.
Summer Student Academy Application
As a tool to bring community members and law enforcement together, the Beaverton Police Department established a Community Academy. The program experienced great success. Based upon the ideals of the Community Academy, the Student Academy was developed. The Student Academy is a community policing program designed to reach young people. The Student Academy utilizes a multi-prong approach including communication, education, and hands-on experience.