Buckhannon brings back Youth Police Academy after seven-year hiatus

The Buckhannon Police Department is reviving its Youth Police Academy this summer after a seven-year hiatus, and applications are already more than a quarter of the way to the 40-slot cap before the department has fully launched its advertising push.

Police Chief Matt Gregory told city council at its April 16 meeting that the academy will run July 13 through 17 from 8 a.m. to noon each day at the Public Safety Building. It is open to middle school and high school students.

“We are bringing this back after being away for seven years,” Gregory said. “This is being spearheaded by officer Dylan Major. He’s really taking this under his wing, putting everything together, doing a really good job at it.”

Gregory said the academy is “very hands-on,” with activities that include K9 demonstrations and mock crime scenes.

Peer Recovery Support Specialist Erica Bennett will also join the academy to talk with students about drug and alcohol safety.

The department has historically run the academy every two years during the summer. Gregory said he hopes the revived program will become a more stable, long-term fixture.

“We’re hoping that this will actually segue into something more long-term,” Gregory said.

Applications can be picked up at school, from the Buckhannon Police Department or by messaging the BPD on Facebook. Only 40 applications are being accepted; the deadline to apply is June 1. Questions? Call 304-472-5723.