Simulating a Day at the Academy for Grade 5 Students

Sponsoring Member: Cst. Heather Brown

The Junior Police Academy program hosts 60 – 65 grade 5 students in a day long event that simulates a day at the Police Academy. They hear guest speakers from various sections of the VPD and participate in physical activities and a crime-solving challenge where they work in teams led by a police officer or community-policing volunteer. Depending on their ability to work together and solve the challenge they earn clues about the crime. As they progress through the game, they gather evidence, which includes fingerprints, mug shots, footprints and clothing with the ultimate challenge discovering the identity of their suspect.

Currently run in several Vancouver elementary schools, the program will be expanded to be made available in local community centers.