session
held every year after Raleigh County schools let out, typically June or July
Daily schedule
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
21 students per session
Cost and ages
No cost to attend
Ages 11 to 14
The academy
What the Academy Is
The Junior Police Academy is a one-week program designed to increase understanding between students and the police through education. Students learn from law enforcement officers in the classroom, during demonstrations, and in hands-on training scenarios.
Participants are not trained for police work. Students come away with a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and duties officers are tasked with on a regular basis.
This is not a disciplinary camp, a recreational camp, or a camp for underprivileged students. It is not a behavior correction academy.
The academy is open to students aged 11 to 14, meaning current fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth graders and incoming ninth graders. There is no cost to attend.
Who can attend
Student Criteria
Be between 11 and 14 years of age
Be a resident of Raleigh County
No school truancy issues
No misdemeanor or felony arrests
Alcohol and drug free
No school discipline issues
Applying and attending
How to Apply
Submitting an Application
Students must complete the Academy Application and the Agreement and Release forms. Applications can be picked up at the Beckley Police Department or downloaded from this page.
Completed forms can be mailed to Sgt. Wall at the Beckley Police Department, 501 Neville Street, Beckley, WV, faxed to 304-256-1731 marked for the attention of Sgt. Wall, or emailed.
What Students Should Bring
Each student receives an Academy T-shirt and is required to wear it every day of the academy.
Lunch is not provided during the week. The academy cannot accommodate special dietary needs, nutritional needs or allergies, but students are welcome to bring their own lunch and it will be kept cool for them.
Lunch is provided on the final day, Friday, alongside the graduation ceremony. Students and family members are invited to attend.
Supporting the Academy
Local businesses that would like to assist the Beckley Police Department Junior Police Academy can request the donation information letter and pledge form from the department.
Contact
Contact the Junior Police Academy
For more information about the academy, contact Sgt. J. Wall.
Junior Police Academy
Coordinator
Sgt. J. Wall
Beckley Police Department
Mail applications to
Sgt. Wall
Beckley Police Department
501 Neville Street
Beckley, WV 25801
Fax applications to
304-256-1731
Attention: Sgt. Wall