Joy Harris

Hartselle Enquirer

The Hartselle Police Department hosted its third annual Youth Police Academy Thursday at Sparkman Civic Center.

The academy taught children ages 6 to 12 about the duties and equipment of police officers. Kids got to simulate a police training obstacle course, learn about stranger safety, see police firearms, Taser guns, SWAT gear and more.

Officer Chad Guest set up cones and obstacles for the kids to maneuver such as a weighted wagon to pull, a “fence” to climb, a “bad guy” to disarm, a target to “shoot” at, a “window” to crawl through, and a victim to rescue. Each child was timed to see how fast he or she could complete the course.

Officer Michael Hudson showed kids the uniforms and everyday equipment of police officers. He also taught about bike patrol and officer training. Lt. James Holloway demonstrated crime scene investigation. Children were able to lift their fingerprint off a mirror using fingerprint dust and tape. Officer Hudson taught handcuffing techniques the kids then got to practice on adult helpers.

Sgt. Randy Adams taught kids about special police equipment such as SWAT gear and firearms. He had a sniper rifle, police shotgun and Taser gun the kids could look at. Sgt. Adams also taught about stranger safety and the duties of a police officer.

A simulated traffic stop was set up in front of the civic center.

Each participant received a Hartselle Youth Police Academy T-shirt.