Student Academy
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 amongst 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.
The Beaverton Police Department directed its philosophies toward community policing in 1993. As a tool to bring together community members and law enforcement, the Beaverton Police Department established a Citizens Academy. The program experienced great success. Based upon the ideals of the Citizens 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.
Communication
The goal of the Student Academy is to breakdown barriers to communication by providing an opportunity for police and students to work together. It is difficult to build bridges with young people when their initial perception of law enforcement is negative. During the Student Academy, young citizens and officers are able to spend quality time together and learn more about each other.
Education
Students are educated on the need for proper procedures in law enforcement. These procedures are explained to students to remove the stigma that police officers "pick on" them. Students are told what can happen to police officers, perpetrators, victims, or innocent bystanders when police procedures are not followed.
Hands-On Experience
Students attend mini workshops that provide them with basic education and hands-on experience with topics such as traffic, forensic science, and use of force.
The Beaverton Police Student Academy is a positive forum to bring together young citizens and police officers. Students are able to learn first-hand what the role of law enforcement is in society as well as participate in simulated scenarios.
