Troy Police hosted a Youth Leadership Academy this week. They worked with 22 kids to help them learn about what it is like to be a police officer, and how to be a part of the solution when it comes to issues such as bullying, drug abuse, and suicide prevention.
“There are some students in here who want to be police officers and others that are just interested in what we do. Ultimately we want them to be the change in the world that they want to see, so if we do our jobs we will have 22 students more empowered,” said John Julian, Troy Police Officer.
7 Action News was there as students learned through skits and role playing what to do if you are pulled over by police.
Police showed them how hard it is to talk to a driver with the radio blaring, a window not all the way open, and how hard it is to tell what a driver is reaching for. They advised students if they are ever pulled over to only reach for their license, registration, and insurance after asking for permission.
The lesson comes as the nation deals with tragic police involved shootings that took the lives of innocent black men.
In some cases a bad judgment call or misunderstanding lead to the shootings. Many are calling for more police training in general nationwide to prevent this. Police say it is also important that the public learn how to best protect themselves.
“There are things happening in this world. You can either stand by and watch them happen or jump in and do something about it,” said Julian.
