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SANDY — Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to become a law enforcement officer?
Twenty-five aspiring officers spent this week at Explorer Academy, an intensive summer camp where getting tackled to the ground by a fellow explorer or a K9 is par for the course.
The academy wrapped up Friday at Eastmont Middle School. This is the first time Sandy Police have held the academy, and they say it was a big success.
The officers in the bootcamp were young — they're Sandy Police Department Explorers, getting a true-to-life training in Law Enforcement 101.
Alex Cox, 15, is one of the youngest explorers. He wants to be an officer one day.
"Traffic stops are good, but defensive tactics are a blast, too," he said.
And Ashley Burningham, 19, is well on her way.
Traffic stops are good, but defensive tactics are a blast, too.
–Alex Cox
"We're learning a lot; it's really disciplined," she said. "I'm learning more than I ever thought I could learn."
Detective Bart Webb, once an explorer himself, says they are truly training the next generation of officers. In Explorer Academy, the kids get hands-on, real-life training in hand-to-hand combat, traffic stops and making arrests. And they all suit up to be attacked by a K9.
"You come through the other side of this, you've really accomplished something," Webb said.
What officers want kids to learn from the academy is that what they are experiencing is real life: it's what law enforcement do.
The kids say they've thrived in the disciplined environment. And their mentors have seen them grow during the week.
"We've seen a definite change in them, and they've come together as a unit and a family, and they've responded well to the strict nature of the academy," Webb said.
If you're interested in participating in Explorer Academy, the camp runs about $150.
