It’s that time of year again – time for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department’s Youth Academy, which is now enrolling the next group of potential future officers.

The department has been having a terrible time trying to fill vacancies in recent years and the Youth Academy is one way that department officials are attempting to get youngsters into the pipeline of prospective future employees.

Guilford County youth who are curious about a career in law enforcement should strongly consider attending the academy billed as “an exciting and engaging program which seeks to inspire youth toward a future in public safety by presenting subjects condensed from the training curriculum for law enforcement officers.”

It’s for teens of the ages of 13 through 17.

The academy will take place on weekdays between Friday, June 16, 2023, and Friday, June 28.

For those who wish to attend, there’s a mandatory orientation meeting scheduled for June 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the current Sheriff’s Department headquarters – that is, the Otto Zenke building at 400 W. Washington St. in downtown Greensboro.

Classes for the academy will be held at the department’s District 2 Office at 5440 Millstream Road in McLeansville.

Those interested can apply at www.guilfordcountysheriff.com, or they can contact the Guilford County Schools SRO at their school.

Enrollment must be completed by Thursday, June 1.

Space is limited and is based on a first come, first serve rule.

According to information from the Sheriff’s Department, the academy aims to “stimulate a positive interest in law enforcement in youth, as well as heighten awareness of the positive aspects of being a good citizen.” It adds that “Young people will learn the basic functions of a law enforcement agency, requirements of a career in law enforcement, and advantages of an Explorer Post membership.”

Topics that will be addressed are as follows:

• Career Preparation/Texting and Driving – and DWI Prevention Education

• Firearms Simulator Training/Armed Forces, FBI, DEA

• Traffic Stops/Enforcement/Police Chases

• Physical Fitness Training/Introduction to Drill/Ceremonies

• Vehicle Accident Extraction Demo/DWI Simulator

• Building Searches/K-9 Demo/Drug Awareness

• SERT – Sheriff Emergency Response Team/Bomb Robot Demo

• Emergency Medical Services/Mental Health

• Aviation Unit/Archery

For more information, those interested can contact the department’s Community Resource Unit at (336) 641-5313/6152 or email questions to Sgt. Almonor at aalmono@guilfordcountync.gov.

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