OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Is your high school-aged son or daughter interested in a career in law enforcement? The Ocala Police Department (OPD) is providing a mentorship opportunity for future officers to get hands-on experience.
OPD’s Ocala Public Safety Mentoring Program is open to high school juniors and seniors, and it’s about to launch another session. The program spans 10 weeks. Participants will meet once weekly for two hours to train with local public safety professionals.
Activities include building searches, defense training tactics, a firearms simulator, 9-1-1 dispatch training, mock crime scene investigations, evidence processing and more. The goal is to provide a wide view of law enforcement and related support services.
The program also focuses on character development, life skills, and positive decision-making. OPD says officers will share their own experiences in the field and provide advice on handling difficult situations, both inside and outside of law enforcement. OPD hopes this program will encourage youth in a positive direction for their futures.
Mentors and mentees alike say the program is not only informative, but also fun and engaging.
“You’re going to be getting out of your chair, and you’re going to have a good time,” said OPD’s Major Steve Cuppy.
To sign up or learn more information about the Ocala Public Safety Mentoring Program for high schoolers, contact Major Cuppy at scuppy@ocalapd.gov.
Adults over the age of 21 can also join a similar program. OPD’s Citizen Police Academy runs from Oct. 16 to Nov. 20 and meets on Monday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
To sign up or learn more information about the Citizen Police Academy for adults, contact OPD’s Community Liaison, Tara Woods, at twoods@ocalapd.gov or visit OPD’s website.