Enrollment in police academies is low, and in Jefferson County, it’s been on the decline for about a decade. Now, departments in JeffCo are looking to teach younger kids about what it means to be a cop.
Officer Josh Lambrich with the Arnold Police Department has been charged with revamping the Police Explorer Program to combat low enrollment numbers.
“[It’s for] folks that are interested in later on in life becoming a police officer,” Lambrich explained. “There are stipulations, like ages 14-20, so once you turn 21 then you have the ability to go to a police academy and actually become a cop.”
It’s been a long time since Jefferson County has made a program like this available. Lambrich said the program is needed now more than ever.
“Promoting the Police Explorers will give these young folks insight as to what it’s like to be a police officer,” he said.
St. Louis City has a similar program to teach younger adolescents about what it means to be a cop.
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