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Up to 20 local children will get to experience the Demopolis Police Department’s Youth Police Academy later this month.

Police Chief Rex Flowers said the students participating in the camp will get a chance to learn from police officers and to see some of what law enforcement does during a typical day. Flowers hopes that it will have a positive impact on their lives.

“We hope to make a positive impact on the lives of these children,” Flowers said. “When you make a positive impact on children, they are less likely to get into crime. So we are trying to reach them at a young age.”

The academy is open to children ages 5-12 from Demopolis or surrounding areas. Flowers said those registered for the class will participate in many skill building activities. It will also include topics such as gun safety and anti-bullying.

Fun activities include trips to the playground and connecting with police officers.

The academy is free, but parents must register their children for the course. Applications are available at the Demopolis Police Department during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Breakfast and lunch are provided with the camp, and all participants will receive a special T-shirt that looks like a police uniform during the graduation ceremony on the final day of the academy.

“We will have a graduation ceremony for the children, and I think they really like getting that T-shirt,” Flowers said. “Space for the academy is limited to 20 students, and we are nearly at that limit now. So if anyone wants to register their kids, they need to do so as soon as possible before it fills up.”