The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is ready for the upcoming Sheriff’s Youth Academy, which starts Monday (June 4, 2018) at the Cumberland County Community Complex, 1398 Livingston Road.

“It’s a great event,” Sheriff Casey Cox told 105.7 News this morning. “We’re up well over 100 kids that’ll be participating.”

Offered as three separate one-week sessions for students in elementary, middle and high school, the program gives kids an opportunity to watch their sheriff’s department in action – from simulated arrests to K-9 officer takedowns. Student will also participate in hands-on training exercises.

The sheriff said there’s no cost to the county for the Youth Academy. While parents pay a nominal per-child fee, donations cover the bulk of the expenses, “and the school system pays for the meals for the kids,” he added.

The elementary session, for incoming 4^th and 5^th graders, is June 4-8. The middle-school session, for incoming 6^th through 8^th graders, is June 25-29. The high-school session, for incoming 9^th through 12^th graders, is July 9-13. Each session runs from 8 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day. A graduation ceremony will be conducted at Stone Memorial High School at the end of the Youth Academy.

When asked whether he would be taking part in the Youth Academy, Cox told 105.7 News with a nod, “I’ll be there 8 a.m. Monday morning.”