Youth Leadership Academy

MCPF Youth Leadership Academy Patch

The Michigan City Police Department Youth Leadership Academy is an inspiring week of motivation, training and fun for each participant, as they learn to take their place as leaders among their peers. We enlist the services of top local and regional leaders in law enforcement, education, business and community organizations to create high energy activities, positive reinforcement and confidence building programs that support of our efforts to help develop Michigan City’s youth.

Click here for the application.

Academy Activities

Leadership Speakers: Throughout the week, dynamic and influential community members will speak to the participants about the importance of leadership and what it takes to become a good leader.

S.W.A.T. Team Demonstration: Members of the MCPD SWAT Team will showcase their tactical equipment and share their insights into the world of responding to threats in the community.

Law Enforcement Stations (LES): LES is a hands-on activity. Each station will introduce the participant to an aspect of police work, and emphasize saftey measures. Participants will learn about MCPD’s use of all Terrain Vehicles (ATV), scuba team protocols, motorcycle patrols, and the dynamics of the squad car.  An academy favorite is the highly contested golf cart races on our custom designed course!

Crime Scene Investigations (CSI): The instructor will design several scenarios and showcase a very popular division of police work. CSI places the participants in the role of the investigator and presents an opportunity to solve a problem as a group.

Cardboard Boat Designs: This is a team building activity where a local business owner will teach the academy participants how to build cardboard boats. Their boats will be showcased in the annual Michigan City Parade.

K-9 Demonstration: This educational awareness program and demonstration explains the dynamic role of a Police K-9 and Handler. The demonstration will showcase the ability of a K-9 to locate suspects, victims, and narcotics.

Tour of of the Michigan City Police Station: This interactive tour will allow the participants to see the daily operations behind the scenes of the police department. Each division of the MCPD will be visited and explained in a manner that will help bring insight and a greater appreciation for law enforcement.

Tour of the LaPorte County Jail: The students will take a tour of the LaPorte County Jail facilities and participate in a behind the scenes view of incarceration. One of the highlights of the tour is a face to face interaction with a group of prisoners who will talk about the realities of life in jail.

What you need to know…

Eligibility: The academy is open to all enrolled Michigan City Area School students who will be entering the 7th or 8th grade.

Fees:The academy is free!  Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily. An academy uniform, which consists of a shirt and gym shorts, will be issued, along with a graduation certificate upon completion of the academy.

Location: All academy sessions will begin at the Michigan City Police Department. We will utilize the Community Room for classroom instruction.

Dates and Times: Each session will begin at 8:30 AM and end at 3:30 PM. Dates for the 2018 week long academy coming soon.

Click here for a printable PDF.