Family Focus

CMPD launches Latino high school academy

FAMILY FOCUS | Telemundo Charlotte

For the first time ever, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is offering a summer camp focused on Latino youths in our community.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is looking for a few teens to participate in a one-week, hands-on course for young people who are interested in a career in law enforcement or students who would like to find out more about the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

The goal is to show them how law enforcement works and the options available to them for a future career with the CMPD.

15-year-old Yisel Duran and 18-year-old Jaymar Castro said they had different reasons to enroll in CMPD’s academy program.

“I used to be very rebellious and I would argue a lot with my mom,” said Duran.

FAMILY FOCUS | WSOC-TV Sylvia Obén, Telemundo Charlotte interviewing Yisel Duran

“I was undecided as to what I wanted to be in the future, but this program helped me discover that I too want to help my community, so now I want to become a police officer,” said Castro.

The program focuses on showing students the importance of teamwork, and it also teaches them about crime scene investigations, building searches, traffic stops, defensive tactics, physical fitness, ethics, and options for a future career with CMPD.

“This program started just this year. It would be the first and it consists of two Academy programs for Latino high school students,” said Nestor Montero, a CMPD officer.

Those interested in joining the one-week course must meet the following requirements:

  • High School Applicants must be at least 14 years of age and completed the eighth grade.
  • No Arrests.
  • No out-of-school suspensions in the last year.
  • Must maintain a “C” average or better (Waivable).
  • Must be willing to participate in all activities (Academic and Physical).
  • Cannot have attended a previous CMPD Middle or High School Academy.
  • Obtain a recommendation from your School Resource Officer and/or School Administrator.
  • Receive parental or legal guardian approval.
  • Complete and submit the online application and additional forms.

“The purpose of this program is to help young Latinos do something positive with their time when they are not in school,” Montero said.

FAMILY FOCUS | WSOC-TV Sylvia Obén, Telemundo Charlotte and CMPD officer Nestor Montero

“It made me realize that the world is not the way I thought it was, and it also gave me a little push so that I can become a better person,” Duran said.

Currently, the dates available for this course are August 9-13.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER FOR THE PROGRAM.

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

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