What is JPA?

JPA students practicing using radar guns

Since 2002, the Junior Police Academy has been bringing the world of law enforcement into the GCCISD classrooms -- coordinating and directing the efforts of police departments and educators in this relatively new field of study.

"We have created a program that transforms police officers from merely responding to crime to being a powerful, pro-active force in creating a safe, crime-free learning environment," says spokesperson Phil LeConte. "On school campuses where JPA has been introduced, the drop in crime has been remarkable."

Transformed

"Young people do not understand what police officers do and why they do it. They don't understand the role of law enforcement in a community," observes Officer Mitchell Garcia of the Houston Police Department. "But when we take the mystery out of law enforcement procedures and policies -- young people's attitudes toward police and their role in society is transformed"

Tomorrow's Leaders

Targeting middle school, the program is a police academy for young people. While our graduates are not police officers, they are the community leaders of tomorrow -- instilled with an appreciation and respect for law enforcers and their role in society.

A JPA Education

Upon completing the program, Junior Police Academy Cadets are presented with a “Certificate of Achievement”. But just what does a Junior Police Academy education mean? What is the value of these materials? What distinguishes a JPA Cadet from other students?

Consider for a moment our definition of a graduating cadet:

• A graduating Cadet is not ready to patrol the street…but they do appreciate the commitment and dedication a law enforcer needs to face the streets each day.
• Proficiency with firearms is not part of a Cadet’s training…but they do understand the absolute necessity of a police officer wearing a weapon.
• Cadets cannot cite case law with skill of a lawyer…but they do recognize the value of a precise penal code, applied justly and fairly to all.
• Cadets have not known stress and uncertainty of stopping a speeding motorist on a lonely highway at two o’clock in the morning…but they do understand why no-nonsense, by-the-book traffic stops are not mere theatrics, but a lawman’s protocol for staying alive.
• The Junior Police Academy Cadet – not licensed law enforcement officers, but lifelong defenders of a noble profession.

These distinctions are at the core of this educational program -- not to simply teach young people law enforcement law and procedure -- but to reveal the reasoning behind each law and procedure. Focusing on the "WHY", rather than the "HOW" can move young people to a rich understanding of a law enforcer’s role in society; to broaden their definition of a law enforcer to include peacemaker and lifeline to those in peril.