Initiated in the summer of 2003, The Dickinson Police Department Student Police Academy offers area students an opportunity to learn about the law enforcement profession and to give them an opportunity to have some 'hands-on' experiences in this field. This highly active program features self-defense instruction with a martial arts expert, a tour of the Dickinson Police Department and the Galveston County Jail, a highly supervised session with firearms and an opportunity to conduct an actual building search complete with a hidden 'bad-guy.'

While active and positive in nature, the program focuses on teaching students discipline, self-esteem, leadership and teamwork.

The program normally meets on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ten weeks. There is no fee to participate in the program and all materials, meals and transportation for field trips is provided. Requirements to be included in the program are: enrollment in a Dickinson Independent School District school or a private school in the City of Dickinson, and be 14 (at the time the start of the academy) to 17 years of age. graduates of the SPA have the opportunity to become honorary members of the DCPAAA.

For addition information and an application, contact the Dickinson Police Departments Community Policing Division, Officer Tony Valdez (281-337-6370).