Ohio Kids Get Hands-On Police Training in New Program

In Cleveland Heights, OH, a group of kids — ages 12 to 16 — got a close look at what patrol officers, crime scene investigators, and detectives do on the job.

In the department's first ever youth police academy, the kids were taught about canine and bike patrols, the use of radar for traffic enforcement, swat-team tactics, and fingerprint dusting.

Cleveland Heights Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg said, "Most times when we interact or come in contact with people it's usually in a crisis situation. This gives us the opportunity to get to know some of the kids in our community and for them to get to know us."

Students voluntarily signed up for the free, weeklong summer program, and on Friday they will receive certificates during a graduation ceremony, according to WJW-TV .