Kids learn defensive tactics at youth police academy


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Kids learn how to put on handcuffs on July 20 during youth police academy. 

About 30 kids became cadets training in the police academy today during the defensive tactics portion of the Youth Services Unit. 

The three-week program, on its 15th year, serves as a way for Isabella County kids to learn more about work in law enforcement through hands-on activities. Kids must be going into sixth, seventh or eighth grade in the fall, fill out an application and write an essay about why they want to join the program.

"The youth academy is not a program for troubled youth," said Jeff Browne, public information officer for Mount Pleasant Police Department. "It is a program offered to students who have an interest in law enforcement."

The program focuses on teaching kids teamwork, integrity and discipline. During the three weeks in the academy, kids will take part in daily physical training and agility tests similar to a real police academy. They also see demonstrations from specialized units like SWAT and K-9. 

Officer Nate Koutz explained the defensive tactics the kids were working on today.

"They're learning how to take someone down and handcuff someone," Koutz said. "If a person isn't following their direction, they'll learn to work as a team to subdue the person. Obviously it's just the basics because they're kids."

While defense is important for police safety, Officer Dave Sabuda advised the kids on appropriate levels of force. He said the two most important weapons an officer has are his or her mouth and brain.

"I always have to be thinking about what I'm doing," Sabuda said. "I have to be able to talk to people and get them to deescalate with my words." 

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Sydney Smith is a super-senior at Central Michigan University. She comes from metro Detroit ...

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