Vestal Youth Police Academy to Be Expanded

Vestal High School students will be able to participate in a Youth Police Academy program this summer.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, school resource officer Stace Kintner said 17 students graduated from the first Youth Police Academy last August. He's hoping to double the number of participants in this year's program.

Kintner said high school principal Catherine Hepler agreed to work with him to inaugurate the program.

Students learn about what law enforcement officers do and find out about their responsibilities.

Kintner said most of the students who graduated from the first program are planning to participate again this summer.

The two-week program is to be held from July 15-26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It's open at no cost to Vestal students in grades 9-12, including incoming freshmen and graduating seniors.

Students who'd like to participate may obtain application materials at the high school principal's office.

The application deadline is April 8.