OKC Student Police Academy Learns About Bomb Detonation

 Thirty students from 12 metro high schools are learning what it takes to be a police officer.

Oklahoma City Police are holding the 6th Oklahoma City Student Police Academy this week. Many of the teens are considering a career in law enforcement and the one-week program features things like evidence collecting, a shooting simulator and bomb detonation.

“It was awesome, I’ve never heard a real bomb,” said Jessica Magana.

Magana wants to be a homicide detective one day.

“You see it on like TV and video games, but it's not like the real thing and so to see that happen and to feel the force just makes me so happy to have people who would risk their lives to stop something like that,” said E.J. Green.

Green wants to be a lawyer. The student program is for 15 to 18 years olds who are interested in a law enforcement career. The academy serves a recruiting tool for Oklahoma City Police.

“I feel like my parents will support me, everyone will like at least one family member being a police officer,” said Magana.

The students spend 8 hours a day learning the different aspects of police work, like what a 100-pound bomb squad suit feels like. It also exposes kids to the roles and responsibilities of Oklahoma City Police, and it is already changing perspectives.

“Instead of the misconceptions everyone has for them, they just sit around and eat donuts, but I've seen and heard real stories from real heroes,” said Green. “I have a bigger appreciation for them.”

The students also toured the Oklahoma County Jail and met the K-9 and Air Support units. The program wraps up on Friday.