Applications open for 2026 Gwinnett County Youth Police Academy

(Lawrenceville, Ga., May 4, 2026) – The Gwinnett County Police Department is proud to announce the return of its annual Youth Police Academy, taking place this summer in June and July. This program offers middle and high school students in Gwinnett County a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn how officers serve the community and uphold local and state laws. Participants will engage directly with officers while gaining insight into the many roles and responsibilities within the department.

Since its launch in 2016, the Youth Police Academy has continued to grow in popularity, providing students with an interactive and educational experience. The program is designed to foster positive relationships between youth and law enforcement while offering a behind-the-scenes look at police operations.

The Youth Police Academy (YPA) is free of charge and open to Gwinnett County students who will be enrolled in grades 7 through 12 as of August 2026. Admission is limited, and all applicants must complete the application process and be selected to participate.

YPA is a week-long program held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Middle School session will take place June 22–26, 2026, followed by the High School session July 6–10, 2026.

The curriculum includes both classroom and practical application. Some of the activities include:

•     CPR / AED

•     Emergency Vehicle Driving

•     Taser Demonstration

•     Crime Scene Investigations

•     Accident Investigations

•     Internet Safety

•     Criminal Investigations

•     Defensive Tactics

•     Firearm Safety & Run / Hide / Fight

•     Gang Awareness

•     K9 Demonstration

•     Aviation

•     Motorcycle Demonstration

•     DUI Investigations

•     SWAT / EOD

We are accepting applications for the YPA (Youth Police Academy). The deadline to submit your application is May 29, 2026. The application packet is available in the link provided below. If you are selected to participate, you will receive a letter from the Community Affairs Section. Please make sure that the address on your application is up to date. For any further information or queries, please feel free to contact Corporal Tebin Clack at 770.513.5116 orTebin.Clack@GwinnettCounty.com.

Please complete the application by visiting www.GwinnettCounty.com/YPA.