Sharonville's Junior Police Academy returns Sept. 15, with hands-on activities for third- through fifth-graders.
The six-week program meets Tuesdays at the Sharonville Community Center, 10990 Thornview Drive, or the Sharonville Police Department, according to the city's official calendar. Sessions run through Oct. 20.
Kids will try on police equipment, tour SWAT vehicles, meet the department's K9 unit and spend time with officers. Community Resource Officer Aaron Hayes of the Sharonville Police Department organizes the academy.
Hayes is no stranger to community outreach. The department named him its 2024 Officer of the Year, citing his work building relationships with schools and the community through programs including the D.A.R.E. program, Shop with a Cop and the Citizens Police Academy, according to the department's 2024 annual report.
He also runs the adult-oriented Citizens Police Academy, now in its fourth year. At the Aug. 11 city council meeting, Council President Paul Culter publicly thanked Hayes and Police Chief Jim Nesbit for "putting together the Citizen's Police Academy again for the 4th year in a row."
The Junior Police Academy is open to young Sharonville residents in grades three through five. No registration deadline has been announced. Families can sign up at the front desk of the Sharonville Community Center. Questions can be directed to Hayes at [email protected].
The adult Citizens Police Academy is already underway, meeting Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Oct. 8 at the Sharonville Police Station Community Room, 3639 East Kemper Road.
Upcoming community dates
- Sept. 15: Junior Police Academy begins, Tuesdays at Sharonville Community Center
- Through Oct. 8: Citizens Police Academy (adults), Thursdays, 6–9 p.m., Sharonville Police Station Community Room
- Oct. 20: Junior Police Academy final session
