From July 14 to July 17, the Renton Police Department hosted its third annual Renton Police Youth Academy, bringing together 36 middle school students to learn about local public safety agencies.

Renton Police Department Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator Stephanie Hynes said she created this academy because, before the COVID-19 pandemic, a teen police academy existed for high school students, but there was no similar program for middle school students.

The youth academy is a day camp that runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for 36 students ages 11 to 14, providing a behind-the-scenes look at careers in public safety agencies.

Hynes said a focus on public safety agencies was achieved through collaboration with the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Newcastle Police Department, th

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