Involving the community to build trust and understanding has never been more important to law enforcement.

When I watch a group of 12-to-14-year-olds enthusiastically learn new lab techniques or listen intently to presentations about our K-9 units, I’m reminded why programs like IMPD’s Teen Academy are so vital to our city’s future success.

For four years, I’ve helped coordinate the Teen Academy through IMPD’s Community Engagement and Outreach Bureau. What began as a simple idea — giving older kids something meaningful to do during summer break — has evolved into a transformative, week-long experience that’s changing how young people view law enforcement.

Too often, young people’s perceptions of police work are shaped by television or social media instead of real-life interactions with

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