Teen Police Academy: Unlocking Life Skills and Detective Know-How

On July 1, 2025, students delved into mock crime scenes at Desert Winds Middle School, engaging with technology to investigate oleander plants. Sixteen-year-old Haley Braverman attributed her career interests to her parents’ love for CBS’s Criminal Minds.

Braverman, intrigued by the show’s focus on the Behavioral Analysis Unit, expressed her fascination with true crime. This passion led her to join the Maricopa Police Department’s Teen Police Academy, where she is now in her third summer.

The program has provided Braverman with vital knowledge that extends beyond law enforcement. “They teach you your rights, so you know the law,” she noted. “And you learn about home safety and pool safety, which everyone needs to know.”

Officer Brian Brown, the detective-turned-school resource officer who launched the Teen Police Academy five years ago, emphasized its educational mission. Inspired by a similar program from the Peoria Police Department, he aims to equip teens with skills to navigate their surroundings.

Throughout the week-long academy, participants learn about fingerprinting, firearm safety, and patrol procedures. On the afternoon of the mock crime scene exercise, students explored various scenarios designed to test their observational and analytical skills.

“We’ve set up different scenarios… I want them to be observant and ask proper questions,” Brown explained. Scenarios included a victim seemingly electrocuted at a desk and another discovered collapsed with evidence suggesting foul play.

Students quickly analyzed clues, seeking information from security footage and online search histories. Instead of focusing solely on solving the mystery, the program encourages participants to ask questions and sharpen their observational techniques.

Braverman’s return to the academy reflects its success. Brown hinted at potential expansions for the program next year, aiming to further engage interested youth.

“We hope kids leave with a deeper understanding of law enforcement,” Brown remarked, noting the joy in witnessing students’ moments of realization. “It’s a great summer program that I’m hoping gets bigger.”