City of Hickory issued the following announcement on Aug. 24.
This week we wrapped up Youth Leadership Academy 2022. Middle schoolers in our area participated in this two-week long program to get a better look at what it's like to be a police officer.
Students were introduced to our K-9 Unit and members of our Special Operations Team, and challenged to take on the Police Officer Physical Ability Test (POPAT).
They got to see a working crime lab while touring the NC Justice Academy in Edneyville, and visited Lake James to met with park rangers.
By the end the academy, several students said they would like to become officers themselves.
Check out a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNMjx27m4vI
Original source can be found here.